Once an expert's report is disclosed, who may rely on it at trial?

• A. Only the instructing party may rely.
• B. No party may rely until the trial commences.
• C. The court decides who may rely.
• D. Any party may rely on it at trial.

Answer: (D)

Once an expert’s report has been disclosed, it becomes part of the evidence available to all parties. The purpose of disclosure is to give everyone access to the expert’s opinion and the factual basis for it, so they can deal with it in their case—by relying on it, challenging it, or cross-examining the expert about it at trial. The court’s role is to assess the weight and admissibility of the report, not to restrict who may rely on it. The default position is that any party may rely on the disclosed report at trial, subject to usual privileges or any court orders restricting use in specific circumstances.