Personal Injury Attorney Serving Eastern Pennsylvania - Michael A. Snover, Esq.
If you have been injured in Eastern Pennsylvania, call Michael A. Snover, Esq. at (484) 821-1005 for a free consultation. Attorney Snover has represented injured clients across the Lehigh Valley and surrounding counties 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 from Bethlehem, PA, giving him approximately 29 years of experience as a sole practitioner dedicated to personal injury, workers compensation, and related claims. He works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless he recovers compensation for you.
Quick Facts: Michael A. Snover, Esq.
- Attorney Credentials: JD, Dickinson School of Law, Penn State (1987); BA, Moravian College (1984); PA Bar 1987; NJ Bar 1988; approximately 39 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: Eastern Pennsylvaxnia including Lehigh, Northampton, Bucks, Monroe, and Carbon Counties
Why Eastern Pennsylvania Injury Victims Choose Michael A. Snover
Eastern Pennsylvania residents face unique challenges after an accident. The region’s major highways, including I-78, Route 22, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-476), carry heavy traffic through Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and surrounding communities. Industrial workplaces, commercial properties, and healthcare facilities throughout the Lehigh Valley create various situations where injuries occur.
Michael A. Snover understands the local landscape because he has practiced here for his entire career. His undergraduate degree from Moravian College in 1984 rooted him in the Bethlehem community before he went on to earn his law degree. His admission to both the Pennsylvania Bar (1987) and New Jersey Bar (1988) allows him to assist clients whose cases may involve cross-border issues, which is particularly relevant for Eastern Pennsylvania residents near the Delaware River border communities around Easton.
His Bethlehem office is centrally located to serve clients throughout Eastern Pennsylvania. Cases filed in this region typically proceed through either 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.
Personal Injury
Personal injury law in Pennsylvania allows injured individuals to seek compensation when someone else’s negligence causes harm. Under 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524, you have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to pursue a claim.
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule known as the 51% bar. You can recover damages if you are less than 51% responsible for the accident. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000.
Michael A. Snover handles personal injury cases throughout Eastern Pennsylvania on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney fees unless compensation is recovered in your case.
Workers Compensation
Injured workers in Pennsylvania are covered by the Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Act. This system provides benefits regardless of who caused the workplace accident. In exchange, employees generally cannot sue their employers in civil court for workplace injuries.
Workers compensation benefits in Pennsylvania typically include:
- Medical benefits: Coverage for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury
- Wage loss benefits: Typically 66.67% of your average weekly wage, subject to statewide maximum amounts
- Specific loss benefits: Compensation for permanent loss or loss of use of body parts
Eastern Pennsylvania has a significant industrial and manufacturing presence, making workplace injuries common throughout Lehigh, Northampton, and surrounding counties. If your employer or their insurance company denies or delays your benefits, Attorney Snover can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice claims in Pennsylvania require meeting specific procedural requirements before your case can move forward. Under Pa.R.C.P. 1042.3, you must file a Certificate of Merit signed by a licensed medical professional. This certificate must state that there is a reasonable probability that the healthcare provider’s care fell below acceptable professional standards and caused your injury.
The two-year statute of limitations under 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524 applies to medical malpractice claims in Pennsylvania. The clock generally starts running from the date you knew or should have known about the injury.
Eastern Pennsylvania is home to numerous hospitals, surgical centers, and medical practices. If you believe you or a family member suffered harm due to substandard medical care at a facility in the Lehigh Valley or surrounding areas, contact Michael A. Snover for a free consultation to discuss your situation.
Auto Accidents
Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state for auto insurance. When you purchase car insurance, you select either limited tort or full tort coverage. This choice significantly affects your 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 and lost wages |
| 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 requirement to pursue non-economic damages |
| Exceptions apply if the at-fault driver was DUI, out-of-state, or intentionally caused harm | No exceptions needed to pursue full compensation |
Eastern Pennsylvania’s highways see significant accident activity. I-78, Route 22, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-476) carry thousands of vehicles daily through the region. Accidents on these roads often result in serious injuries requiring substantial medical treatment and time away from work.
Michael A. Snover helps auto accident victims throughout Eastern Pennsylvania understand how their tort selection affects their case and pursue the maximum compensation available under the circumstances.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners in Pennsylvania have a duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors. When dangerous conditions like wet floors, icy walkways, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting cause injuries, the property owner may be liable under premises liability law.
Slip and fall cases require proving that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to address it. The two-year statute of limitations applies to these claims under 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524.
Common slip and fall locations in Eastern Pennsylvania include shopping centers, grocery stores, restaurants, parking lots, apartment complexes, and office buildings throughout Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and surrounding communities. If you were injured on someone else’s property, documenting the scene and seeking prompt medical attention strengthens your potential claim.
Wrongful Death
When negligence causes a fatal injury, Pennsylvania law allows surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim. These cases seek compensation for the losses suffered by survivors, including funeral expenses, loss of the deceased’s income, and loss of companionship.
Wrongful death claims in Pennsylvania must be filed within two years of the date of death. A separate survival action, which seeks compensation for the deceased’s pain and suffering before death, may also be available.
Losing a family member due to someone else’s negligence is devastating. Attorney Snover provides compassionate representation to families throughout Eastern Pennsylvania who are coping with such losses while helping them pursue the compensation they need to move forward.
How to Start Your Case
- Call for a free consultation: Contact Michael A. Snover at (484) 821-1005 to discuss your situation. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. You can also email snoverlaw@aol.com.
- Gather relevant documents: Bring any police reports, medical records, photographs of the accident scene or injuries, insurance information, and correspondence you have received from insurance companies.
- Initial case review: Attorney Snover will review the facts of your case, explain the applicable Pennsylvania laws, and discuss your legal options.
- Investigation and documentation: If you choose to proceed, your attorney will investigate the circumstances, gather evidence, and document your damages.
- Negotiation and resolution: Many cases resolve through negotiation with insurance companies. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to litigation in the appropriate Eastern Pennsylvania court.
- No fee unless you recover: Remember that Attorney Snover works on a contingency fee basis. You owe no attorney fees unless compensation is recovered in your case.
Serving Clients Throughout Eastern Pennsylvania
Michael A. Snover’s office at 2571 Baglyos Circle, Suite B25, Bethlehem, PA 18020 is centrally located to serve injury victims across the Lehigh Valley and beyond. His practice area includes:
- Lehigh County: Allentown, Emmaus, Whitehall, and surrounding areas
- Northampton County: Bethlehem, Easton, Nazareth, Bangor, and surrounding areas
- Bucks County: Quakertown, Doylestown, and northern Bucks communities
- Monroe County: Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg, and Pocono region communities
- Carbon County: Lehighton, Jim Thorpe, and surrounding areas
With approximately 39 years of legal experience and nearly three decades as a sole practitioner, Attorney Snover provides personal attention to each client. When you call his office, you work directly with him throughout your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
Under 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524, you have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania. This statute of limitations applies to most personal injury claims, including auto accidents, slip and fall accidents, and medical malpractice. Missing this deadline typically bars you from pursuing compensation through the courts.
What does contingency fee basis mean?
Contingency fee basis means you pay no attorney fees unless compensation is recovered in your case. Michael A. Snover works on this basis for personal injury, workers compensation, medical malpractice, and related claims. There is no upfront cost to hire him, and you only pay a fee if he successfully recovers money on your behalf.
What is the difference between limited tort and full tort in Pennsylvania?
Limited tort and full tort are auto insurance options in Pennsylvania. Limited tort typically has lower premiums but restricts your right to sue for pain and suffering unless you suffer a serious injury such as death, permanent serious disfigurement, or serious impairment of body function. Full tort costs more but preserves your full right to sue for pain and suffering regardless of injury severity.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault for my accident in Pennsylvania?
Yes, under Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule (51% bar). You can recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages from other parties.
What benefits are available through Pennsylvania workers compensation?
Pennsylvania workers compensation provides medical benefits covering all reasonable and necessary treatment for your work injury, wage loss benefits typically equal to 66.67% of your average weekly wage, and specific loss benefits for permanent loss or loss of use of body parts. These benefits are available regardless of who caused the workplace accident.
What is a Certificate of Merit in a Pennsylvania medical malpractice case?
A Certificate of Merit is a document required under Pa.R.C.P. 1042.3 for medical malpractice cases in Pennsylvania. It must be signed by a licensed medical professional who has reviewed the case and states that there is a reasonable probability that the healthcare provider’s care fell below acceptable standards and caused the patient’s injury. This certificate must be filed as part of the lawsuit.
Does Michael A. Snover offer free consultations?
Yes, Michael A. Snover offers free consultations to injury victims throughout Eastern Pennsylvania. You can call his office at (484) 821-1005 during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm, or email snoverlaw@aol.com to schedule an appointment to discuss your case.
What courts handle personal injury cases in Eastern Pennsylvania?
Personal injury cases in Eastern Pennsylvania are typically handled by the Court of Common Pleas in the county where the incident occurred. The Northampton County Court of Common Pleas is located in Easton, and the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas is located in Allentown. Cases from Bucks, Monroe, and Carbon Counties are heard in their respective county courts.
Can Michael A. Snover handle cases involving New Jersey?
Yes, Michael A. Snover is admitted to both the Pennsylvania Bar (1987) and the New Jersey Bar (1988). This dual admission allows him to assist Eastern Pennsylvania clients whose cases may involve cross-border issues, which is particularly relevant for residents near the New Jersey border in areas around Easton and along the Delaware River.
Where is Michael A. Snover's office located?
Michael A. Snover’s office is located at 2571 Baglyos Circle, Suite B25, Bethlehem, PA 18020. This location in the heart of the Lehigh Valley provides convenient access for clients throughout Eastern Pennsylvania, including Lehigh, Northampton, Bucks, Monroe, and Carbon Counties.
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.
