Personal Injury Attorney Serving Fountain Hill, PA - Michael A. Snover, Esq.
If you have been injured in Fountain Hill, PA, call Michael A. Snover, Esq. at (484) 821-1005 for a free consultation. Attorney Snover has served injured Pennsylvanians for over 38 years, bringing decades of focused legal experience to personal injury, workers compensation, and medical malpractice claims. 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 as a sole practitioner, providing direct attorney-client relationships without the bureaucracy of large firms. His office at 2571 Baglyos Circle, Suite B25, Bethlehem, PA 18020 is located just minutes from Fountain Hill, making in-person consultations convenient for local residents.
At a Glance: Fountain Hill Personal Injury Representation
- Attorney: Michael A. Snover, Esq. – JD, Dickinson School of Law (1987); BA, Moravian College (1984); PA Bar 1987; NJ Bar 1988
- Experience: Over 38 years practicing law; sole practitioner since 1997
- Phone: (484) 821-1005
- Fee Structure: Contingency fee basis – no fee unless compensation is recovered
- Office Location: 2571 Baglyos Circle, Suite B25, Bethlehem, PA 18020 (serving Fountain Hill and surrounding Lehigh Valley communities)
- Free Consultations: Available Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm
Why Fountain Hill Residents Choose Michael A. Snover
Fountain Hill is a densely populated borough in Lehigh County where residents face injury risks daily. The proximity to St. Luke’s University Hospital on Broadway brings significant traffic to local roads. Busy corridors like Broadway and Hoffmansville Road see frequent vehicle accidents. Pedestrians walking to shops, restaurants, and medical appointments face hazards from distracted drivers. Property owners throughout Fountain Hill have a legal duty to maintain safe premises for visitors and customers.
When injuries occur in Fountain Hill, victims need an attorney who understands local conditions and Pennsylvania personal injury law. Michael A. Snover earned his undergraduate degree from Moravian College in 1984, giving him deep roots in the Lehigh Valley community. His admission to the New Jersey Bar in 1988 also allows him to assist clients with cross-border legal matters, which can be relevant for Fountain Hill residents who work or travel near Easton and the Delaware River.
Attorney Snover works on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney fees unless he recovers compensation for your claim. This arrangement removes financial barriers for Fountain Hill families who need legal help but cannot afford hourly rates.
Personal Injury
Personal injury claims in Pennsylvania arise when someone suffers harm due to another party’s negligence. Fountain Hill residents may experience injuries from car crashes, dangerous property conditions, defective products, or intentional misconduct. Pennsylvania law allows injured parties to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
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 bars your claim entirely. If you were injured in Fountain Hill, contact Michael A. Snover promptly to protect your legal rights.
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. You can recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault for your injury. However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% responsible for an accident, your recovery is reduced by 20%.
Workers Compensation
Fountain Hill workers who suffer job-related injuries or occupational illnesses may be entitled to benefits under the Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Act. This system provides coverage regardless of fault, meaning you do not need to prove your employer was negligent to receive benefits.
Workers compensation in Pennsylvania typically covers:
- All reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury
- Wage loss benefits, generally calculated at 66.67% of your average weekly wage
- Specific loss benefits for permanent injuries such as loss of a limb or loss of use
- Death benefits for families of workers killed on the job
Many Fountain Hill residents work at nearby hospitals, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and retail establishments where workplace injuries are common. Michael A. Snover helps injured workers pursue the full benefits they deserve under Pennsylvania law.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s negligence causes patient harm. Given Fountain Hill’s proximity to St. Luke’s University Hospital and numerous medical offices, residents frequently interact with the healthcare system. When medical professionals fail to meet the accepted standard of care, patients may suffer serious or permanent injuries.
Pennsylvania imposes specific procedural requirements for medical malpractice claims. Under Pa.R.C.P. 1042.3, a plaintiff must file a Certificate of Merit signed by a licensed medical professional. This certificate confirms that a qualified practitioner has reviewed the case and believes the defendant healthcare provider deviated from accepted medical standards.
Medical malpractice cases are complex and require thorough investigation. The two-year statute of limitations under 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524 applies to most medical malpractice claims, though exceptions may exist in limited circumstances. Fountain Hill residents who believe they received substandard medical care should consult with Attorney Snover to evaluate their potential claim.
Auto Accidents
Car accidents are a leading cause of injury in Fountain Hill and throughout Lehigh County. Broadway, which runs through Fountain Hill, carries substantial traffic between Bethlehem and surrounding areas. Hoffmansville Road and other local streets also see regular accidents involving passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, and motorcycles.
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
| 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 |
Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners and occupiers in Fountain Hill must maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors. Slip and fall accidents, also called premises liability claims, occur when hazardous conditions cause someone to fall and suffer injuries. Common hazards include:
- Wet or slippery floors without warning signs
- Uneven sidewalks or parking lot surfaces
- Poorly lit stairways or hallways
- Ice and snow accumulation on walkways
- Loose handrails or broken steps
- Debris or obstacles in walking paths
Fountain Hill’s high foot traffic areas, including commercial districts and the areas surrounding St. Luke’s University Hospital, present numerous opportunities for dangerous conditions to develop. Pennsylvania law requires property owners to either correct known hazards or provide adequate warnings to visitors.
To succeed in a slip and fall claim, you must demonstrate that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to address it. Evidence such as photographs, witness statements, and incident reports can be critical. The two-year statute of limitations applies, so Fountain Hill residents should act quickly to preserve evidence and protect their claims.
Wrongful Death
When negligence or misconduct causes a fatal injury, Pennsylvania law allows certain family members to pursue a wrongful death claim. Surviving spouses, children, and parents of the deceased may seek compensation for their losses, including:
- Loss of the deceased’s expected earnings and financial support
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and household services
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses incurred before death
A separate survival action may also be brought on behalf of the deceased’s estate to recover damages the deceased could have claimed if they had survived, such as pain and suffering experienced before death.
Losing a family member due to someone else’s negligence is devastating. Fountain Hill families facing this tragedy deserve compassionate legal guidance. Michael A. Snover helps wrongful death claimants understand their rights and pursue accountability from those responsible.
How to Start Your Personal Injury Case
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the priority. Get treatment for your injuries immediately. Medical records also serve as essential evidence for your claim.
- Document the Incident: If possible, take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any hazardous conditions. Collect names and contact information from witnesses.
- Report the Incident: File a police report for auto accidents. Report workplace injuries to your employer. Notify property owners of slip and fall accidents in writing when possible.
- Contact Michael A. Snover: Call (484) 821-1005 for a free consultation. Attorney Snover will evaluate your case and explain your legal options at no cost.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep all medical records, bills, correspondence with insurance companies, and documentation of lost wages. Do not discard damaged property or clothing.
- Avoid Recorded Statements: Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly after an accident. Before providing recorded statements, consult with Attorney Snover to protect your interests.
Lehigh County and Northampton County Court Information
Personal injury lawsuits involving Fountain Hill incidents are typically filed in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas, located in Allentown, PA. Because Fountain Hill borders Bethlehem, which spans both Lehigh and Northampton Counties, some cases may involve the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas in Easton, PA.
Michael A. Snover has practiced in Pennsylvania courts for over 38 years. His Bethlehem office provides convenient access to both county courthouses for Fountain Hill clients. His New Jersey Bar admission also enables him to assist clients whose cases involve cross-border issues near the Delaware River.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law provides 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 from the date of your injury. If you miss this deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case. Contact an attorney promptly to ensure your claim is filed on time.
What does contingency fee basis mean?
A contingency fee basis means you pay no attorney fees unless your attorney recovers compensation for you. Michael A. Snover handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so Fountain Hill residents can pursue their claims without paying upfront legal costs. If there is no recovery, you owe no attorney fee.
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 after an accident unless your injury qualifies as a “serious injury” under Pennsylvania law. Full tort costs more but preserves your full right to sue for all damages, including pain and suffering, regardless of injury severity.
Can I sue my employer if I was injured at work in Pennsylvania?
In most cases, Pennsylvania workers compensation law prevents employees from suing their employers for workplace injuries. Instead, injured workers receive benefits through the workers compensation system, including medical coverage and wage loss benefits at approximately 66.67% of average weekly wage. However, if a third party other than your employer caused your injury, you may have a separate personal injury claim against that third party.
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 determined that the defendant healthcare provider deviated from the accepted standard of care. This requirement helps ensure that medical malpractice claims have medical merit before proceeding.
What compensation can I recover in a Pennsylvania personal injury case?
Pennsylvania personal injury victims may recover economic damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life may also be available, depending on the circumstances and your auto insurance tort election. The specific damages recoverable depend on the facts of your case.
How does Pennsylvania's comparative negligence rule affect my claim?
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault for your injury, you cannot recover any damages. If you are less than 51% at fault, you can recover damages, but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you are 30% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $70,000.
How much does it cost to consult with Michael A. Snover about my injury case?
Michael A. Snover offers free consultations to Fountain Hill residents and others who have suffered injuries. You can call (484) 821-1005 to discuss your case at no cost. There is no obligation to hire Attorney Snover after the consultation. His office hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.
Which court handles personal injury cases from Fountain Hill, PA?
Personal injury lawsuits arising from incidents in Fountain Hill are typically filed in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas in Allentown, PA. Because Fountain Hill is adjacent to Bethlehem, which spans two counties, some cases may involve the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas in Easton, PA, depending on where the incident occurred.
What should I do immediately after an accident in Fountain Hill?
After an accident in Fountain Hill, prioritize your safety and health by seeking medical attention. If you are able, document the scene with photographs and collect contact information from witnesses. Report the incident to appropriate authorities, such as police for auto accidents or your employer for workplace injuries. Then contact Michael A. Snover at (484) 821-1005 for a free consultation before speaking with insurance adjusters.
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.
