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

Contact Pettit & Cowherd Law Firm 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.
“They handled the process to take stress off my family and to reach a fair settlement.”

Billy R.
“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.

More Testimonials

Millions Recovered for Our Clients

$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.
$300,000 Settlement Car Accident
My client was a passenger in a van that was driven by an un-owned driver. When the van topped a hill on a curve, it ran off the road and hit a tree. The driver was charged with a DWI. My client received fracture of his femur and hand. He required surgery to place a steel rod in his leg. His medical bills were $45,391. He did not have insurance and did not qualify for governmental assistance. Our office was able to obtain bill reductions from 10 – 40% on outstanding bills. Maximum insurance coverage was obtained from the owner of the van, driver of the car and from an insurance policy where the driver resided.
$6,500,000 Settlement Car Accident
Our client was an employee traveling on Highway 69 in Oklahoma. The first defendant made a U-turn and collided with my client. Soon after, a semi-truck struck my client’s stranded vehicle. My client is paralyzed from the waist down. His past medical bills were $560,171 with future medical expenses of $3-5 million.
$92,000 Settlement Car Accident
Client was injured in an intersection collision in Mt. Vernon, Missouri. He sustained a shoulder injury that required surgery. The case was settled at mediation.
$100,000 Settlement Car Accident
The defendant driver was driving too fast under the influence of alcohol with an “undetermined amount of prescription medication”.
$45,838 Settlement Car Accident
My client was a passenger in a car traveling 95 mph in Stone County. At a curve, the driver ran off the road and overturned. He was treated for a concussion, bleeding in the brain and a fractured lumbar vertebrae.
$76,000 Settlement Car Accident
My client was a passenger in a car involved in a 4 car chain reaction accident on Highway 39 South of Aurora. She was airlifted from the scene where she received treatment for fractures of her spine, clavicle, scapula, arm and leg. She also has a head injury with bleeding into the brain. Her medical bills were over $40,000 paid by Medicaid. Upon settlement, Medicaid was reimbursed approximately $1,600. The defendant driver was uninsured. The maximum limits were obtained from the uninsured motorist policy of the owner of the car of which she was a passenger. The maximum limits were obtained from two uninsured motorist insurance policies from the homeowner where she resided.
$300,000 Settlement Car Accident
My client was a passenger in a car on Highway 39 traveling South. The accident occurred when the North bound company vehicle driven by the defendant employee turned in front of my client. She suffered a fractured hip and required surgery. Her medical expenses were $65,262. Medicaid was reimbursed $3,461 for expenses they paid. This case was settled at mediation.
$100,000 Settlement Car Accident Involving Surgery
Client was injured by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel. She sustained shoulder injuries that required surgery. The case settled for policy limits within 35 days after the demand letter was mailed.
$70,000 Settlement Car Accident Requiring Surgery
My client was 64 year old driving on 60 Highway on the West side of Springfield. The collision occurred when the defendant pulled out in front of my client. As a result of the impact, he suffered neck strain, broken ribs, sacroilitis and a torn rotator cuff which required surgery. His medical expenses were $29,163. Medicare was reimbursed $1,617.49. This was settled in mediation.

Why Hire Pettit & Cowherd Law Firm?

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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