Let Us Advocate for You Representation. Results. Recovery.

Walter S. Pettit Jr.

Aurora Attorney

Walt was raised in Springfield as a son of a banker in the Great Depression. After serving in World War II, he graduated from Drury University. He then became a JAG officer during the Korean Conflict. He was married to Carol for 44 years until her death in 1995.

He has enjoyed his lifelong devotion to the Shrine and served as Potentate of the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine in Springfield. Walt was employed as the Chairman of the International Shrine Jurisprudence and Laws Committee for the 23 Shriner’s Hospitals and Burns Institute across the United States, Canada & Mexico.

Upon moving to Aurora in 1958, he became heavily involved in civic affairs. In addition to his work as a real estate attorney and estate planning lawyer, Walt is an avid Houn’ Dawg and Drury Panthers supporter and enjoys his time at Table Rock Lake with his family.

EDUCATION

J. D., University of Missouri – Columbia, 1952
B.A., Drury University, 1949

AWARDS

Thirty Third Degree Scottish Rite Mason
Martindale-Hubbell® AV® Rated
Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award
Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year
Lloyd R. Ellis Award
The Missourian Award – 2012

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

The Missouri Bar Association (1952)
American Bar Association
Missouri Association of Trial Lawyers
Association of Trial Lawyers of America
Abou Ben Adhem – Past Potentate
Drury University – Board of Trustees
Sigma Nu Fraternity
Phi Delta Phi Fraternity

EXPERIENCE

Senior Partner, Pettit Law Office (1957 – Present)
Primary Counsel, Shriner’s Hospitals and Burn Institutes (1981 – 2001)
Staff Attorney, Neal & Newman (1954 – 1957)

Contact Pettit Law Office for a free case evaluation. Call (417) 222-6640.

Client Testimonials

Compelling Stories of Recovery

“Always very timely in responding and very knowledgeable in what they do!”

Trenton P.
“I am extremely satisfied after 12 years of representation.”

Casey C.
“James was kind, knowledgeable and kept us informed during our whole process.”

Kari L.
“They handled the process to take stress off my family and to reach a fair settlement.”

Billy R.

More Testimonials

Millions Recovered for Our Clients

$125,000 Settlement Rear-End Car Accident
Upon approaching heavy traffic, my client slowed his SUV that was traveling South on Highway 65. The defendant driver rear ended my client. His neck surgery and medical bills of $55, 261 were a direct result of the collision. The defendant’s insurance failed to pay the policy limit of $25,000 as requested by the defendant driver. This resulted in a “bad faith” claim against the insurance policy. This case was settled during mediation.
$527,000 Verdict Premise Liability
My client slipped and fell in a handicap ramp that was covered in ice as a result of a faulty unmaintained downspout. She ruptured disk C5-6 and suffered an annular tear at L4-5 along with shoulder and foot complaints. This resulted is surgery for an anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion of her neck. Her past medical bills were $80,000. Two pre-trial mediations failed with defense offering $30,000 to settle. The jury gave 25% fault to my client. The jury also awarded $40,000 for her husband’s consortium claim. (Missouri Lawyer’s Weekly, July 23, 2009)
$450,000 Settlement Motor Vehicle Accident
Client was seriously injured when the car she was riding in was rear ended while stopped in traffic. She had to have back surgery. The case settled early in the discovery process without the need of formal mediation.
$1,300,000 Settlement Workers' Compensation
Confidential settlement for our client who was hurt by a large piece of machinery at work.
$300,000 Settlement Premises Liability
Our client was riding in a Rhino ATV when the driver caused it to flip. When the ATV flipped, our client’s hand was smashed requiring amputation of a finger. Case settled for policy limits without filing suit. After settlement our office worked to lower medical bills so our client received more money.
$250,000 Settlement Premises Liability
Client was hurt after the driver of the Arctic Cat side by side rolled the ATV cutting the jaw of our client. Settlement reached at mediation just 3 months after filing suit.
$350,000 Settlement Semi-Trailer Accident
My client proceeded thru the intersection of Highway 60 and 39 in Aurora. She was broadsided by a semi-trailer running. There was a dispute over who had the green light. My client was ejected from the vehicle resulting in the following injuries: fractures to her jaw, clavicle, iliac crest and five fractured ribs. She also had a 14 inch laceration from the corner of her mouth down to her throat. This almost completely removed her tongue. She had a collapsed lung requiring a respirator, a bruised kidney and a head injury. She was airlifted from the scene and received $147,790 in medical expenses. Medicare was reimbursed $36,410 of that expense. Expert used: neuropsychologist. Client agreed to a structured settlement.
$732,000 Settlement Rear-End Car Accident
Our client was injured when he stopped his car on Highway 60 in Monett to wait for traffic to clear in order to make a left turn. He was rear-end by a vehicle that was rear-ended by a semi truck. The tractor trailer truck was owned by a company in Tennessee. This chain reaction was a direct result of his injuries. His diagnosis were: concussion, cluster headaches, Chiari malformation, strain to cervical and lumbar spine. His impotence was determined to be from a damaged pituitary gland as a result from his closed head injury. He required testosterone injections every 3 weeks. Experts used: accident reconstructionist, neuropsychologist, economist, vocational rehabilitation.
$640,000 Settlement Brain Injury After Semi-Truck Accident
Our firm represented an 8 year old boy who suffered a brain injury as a direct result of accident involving a semi-truck at the intersection of Highway 39 and I-44. His past medical bills were $122,754. Client did have pre-accident diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Funds from the settlement were deposited into a Missouri Special Needs Trust to provide for future treatment.
$25,000 Settlement Workers' Compensation for Law Enforcement Officer
Our client was involved in a crash while responding to a call. Settlement was done between the employer’s work comp coverage and the other driver’s liability insurance.

Why Hire Pettit Law Office?

Your Recovery is Too Important Not To

All attorneys have trial experience & are prepared to go to trial.
Over 100 years of combined injury law experience.
Lawyers work closely with each client on a case-by-case basis.
Direct access to the same attorney from start to finish.
Lawyers & paralegals approach each case with compassion.
Long track record of successful verdicts & settlements.
Spanish language option available for clients who need it.
Committed to serving the local community in & out of court.

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