Personal Injury Attorney Serving Hokendauqua, PA - Michael A. Snover, Esq.
If you have been injured in Hokendauqua, PA, call Michael A. Snover, Esq. at (484) 821-1005 for a free consultation. Attorney Snover has represented injured Pennsylvanians for over 37 years, working on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless he recovers compensation for you. 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. As a sole practitioner since 1997, he provides direct, personal attention to every client from his Bethlehem office, located just minutes from Hokendauqua.
At a Glance: Michael A. Snover, Esq.
- Attorney: Michael A. Snover, Esq. – 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
- Fee Structure: Contingency fee basis – no fee unless you recover compensation
- Service Area: Northampton County including Bethlehem, Easton, Hellertown, Northampton Borough, Bangor, Wilson, Bath, Fountain Hill, and Freemansburg
Why Hokendauqua Residents Choose Michael A. Snover
Hokendauqua is a close-knit unincorporated community within Whitehall Township in Lehigh County. Residents here value personal relationships and straightforward communication. When an injury disrupts your life, you need an attorney who understands your community and can guide you through the legal process without unnecessary complexity.
Michael A. Snover earned his Bachelor of Arts from Moravian College in 1984 before completing his legal education at Dickinson School of Law. After gaining admission to the New Jersey Bar in 1988, he built a practice serving clients throughout the Lehigh Valley. His Bethlehem office is conveniently located for Hokendauqua residents, with easy access via Route 145.
As a sole practitioner since 1997, Attorney Snover has handled personal injury, workers compensation, medical malpractice, auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall injuries, wrongful death, and premises liability cases. When you call his office, you speak directly with him, not a paralegal or case manager.
Personal Injury
Personal injury claims in Pennsylvania are governed by strict deadlines. Under 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically bars you from recovering any compensation.
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule known as the 51% bar. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault for your injury, you cannot recover damages. If your fault is 50% or less, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you suffer $100,000 in damages but are found 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000.
Hokendauqua residents injured due to another party’s negligence should act quickly to preserve evidence and protect their legal rights. Attorney Snover offers free consultations to help you understand whether you have a valid claim.
Workers Compensation
If you were injured at work in Hokendauqua or anywhere in Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to benefits under the Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Act. This system provides wage loss benefits, typically calculated at 66.67% of your average weekly wage, along with coverage for medical expenses related to your injury.
Workers compensation also provides specific loss benefits for permanent injuries such as the loss of a finger, hand, or other body part. One important aspect of Pennsylvania workers compensation law is that injured workers generally cannot sue their employers in civil court. Instead, the workers compensation system serves as the exclusive remedy.
Filing a workers compensation claim involves strict deadlines and procedural requirements. Employers and their insurance companies often dispute claims or attempt to minimize benefits. Attorney Snover helps Hokendauqua workers understand their rights and pursue the full benefits they deserve.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice claims in Pennsylvania require an additional procedural step before you can proceed. Under Pa.R.C.P. 1042.3, you must file a Certificate of Merit signed by a licensed medical professional stating that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that the care provided fell outside acceptable standards.
This requirement exists to ensure that medical malpractice claims have merit before they proceed through the court system. The two-year statute of limitations under 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524 applies to medical malpractice cases, running from the date of injury or, in some cases, from when the injury was discovered or should have been discovered.
Medical malpractice cases are complex and require careful investigation. Hokendauqua residents who believe they have been harmed by medical negligence should seek legal guidance promptly to ensure they meet all procedural requirements.
Auto Accidents
Auto accidents in Hokendauqua often occur along Route 145 and other busy roadways connecting Whitehall Township to Allentown and surrounding areas. Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state for auto insurance, meaning drivers select either limited tort or full tort coverage when purchasing their policies.
Limited Tort vs. Full Tort in Pennsylvania
| Features | Limited Tort | Full Tort |
|---|---|---|
| Right to sue for pain and suffering | Restricted to serious injuries only | Full right to sue regardless of injury severity |
| Premium Cost | Lower premiums | Higher premiums |
| Serious Injury Threshold | Must prove death, serious impairment, or permanent disfigurement | No threshold required |
| Exceptions | Can sue drunk drivers, out-of-state drivers, and drivers who intend harm | No exceptions needed |
| Best For | Drivers seeking lower costs who accept limited lawsuit rights | Drivers who want full legal protection |
Your tort selection significantly affects your ability to recover compensation after an accident. Many Hokendauqua drivers are unaware of which option they selected or how it impacts their claims. Attorney Snover reviews your policy and explains your options during a free consultation.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners in Pennsylvania have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. When hazardous conditions such as wet floors, icy sidewalks, uneven pavement, or poor lighting cause injuries, the property owner may be liable.
Slip and fall cases in Hokendauqua can occur at local businesses, rental properties, or public spaces within Whitehall Township. The same two-year statute of limitations applies, and comparative negligence rules mean the property owner’s insurance company may try to shift blame onto you.
Documenting the hazardous condition immediately after a fall is critical. Take photographs, report the incident to the property owner, and seek medical attention. Attorney Snover can help Hokendauqua residents build strong premises liability claims based on the evidence.
Wrongful Death
When a loved one dies due to another party’s negligence or misconduct, surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. In Pennsylvania, wrongful death actions are typically brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of surviving family members.
Compensation in wrongful death cases may include funeral and burial expenses, lost wages the deceased would have earned, loss of companionship, and other damages. The two-year statute of limitations generally applies, though the specific deadline depends on the circumstances of the case.
Losing a family member is devastating. Hokendauqua families facing this situation deserve compassionate legal guidance. Attorney Snover handles wrongful death claims with sensitivity while pursuing full compensation for your loss.
How to Start Your Case in Hokendauqua, PA
- Call for a Free Consultation: Contact Michael A. Snover, Esq. at (484) 821-1005 to discuss your situation. There is no charge for this initial conversation, and no obligation to hire the firm.
- Gather Your Documents: Collect any relevant records including accident reports, medical bills, photographs of injuries or the accident scene, and insurance information.
- Meet with Attorney Snover: Visit the office at 2571 Baglyos Circle, Suite B25, Bethlehem, PA 18020, or arrange a meeting at a location convenient for you. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.
- Case Evaluation: Attorney Snover will review the facts of your case, explain applicable Pennsylvania laws, and advise you on your legal options.
- Begin Your Claim: If you choose to proceed, Attorney Snover will handle all aspects of your claim on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless compensation is recovered.
How to Start Your Case in Hokendauqua, PA
As part of Whitehall Township in Lehigh County, Hokendauqua personal injury cases are typically filed in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas, located in Allentown, PA. Some cases involving defendants or incidents in neighboring Northampton County may be heard in the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas in Easton, PA.
Attorney Snover practices in courts throughout the region and is familiar with local procedures and requirements. His Bethlehem office provides convenient access to both county court systems.
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 your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania. This deadline applies to most personal injury cases including auto accidents, slip and falls, and medical malpractice. Missing the deadline typically prevents you from recovering any compensation, so it is important to consult with an attorney promptly after an injury.
What does contingency fee basis mean?
Contingency fee basis means you do not pay attorney fees unless your case results in a financial recovery. Michael A. Snover, Esq. handles personal injury cases on this basis, so Hokendauqua residents can pursue claims without upfront legal costs. If no compensation is recovered, you owe no attorney fees.
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 costs less but restricts your right to sue for pain and suffering unless you suffer a serious injury such as death, serious impairment of a body function, or permanent disfigurement. Full tort costs more but preserves your full right to sue for all damages regardless of injury severity.
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. This means you receive workers compensation benefits instead of suing your employer in civil court. However, you may have claims against third parties who contributed to your injury, such as equipment manufacturers or contractors.
What is a Certificate of Merit in a Pennsylvania medical malpractice case?
Under Pa.R.C.P. 1042.3, Pennsylvania medical malpractice claims require a Certificate of Merit. This is a written statement signed by a licensed medical professional confirming that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that the defendant’s care fell outside acceptable professional standards. This certificate must generally be filed within 60 days of the defendant’s response to the complaint.
What percentage of fault prevents recovery in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault for your injury, you cannot recover any compensation. If your fault is 50% or less, you can recover damages, but your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
How much are workers compensation wage benefits in Pennsylvania?
Workers compensation wage loss benefits in Pennsylvania are typically calculated at 66.67% of your average weekly wage, subject to maximum and minimum amounts set by law. These benefits are intended to partially replace income lost due to a work-related injury or illness.
Where is Michael A. Snover's office located?
Michael A. Snover, Esq. maintains his office at 2571 Baglyos Circle, Suite B25, Bethlehem, PA 18020. The office is conveniently located for residents of Hokendauqua and throughout the Lehigh Valley. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.
Does Michael A. Snover offer free consultations?
Yes. Michael A. Snover, Esq. offers free consultations to Hokendauqua residents and others throughout Pennsylvania. During this consultation, he will review the facts of your case, explain relevant laws, and advise you on your legal options. There is no obligation to hire the firm after the consultation.
What types of cases does Michael A. Snover handle?
Michael A. Snover, Esq. handles personal injury, workers compensation, medical malpractice, auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall accidents, wrongful death, and premises liability cases. He has over 37 years of experience representing injured Pennsylvanians and has operated as a sole practitioner since 1997.
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.
