Missouri Accident Lawyer Blog

Eighty-seven year old Orville Cato died on November 4, 2007 from injuries sustained in a vehicle accident on October 11, 2007. Sixteen year old Derek Emerson of Altenburg, Missouri negligently pulled out into the path of Mr. Cato’s vehicle on US 61 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Mr. Cato was unable to avoid Mr. Emerson’s vehicle and crashed into it.

Mr. Emerson and his brother Michael sustained only minor personal injuries from this car accident. Unfortunately, Mr. Cato’s injuries were serious enough to hospitalize him for almost a month until he passed away on November 4, 2007 at St. Francis’ Medical Center.

Our deepest condolences go out to the Cato family; our thoughts and prayers are with them.

It is unknown at this time if the Cato family has retained a personal injury lawyer to file a Missouri wrongful death lawsuit or make a claim against Mr. Emerson’s insurance company. If and when they do, we will be sure to update this posting.

In a wrongful death lawsuit, Missouri statute 537.100 requires that you file the lawsuit within three years after the date "the cause of action shall accrue." In recent years, there have been many Missouri wrongful death lawsuits that have questioned when the cause of action really accrues as well as situations where the person who has the right to institute the cause of action is a minor. Each case is different and you should always consult with attorneys who handle wrongful death claims in Missouri to determine when the suit needs to be filed. If you do not, your right to bring the lawsuit could be extinguished.

The Bradley Law Firm has over 30 years of experience in dealing with wrongful death cases. If you have a loved one who was tragically killed in a car accident, contact the Bradley Law Firm to discuss your case for free.