Missouri § 287.800 - Law to be strictly construed.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 287.800 — Law to be strictly construed., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 287.800. Law to be strictly construed.
1. Administrative law judges, associate administrative law judges, legal advisors, the labor and industrial relations commission, the division of workers' compensation, and any reviewing courts shall construe the provisions of this chapter strictly.
2. Administrative law judges, associate administrative law judges, legal advisors, the labor and industrial relations commission, and the division of workers' compensation shall weigh the evidence impartially without giving the benefit of the doubt to any party when weighing evidence and resolving factual conflicts.
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(RSMo 1939 § 3764, A.L. 1965 p. 397, A.L. 2005 S.B. 1 & 130)
Prior revision: 1929 § 3374
(1964) Where claimant's evidence showed the injury to have resulted from one or the other of two causes, for one of which, and not the other, employer and insurer were liable, claimant did not meet the burden of proof as to causal connection, and argument under § 287.800 that all doubts must be resolved in favor of employee did not extend to authorization of claim lacking some essential element required by law. Welker v. MFA Central Co-op. (A.), 380 S.W.2d 481.
(1965) Statutory injunction that the workmen's compensation law "shall be liberally construed with a view to the public welfare" neither impinges upon the function and right of the industrial commission, as trier of facts, to draw from the evidence such inferences as may be fairly and reasonably permissible, nor authorizes allowance of a claim lacking an essential element required by law. Johnson v. Simpson Oil Co. (A.), 394 S.W.2d 91.
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Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 287.800
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 287.800 cover?
Section 287.800 ("Law to be strictly construed.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, the codified statutory law of Missouri. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Missouri § 287.800?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 287.800" (Missouri). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Missouri law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Missouri official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Missouri attorney.
How does Missouri § 287.800 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Missouri can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.