Personal Injury Attorney Serving Wilson, PA - Michael A. Snover, Esq.
If you have been injured in Wilson, PA, call Michael A. Snover, Esq. at (484) 821-1005 for a free consultation. Michael A. Snover has represented injured Pennsylvanians for approximately 39 years. 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. He has operated as a sole practitioner since 1997, giving him nearly three decades of independent experience handling personal injury claims for clients throughout Northampton County, including Wilson Borough.
Quick Facts About Michael A. Snover, Esq.
- Education: JD, Dickinson School of Law, Penn State (1987); BA, Moravian College (1984)
- Bar Admissions: Pennsylvania (1987), New Jersey (1988)
- Phone: (484) 821-1005
- Office: 2571 Baglyos Circle, Suite B25, Bethlehem, PA 18020
- Fees: Contingency fee basis (no fee unless you recover compensation)
- Service Area: Fullerton, Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, and throughout Pennsylvania
Why Wilson Residents Choose Michael A. Snover
Wilson is a close-knit borough in Northampton County, bordered by Easton and Palmer Township. Residents here face the same injury risks as anywhere else: car crashes on Route 22, workplace accidents, slip and fall incidents at local businesses, and medical errors at regional healthcare facilities. When these injuries happen, Wilson families need an attorney who understands Pennsylvania law and the local court system.
Michael A. Snover has practiced law in this region for his entire career. His office in Bethlehem is a short drive from Wilson, making in-person meetings convenient. Cases filed for Wilson residents typically proceed through the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas in Easton. Mr. Snover is familiar with this courthouse, its procedures, and the expectations of local judges.
His undergraduate degree from Moravian College in 1984 reflects his deep roots in the Lehigh Valley. After completing his legal education at Dickinson School of Law, he gained admission to both the Pennsylvania Bar in 1987 and the New Jersey Bar in 1988. This dual admission allows him to assist clients with matters that cross state lines, which can be relevant for Wilson residents who work or travel in New Jersey.
Personal Injury
Personal injury law covers a broad range of cases where someone suffers harm due to another party’s negligence. For Wilson residents, this might include injuries from defective products, dog bites, assault, or accidents on someone else’s property.
Pennsylvania law gives injured parties two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. This deadline is established by 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524. Missing this deadline almost always means losing your right to compensation, regardless of how strong your case might be.
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. This means you can recover damages as long as you were less than 51% responsible for your own injury. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If a jury finds you 30% at fault and awards $100,000, you would receive $70,000.
Michael A. Snover handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless he recovers compensation for you. This arrangement makes legal representation accessible to Wilson injury victims who cannot afford upfront legal costs.
Workers Compensation
Injured workers in Wilson are protected by the Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Act. This system provides benefits regardless of who caused the workplace accident. You do not need to prove your employer was negligent to receive workers compensation benefits.
Benefits under Pennsylvania workers compensation typically include:
- Payment of all reasonable and necessary medical expenses
- Wage loss benefits at approximately 66.67% of your average weekly wage
- Specific loss benefits for permanent injuries like amputations or loss of use
- Death benefits for families of workers killed on the job
One important aspect of Pennsylvania workers compensation law is that injured workers generally cannot sue their employers in civil court for workplace injuries. The workers compensation system serves as the exclusive remedy. However, if a third party other than your employer caused your injury, you may have a separate personal injury claim against that party.
If your workers compensation claim has been denied or your benefits have been terminated, Michael A. Snover can help you file a claim petition or reinstatement petition. These cases are heard before Workers Compensation Judges in Pennsylvania.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s negligence causes injury to a patient. Wilson residents receive medical care at hospitals and clinics throughout the Lehigh Valley, and errors can happen anywhere: surgical mistakes, misdiagnosis, medication errors, birth injuries, or failure to treat.
Pennsylvania has specific procedural requirements for medical malpractice cases. Under Pa.R.C.P. 1042.3, you must file a Certificate of Merit signed by a licensed medical professional who has reviewed your case and believes the defendant healthcare provider deviated from the accepted standard of care. This requirement exists to screen out frivolous claims, but it also means you need an attorney who can work with qualified medical professionals to evaluate your case.
The same two-year statute of limitations applies to medical malpractice cases in Pennsylvania. The clock typically starts on the date of the malpractice, though there are limited exceptions in certain circumstances.
Michael A. Snover handles medical malpractice claims on a contingency fee basis. He will evaluate your case during a free consultation and explain whether you have grounds to pursue a claim.
Auto Accidents
Wilson’s location near Routes 22 and 248 means residents regularly travel high-traffic corridors where serious accidents occur. Car crashes can cause injuries ranging from whiplash and soft tissue damage to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and death.
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 legal rights after an accident:
Limited Tort vs. Full Tort in Pennsylvania
| Factor | Limited Tort | Full Tort |
|---|---|---|
| Right to sue for pain and suffering | Restricted to cases involving serious injury | Full right to sue for any injury |
| What qualifies as serious injury | Death, serious impairment of body function, or permanent serious disfigurement | No threshold required |
| Insurance premium cost | Lower premiums | Higher premiums |
| Economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) | Always recoverable | Always recoverable |
| Exceptions to limited tort restrictions | You can still sue if the at-fault driver was DUI, from out of state, or driving with intent to injure | Not applicable |
Many Wilson residents have limited tort coverage without fully understanding how it restricts their rights. If you were injured in a car accident, bring your insurance policy to your consultation so Michael A. Snover can explain how your coverage affects your claim.
Mr. Snover also handles motorcycle accident cases. Motorcyclists are not subject to the limited tort restrictions that apply to car drivers and passengers. If you were injured while riding a motorcycle in or around Wilson, you retain full rights to pursue pain and suffering damages.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners in Pennsylvania have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors. When they fail to address hazards like icy walkways, wet floors, broken stairs, or poor lighting, they can be held liable for injuries that result.
Slip and fall cases in Wilson might occur at retail stores, restaurants, apartment buildings, parking lots, or private homes. These cases fall under premises liability law. To recover compensation, you must prove that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn visitors.
Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence rule applies to slip and fall cases. If you were partially at fault, perhaps by ignoring warning signs or wearing inappropriate footwear, your compensation will be reduced accordingly. But as long as you were less than 51% at fault, you can still recover.
Document the scene immediately if possible. Take photographs of the hazard, get contact information from witnesses, and report the incident to the property owner or manager. Then contact Michael A. Snover at (484) 821-1005 to discuss your legal options.
Wrongful Death
When someone dies due to another party’s negligence, Pennsylvania law allows certain family members to file a wrongful death claim. This can apply to fatal car accidents, workplace deaths, medical malpractice deaths, or any other situation where negligence caused the death.
Under Pennsylvania law, wrongful death claims can be brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of the surviving spouse, children, or parents. Damages may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of the deceased person’s expected earnings
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and support
- Medical expenses incurred before death
A separate survival action may also be available, which allows the estate to recover damages the deceased person could have claimed if they had survived, such as pain and suffering experienced before death.
The two-year statute of limitations applies to wrongful death cases, running from the date of death. Families dealing with grief often struggle to think about legal matters, but delaying too long can forfeit your rights. Michael A. Snover handles these sensitive cases with care and can guide Wilson families through the process.
How to Start Your Case in Wilson, PA
- Call for a free consultation: Contact Michael A. Snover at (484) 821-1005. Describe your injury and how it happened. He will provide an initial assessment of your case.
- Gather your documents: Collect medical records, accident reports, insurance policies, photographs of the accident scene or your injuries, and contact information for witnesses.
- Meet with Mr. Snover: Visit his office at 2571 Baglyos Circle, Suite B25, Bethlehem, PA 18020. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. During this meeting, he will explain your legal options and answer your questions.
- Sign a contingency fee agreement: If you choose to move forward, you will sign an agreement confirming that you owe no attorney fees unless compensation is recovered.
- Investigation and case building: Mr. Snover will investigate the facts, gather evidence, consult with relevant professionals, and build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
- Negotiation or litigation: Many 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 for trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
You have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania. This deadline is set by 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524. If you miss this deadline, you will almost certainly lose your right to pursue compensation through the courts.
What does contingency fee basis mean?
Contingency fee basis means you pay no attorney fees upfront. Michael A. Snover only collects a fee if he recovers compensation for you, either through a settlement or a court verdict. If there is no recovery, you owe no attorney fees.
What is the difference between limited tort and full tort auto insurance in Pennsylvania?
Limited tort coverage costs less but restricts your right to sue for pain and suffering after an accident. You can only recover pain and suffering damages if you suffered a serious injury, such as death, serious impairment of body function, or permanent serious disfigurement. Full tort coverage allows you to sue for pain and suffering regardless of injury severity. Both options allow recovery of economic damages like medical bills and lost wages.
Can I sue my employer if I was injured at work in Pennsylvania?
In most cases, no. Pennsylvania workers compensation law provides the exclusive remedy for workplace injuries. You receive benefits regardless of fault, but you cannot sue your employer in civil court. However, if a third party other than your employer caused your injury, you may have a personal injury claim against that third party.
What benefits does Pennsylvania workers compensation provide?
Pennsylvania workers compensation typically covers all reasonable medical expenses related to your injury, wage loss benefits at approximately 66.67% of your average weekly wage, specific loss benefits for permanent injuries like amputations, and death benefits for families of workers killed on the job.
What is a Certificate of Merit in a Pennsylvania medical malpractice case?
A Certificate of Merit is a document required by Pa.R.C.P. 1042.3 in Pennsylvania medical malpractice cases. It must be signed by a licensed medical professional who has reviewed the case and believes the defendant healthcare provider deviated from the accepted standard of care. This certificate must be filed with the court.
How does comparative negligence work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar. You can recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault for your injury. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything.
Where would my Wilson personal injury case be filed?
Personal injury cases for Wilson residents are typically filed in the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas, located in Easton, PA. Wilson Borough is part of Northampton County.
Does Michael A. Snover offer free consultations?
Yes. Michael A. Snover offers free consultations to injury victims in Wilson and throughout Northampton County. Call (484) 821-1005 to schedule your consultation. There is no obligation to hire him after the consultation.
How far is Michael A. Snover's office from Wilson, PA?
Michael A. Snover’s office is located at 2571 Baglyos Circle, Suite B25, Bethlehem, PA 18020. This is a short drive from Wilson Borough, making in-person meetings convenient for Wilson residents.
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.
