Personal Injury Attorney Serving Allentown, PA - Michael A. Snover, Esq.
If you have been injured in Allentown, PA, call Michael A. Snover, Esq. at (484) 821-1005 for a free consultation. Mr. Snover has represented injury victims across the Lehigh Valley for over 38 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. Since 1997, he has operated his own law firm from Bethlehem, PA, serving clients in Allentown and throughout Lehigh and Northampton Counties. He works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless he recovers compensation for your case.
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)
- Experience: Over 38 years practicing law; sole practitioner since 1997
- Fee Structure: Contingency fee basis – no fee unless you recover compensation
- Office: 2571 Baglyos Circle, Suite B25, Bethlehem, PA 18020
- Phone: (484) 821-1005
- Service Area: Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and the greater Lehigh Valley
Why Allentown Injury Victims Need Local Legal Representation
Allentown is the largest city in the Lehigh Valley and the third-largest city in Pennsylvania, with approximately 125,000 residents. As the county seat of Lehigh County, Allentown serves as a major center for commerce, healthcare, and transportation in eastern Pennsylvania. Major highways including Route 22 and I-78 run through the city, contributing to significant traffic volume and elevated auto accident rates throughout the region.
When you suffer an injury in Allentown, you need an attorney who understands local conditions, knows the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas, and can guide you through Pennsylvania’s specific legal requirements. Michael A. Snover brings over 38 years of legal experience to every case, including nearly three decades running his own practice. His undergraduate degree from Moravian College, located in nearby Bethlehem, reflects his deep roots in the Lehigh Valley community.
Personal Injury
Personal injury law covers a broad range of cases where someone suffers harm due to another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct. In Allentown, common personal injury claims arise from car crashes on Route 22, slip and fall incidents at local businesses, and workplace accidents in industrial facilities throughout the Lehigh Valley.
Pennsylvania law sets a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims under 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524. This means you must file your lawsuit within two years of the date of injury, or you may lose your right to seek compensation. Do not delay in contacting an attorney after an accident in Allentown.
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, sometimes called the 51% bar rule. You can recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault for your injury. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% responsible for an accident and your damages total $100,000, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000.
Workers Compensation
If you are injured on the job in Allentown or anywhere in Pennsylvania, workers compensation benefits may be available to you. The Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Act governs these claims and provides coverage for medical bills, lost wages, and specific loss benefits for permanent injuries.
Wage loss benefits under Pennsylvania workers compensation typically equal 66.67% of your average weekly wage, subject to maximum and minimum limits set by the state. These benefits help injured workers support themselves and their families while they recover.
An 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 provides the exclusive remedy in most cases. However, if a third party other than your employer caused your injury, you may have a separate personal injury claim against that party.
Michael A. Snover helps Allentown workers understand their rights, file claims properly, and pursue all benefits they are entitled to under Pennsylvania law.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s negligence causes harm to a patient. Allentown is home to major healthcare facilities, and medical errors can happen in hospitals, surgical centers, clinics, and private practices throughout the city.
Pennsylvania has specific procedural requirements for medical malpractice claims. Before filing a lawsuit, the plaintiff must obtain a Certificate of Merit signed by a licensed medical professional. This certificate states that there is a reasonable probability that the care provided fell outside acceptable professional standards and caused the harm alleged. This requirement is established under Pa.R.C.P. 1042.3.
The two-year statute of limitations under 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524 applies to medical malpractice cases as well. Given the complexity of these claims and the Certificate of Merit requirement, it is critical to contact an attorney as soon as possible if you believe you have been harmed by medical negligence in Allentown.
Auto Accidents
Auto accidents are among the most common sources of personal injury claims in Allentown. The city’s location at the intersection of Route 22 and I-78 means heavy traffic flow and frequent collisions. Accidents occur on local streets, parking lots, and the busy highways that connect Allentown to Philadelphia, New York, and other major destinations.
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 right to sue after an accident.
Limited Tort vs. Full Tort in Pennsylvania
| Coverage Type | Your Rights After an Accident |
|---|---|
| Limited Tort | You can recover medical expenses and lost wages, but you can only sue for pain and suffering if you sustain a "serious injury" as defined by Pennsylvania law. This typically means significant disfigurement, permanent impairment, or death. |
| Full Tort | You retain the full right to sue for all damages, including pain and suffering, regardless of the severity of your injury. Premiums are typically higher than limited tort coverage. |
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents, also known as premises liability cases, occur when property owners or occupiers fail to maintain safe conditions. In Allentown, these accidents happen in shopping centers, grocery stores, restaurants, apartment complexes, parking lots, and sidewalks throughout the city.
To pursue a slip and fall claim in Pennsylvania, you must generally prove that the property owner knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to correct it or warn visitors. Common hazards include wet floors, icy walkways, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, and cluttered aisles.
The two-year statute of limitations applies to slip and fall cases. Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule also applies, meaning your recovery may be reduced if you share some fault for the accident. If you fell on someone else’s property in Allentown, contact an attorney promptly to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Wrongful Death
When a person dies due to another party’s negligence or wrongful act, surviving family members may have a wrongful death claim under Pennsylvania law. These cases can arise from fatal car accidents, workplace incidents, medical errors, or other circumstances where negligence caused the death.
Pennsylvania wrongful death claims allow certain family members to recover damages for their losses, including loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses. A separate survival action may also be available to recover damages the deceased person could have claimed if they had survived, such as pain and suffering before death.
The two-year statute of limitations generally applies to wrongful death claims in Pennsylvania. If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence in Allentown, Michael A. Snover can help you understand your legal options during this difficult time.
How to Start Your Case
- Call for a Free Consultation: Contact Michael A. Snover at (484) 821-1005 to discuss your situation. The initial consultation is free, and you are under no obligation to hire him.
- Gather Your Documents: Collect any relevant records, including accident reports, medical bills, photographs of your injuries or the accident scene, and insurance information.
- Case Evaluation: Mr. Snover will review the facts of your case, explain your legal options, and discuss the potential value of your claim based on Pennsylvania law.
- Sign a Contingency Fee Agreement: If you decide to move forward, you will sign a contingency fee agreement. This means you pay no attorney fees unless compensation is recovered for you.
- Investigation and Claim Filing: Your attorney will investigate the incident, gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and file your claim or lawsuit within the applicable deadlines.
- Resolution: Your case may be resolved through settlement negotiations or, if necessary, litigation in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas or another appropriate venue.
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 under 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524. You must file your lawsuit within two years of the date of injury, or you may lose your right to pursue compensation. Some exceptions may apply in certain circumstances, so it is important to consult an attorney promptly after your injury.
What does contingency fee basis mean?
A contingency fee basis means you do not pay attorney fees upfront. Michael A. Snover only receives a fee if he recovers compensation for your case. If there is no recovery, you owe no attorney fees. This arrangement allows injury victims in Allentown to pursue legal claims without financial risk.
What is the difference between limited tort and full tort auto insurance in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania allows drivers to choose between limited tort and full tort coverage. Limited tort has lower premiums but restricts your right to sue for pain and suffering unless you sustain a serious injury. Full tort preserves your complete right to sue for all damages, including pain and suffering, regardless of injury severity. Your tort election is made when you purchase auto insurance and directly affects your legal options after a car accident.
How does comparative negligence work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule known as the 51% bar rule. You can recover damages in a personal injury case if you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages from the other party.
What benefits are available under Pennsylvania workers compensation?
Pennsylvania workers compensation provides coverage for medical bills related to your work injury, wage loss benefits typically equal to 66.67% of your average weekly wage, and specific loss benefits for permanent injuries such as loss of a limb or loss of use. In most cases, workers compensation is the exclusive remedy for workplace injuries, meaning you cannot sue your employer in civil court.
What is a Certificate of Merit in a medical malpractice case?
Pennsylvania law requires plaintiffs in medical malpractice cases to file a Certificate of Merit under Pa.R.C.P. 1042.3. This certificate must be signed by a licensed medical professional who states that there is a reasonable probability that the defendant’s care fell below acceptable standards and caused the plaintiff’s harm. The certificate must be filed with the complaint or within 60 days after filing.
Where would my personal injury case be filed if I was injured in Allentown?
Most personal injury cases arising from accidents in Allentown would be filed in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas, which is located in Allentown. Depending on the specific circumstances and parties involved, cases may also be filed in federal court or other venues. Michael A. Snover can advise you on the appropriate court for your particular case.
Is Michael A. Snover licensed to practice in New Jersey?
Yes. Michael A. Snover was admitted to the New Jersey Bar in 1988 in addition to his Pennsylvania Bar admission in 1987. This dual licensure can be valuable for clients with cross-border legal issues, such as accidents involving New Jersey residents or incidents near the Pennsylvania-New Jersey border in the Easton area.
What should I bring to my first meeting with a personal injury attorney?
Bring any documents related to your accident and injuries, including police or incident reports, medical records and bills, photographs of the accident scene or your injuries, insurance information, correspondence from insurance companies, and contact information for any witnesses. The more information you provide, the better your attorney can evaluate your case.
How much does a consultation cost?
Michael A. Snover offers free consultations for personal injury cases. You can call (484) 821-1005 to schedule an appointment and discuss your case at no cost and with no obligation. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.
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.
