Use of AI backfires on an expert witness at trial: "They have biases"
Summary
An expert witness in a Texas lawsuit involving a factory explosion used AI to help write most of his report. The plaintiffs argued the AI-assisted report was biased in favor of 3M, the company sued for its role in the explosion. Legal experts say this case highlights risks of using AI in court, such as biased or inaccurate testimony.Key Facts
- The lawsuit concerns a 2020 explosion at a 3M-supervised factory in Houston that killed three people.
- Expert witness Jason Autenrieth used ChatGPT to generate over 80% of his expert report.
- Plaintiffs’ attorneys found the AI was asked to create content defending 3M’s lack of fault.
- Autenrieth said he used AI only to help draft and format the report after reviewing materials.
- Experts warn AI tools tend to favor what users want rather than stay neutral.
- There have been over 1,300 known instances of AI providing false or misleading information in U.S. legal cases since 2023.
- 3M stated Autenrieth is an independent witness retained by outside lawyers, not a company employee.
- This case raises concerns that AI use in legal proceedings may affect the reliability of evidence and testimony.
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