Personal Injury Attorney Serving Freemansburg, PA - Michael A. Snover, Esq.
If you have been injured in Freemansburg, PA, call Michael A. Snover, Esq. at (484) 821-1005 for a free consultation. Attorney Snover has served clients in Freemansburg and throughout Northampton County for nearly four decades. He earned his Juris Doctor from Dickinson School of Law at Pennsylvania State University in 1987 and was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar that same year. Since 1997, he has operated his own law firm, giving him approximately 38 years of experience as a sole practitioner handling personal injury, workers compensation, and medical malpractice cases. His office is located at 2571 Baglyos Circle, Suite B25, Bethlehem, PA, just minutes from Freemansburg. He works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless he recovers compensation for you.
At a Glance: Freemansburg Personal Injury Representation
- Attorney: Michael A. Snover, Esq. – JD, Dickinson School of Law, Penn State (1987); BA, Moravian College (1984); PA Bar 1987; NJ Bar 1988; 38 years of legal experience
- Phone: (484) 821-1005
- Fee Structure: Contingency fee basis – no fee unless you recover compensation
- Office Location: 2571 Baglyos Circle, Suite B25, Bethlehem, PA 18020
- Service Area: Freemansburg, Bethlehem, Easton, and all of Northampton County and Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
Why Freemansburg Residents Choose Michael A. Snover
Freemansburg is a small borough along the Lehigh River, bordered by the City of Bethlehem. Residents here have access to Route 191 and the William Penn Highway, but they also face the same risks as those in larger communities: car accidents at busy intersections, slip and fall injuries at local businesses, and workplace accidents at industrial sites throughout the Lehigh Valley.
When injuries happen in Freemansburg, having an attorney who understands local courts matters. Cases from Freemansburg are typically heard at the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas in Easton, PA. Attorney Snover has practiced in Pennsylvania courts since 1987 and is also admitted to the New Jersey Bar, which is valuable for Freemansburg residents involved in accidents near the Delaware River border or who work across state lines.
Michael A. Snover earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Moravian College in 1984 before attending law school. His local education and 38 years of legal practice give him deep familiarity with the communities he serves, including Freemansburg and its neighboring areas.
Personal Injury
Pennsylvania law gives injury victims two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This statute of limitations is set by 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation entirely.
Personal injury cases in Freemansburg can arise from many situations: vehicle collisions on Route 191, injuries at apartment complexes, accidents at retail stores, or harm caused by defective products. Attorney Snover handles personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis, so Freemansburg residents can pursue their cases without paying upfront legal fees.
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. This means you can recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% responsible for your injuries, your recovery would be reduced by 20%.
He’ll start by asking questions—how you got hurt, what kind of treatment you’ve had, how it’s impacted your daily life. From there, he gives it to you straight. If there’s a case, he’ll tell you. If there’s not, he’ll tell you that too. No fluff, no false hope, no pressure.
Workers Compensation
Workers compensation in Pennsylvania is governed by the Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Act. This system provides benefits to employees who are injured on the job, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
Freemansburg workers who suffer workplace injuries may be entitled to several types of benefits. Wage loss benefits typically pay 66.67% of your average weekly wage. The system also covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury. Specific loss benefits are available for permanent injuries such as the loss of a finger, hand, or other body part.
One important rule to understand: when you receive workers compensation benefits in Pennsylvania, you generally cannot sue your employer in civil court for the same injury. There are limited exceptions, such as cases involving intentional harm. Attorney Snover can evaluate your situation and explain which options are available to you.
If you work in Freemansburg or anywhere in Northampton County and have been injured at work, contact the office at (484) 821-1005 for a free consultation.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice cases in Pennsylvania have specific procedural requirements that differ from other personal injury claims. Before you can file a medical malpractice lawsuit, Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1042.3 requires a Certificate of Merit. This certificate must be signed by a licensed medical professional who has reviewed your case and believes the healthcare provider deviated from the accepted standard of care.
Freemansburg residents receive medical care at facilities throughout the Lehigh Valley, including hospitals in Bethlehem, Allentown, and Easton. If you believe you or a family member was harmed by medical negligence, the two-year statute of limitations under 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524 applies to most medical malpractice claims.
These cases require careful investigation and review of medical records. Attorney Snover offers free consultations to Freemansburg residents who believe they may have a medical malpractice claim.
Auto Accidents
Car accidents are a leading cause of personal injury claims in Freemansburg and throughout Northampton County. Route 191 runs through the area, and the William Penn Highway provides access to the broader Lehigh Valley road network. Collisions at intersections, rear-end accidents, and crashes caused by distracted or impaired drivers regularly result in serious injuries.
Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state for auto insurance. When you purchase car insurance, you choose between limited tort and full tort coverage. This choice directly affects your legal rights after an accident.
Limited Tort vs. Full Tort in Pennsylvania
| Limited Tort | Full Tort |
|---|---|
| Lower insurance premiums | Higher insurance premiums |
| Can recover medical expenses and lost wages | Can recover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering |
| Cannot sue for pain and suffering unless injury meets "serious injury" threshold | Full right to sue for pain and suffering regardless of injury severity |
| Serious injury includes death, permanent serious disfigurement, or serious impairment of body function | No threshold required to pursue non-economic damages |
If you have limited tort coverage, you may still be able to pursue pain and suffering damages if your injuries meet Pennsylvania’s serious injury threshold. Attorney Snover can review your insurance policy and the facts of your accident to explain your options.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners in Pennsylvania have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. When they fail to do so, and someone is injured as a result, the property owner may be liable under premises liability law.
Slip and fall accidents in Freemansburg can happen anywhere: icy sidewalks in winter, wet floors in grocery stores, uneven pavement in parking lots, or poorly lit stairways in apartment buildings. These accidents often cause serious injuries including broken bones, head injuries, and back injuries.
To succeed in a slip and fall case, you generally must show that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn visitors. The two-year statute of limitations under 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524 applies to these claims.
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident in Freemansburg, document the scene if possible, seek medical attention, and contact an attorney promptly.
Wrongful Death
When a person dies due to another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct, Pennsylvania law allows certain family members to bring a wrongful death claim. These claims seek compensation for the losses suffered by surviving family members, including lost income, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses.
A separate survival action may also be filed. This action recovers damages that the deceased person could have claimed if they had survived, such as pain and suffering experienced before death and medical expenses.
Wrongful death cases in Freemansburg may arise from fatal car accidents, workplace accidents, medical malpractice, or other circumstances. The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Pennsylvania is two years from the date of death.
Attorney Snover handles wrongful death claims on a contingency fee basis. Families in Freemansburg who have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence can call (484) 821-1005 for a free consultation.
How to Start Your Case
- Call for a Free Consultation: Contact Michael A. Snover, Esq. at (484) 821-1005 or email snoverlaw@aol.com. Describe your situation and schedule a time to discuss your case. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.
- Gather Your Documents: Collect any documents related to your injury, including medical records, accident reports, photographs of the scene, insurance information, and correspondence with insurance companies.
- Meet with Attorney Snover: During your consultation, Attorney Snover will review the facts of your case, explain the applicable Pennsylvania laws, and discuss your legal options. His office at 2571 Baglyos Circle, Suite B25, Bethlehem, PA is a short drive from Freemansburg.
- Case Investigation: If you decide to move forward, Attorney Snover will investigate your claim, gather evidence, obtain medical records, and identify all potentially liable parties.
- Negotiation and Litigation: Most personal injury cases settle through negotiation with insurance companies. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas in Easton or the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas in Allentown, depending on where the incident occurred.
- Resolution: You receive your compensation. Remember, Attorney Snover works on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay attorney fees if he recovers money for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law sets a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims. This deadline is established by 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524. The clock typically starts running on the date of your injury. If you do not file your lawsuit within two years, you may permanently lose your right to seek compensation. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
What does contingency fee basis mean?
Contingency fee basis means you do not pay attorney fees unless your attorney recovers compensation for you. Michael A. Snover, Esq. handles personal injury cases on this basis. If there is no recovery, you owe no attorney fees. This arrangement allows Freemansburg residents to pursue their claims without paying legal fees out of pocket upfront.
What is the difference between limited tort and full tort auto insurance in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state. Limited tort coverage has lower premiums but restricts your right to sue for pain and suffering unless your injuries meet the serious injury threshold, which includes death, permanent serious disfigurement, or serious impairment of body function. Full tort coverage has higher premiums but preserves your full right to sue for pain and suffering regardless of injury severity.
Where are Freemansburg personal injury cases heard?
Freemansburg is located in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. Personal injury lawsuits from Freemansburg are typically heard at the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas, which is located in Easton, PA. Some cases involving incidents in neighboring Lehigh County would be heard at the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas in Allentown, PA.
What benefits can I receive through Pennsylvania workers compensation?
Pennsylvania workers compensation provides several types of benefits for injured workers. Wage loss benefits typically pay 66.67% of your average weekly wage. The system covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment for your work injury. Specific loss benefits are available for permanent injuries such as loss of a limb. You may also be entitled to vocational rehabilitation in certain circumstances.
Can I sue my employer if I am injured at work in Pennsylvania?
In most cases, no. Pennsylvania workers compensation is generally the exclusive remedy for workplace injuries. This means you receive workers compensation benefits but cannot sue your employer in civil court for the same injury. There are limited exceptions, such as cases involving intentional harm by the employer. Attorney Snover can evaluate your situation and explain your options.
What is a Certificate of Merit in a Pennsylvania medical malpractice case?
Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1042.3 requires plaintiffs in medical malpractice cases to file a Certificate of Merit. This certificate must be signed by a licensed medical professional who has reviewed the case and believes the healthcare provider deviated from the accepted standard of care. This requirement must be met before the case can proceed.
What should I do after a slip and fall accident in Freemansburg?
After a slip and fall accident, prioritize your health by seeking medical attention. If possible, document the scene by taking photographs of the hazardous condition that caused your fall. Report the incident to the property owner or manager and ask for a copy of any incident report. Get contact information from any witnesses. Keep records of your medical treatment and expenses. Contact a personal injury attorney promptly to discuss your legal options.
How does comparative negligence affect my personal injury case in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar rule. You can recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages. For example, if your damages total 100,000 dollars and you were 30% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to 70,000 dollars.
Does Michael A. Snover handle cases in New Jersey?
Yes. Michael A. Snover is admitted to both the Pennsylvania Bar (1987) and the New Jersey Bar (1988). This dual admission is valuable for Freemansburg residents who may be involved in accidents near the Delaware River border, who work in New Jersey, or who have legal matters that cross state lines. Contact his office at (484) 821-1005 to discuss your specific situation.
Read What Our Clients Say About Us
A History of Success
I just signed myself up with attorney Snover and had previously hired a different attorney but wasn’t satisfied with him. I then went to attorney Snover and he took my car accident case and is now helping me with my injury settlement. He is extremely knowledgeable at what he does, takes the time to talk with you and to fully understand your case. I highly recommend this place for your attorney needs.
