Personal Injury Attorney Serving Rittersville, PA - Michael A. Snover, Esq.
If you have been injured in Rittersville, PA, call Michael A. Snover, Esq. at (484) 821-1005 for a free consultation. With over 38 years of experience representing injured Pennsylvanians, Attorney Snover handles personal injury, workers compensation, and medical malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless he recovers compensation for you. Michael A. Snover 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 his own law practice since 1997, giving Rittersville residents direct access to an attorney who personally manages every case from his Bethlehem office.
Quick Facts: Attorney Michael A. Snover
- Attorney: Michael A. Snover, Esq., JD from Dickinson School of Law, Penn State (1987); BA from Moravian College (1984)
- Bar Admissions: Pennsylvania (1987), New Jersey (1988)
- 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: Rittersville and all Lehigh County communities, Northampton County, and Eastern Pennsylvania
- Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm
Why Rittersville Residents Choose Michael A. Snover
Rittersville is a close-knit residential neighborhood within Allentown, and its residents deserve an attorney who understands the local community. Attorney Snover’s office in nearby Bethlehem provides convenient access for Rittersville injury victims who need legal representation. Cases involving Rittersville residents are typically heard at the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas in Allentown, just minutes from the neighborhood.
Michael A. Snover brings 38 years of legal experience to every case. After earning his BA from Moravian College in 1984, he completed his legal education at Dickinson School of Law. His admission to both the Pennsylvania Bar (1987) and New Jersey Bar (1988) allows him to assist Rittersville clients whose cases may involve cross-border issues, particularly relevant given the proximity to the Delaware River and New Jersey state line.
As a sole practitioner since 1997, Attorney Snover personally handles each case rather than passing clients to junior associates. Rittersville residents receive direct communication with their attorney throughout the legal process.
Personal Injury
Personal injury law covers a wide range of accidents and incidents where someone suffers harm due to another party’s negligence. For Rittersville residents, common personal injury cases include car accidents on Allentown’s busy roads, slip and fall incidents at local businesses, and injuries caused by defective products.
Under Pennsylvania law, you have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is established by 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to seek compensation through the courts. Rittersville injury victims should contact an attorney promptly to protect their legal rights.
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. This means you can recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault for your injury, but 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, you would recover $80,000.
Attorney Snover handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. Rittersville clients pay no upfront fees and owe nothing unless compensation is recovered on their behalf.
Workers Compensation
Rittersville workers who suffer job-related injuries are protected by the Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Act. This system provides benefits regardless of fault, meaning you do not need to prove your employer was negligent to receive compensation.
Workers compensation benefits in Pennsylvania typically include:
- Payment of all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to the work injury
- Wage loss benefits calculated at approximately 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
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 is considered 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.
Rittersville residents who work in manufacturing, construction, healthcare, or retail face various workplace hazards. Attorney Snover assists injured workers with filing claims, appealing denied claims, and negotiating fair settlements with insurance companies.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in patient harm. Rittersville residents receive medical care at facilities throughout Lehigh County, and when medical errors occur, the consequences can be devastating.
Pennsylvania law imposes specific requirements for medical malpractice claims. Before filing a lawsuit, you must obtain a Certificate of Merit signed by a licensed medical professional. This requirement, established by Pa.R.C.P. 1042.3, confirms that a qualified medical provider has reviewed your case and believes the defendant healthcare provider deviated from accepted standards of care.
The two-year statute of limitations under 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524 applies to medical malpractice claims. Rittersville patients who suspect they were harmed by medical negligence should consult an attorney promptly. Gathering medical records and obtaining the required Certificate of Merit takes time, and delays can jeopardize your case.
Medical malpractice cases require careful investigation and often involve complex medical issues. Attorney Snover evaluates potential medical malpractice claims during free consultations at his Bethlehem office.
Auto Accidents
Rittersville’s location within Allentown means residents regularly travel on busy roads including Hamilton Street, Tilghman Street, and Route 22. Auto accidents on these roads can cause serious injuries ranging from whiplash to traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage.
Pennsylvania is a “choice” no-fault state for auto insurance. When you purchase auto insurance, you choose between limited tort and 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 economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) after an accident | Can recover economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) after an accident |
| 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 for non-economic damages |
| May limit compensation significantly | Preserves all legal options after an accident |
Many Rittersville drivers are unaware of which tort option they selected when purchasing insurance. Attorney Snover can review your policy and explain how your coverage affects your potential claim.
Motorcycle accidents also occur frequently in the Lehigh Valley. Motorcyclists often suffer more severe injuries than car occupants due to lack of physical protection. Attorney Snover represents Rittersville motorcyclists injured by negligent drivers.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners in Pennsylvania have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors. When Rittersville residents are injured due to hazardous conditions on someone else’s property, they may have a premises liability claim.
Common causes of slip and fall accidents include:
- Wet or slippery floors without warning signs
- Uneven sidewalks or parking lot surfaces
- Poor lighting in stairwells or walkways
- Ice and snow accumulation not cleared within a reasonable time
- Loose handrails or broken stairs
- Merchandise or debris in store aisles
Rittersville residents may encounter these hazards at local shopping centers, restaurants, apartment complexes, and other properties. The property owner’s liability depends on factors including the visitor’s status (invitee, licensee, or trespasser), whether the owner knew or should have known about the hazard, and whether reasonable steps were taken to address the danger.
The two-year statute of limitations applies to slip and fall cases. Evidence such as surveillance footage and witness statements can disappear quickly, making prompt legal consultation important for Rittersville accident victims.
Wrongful Death
When a Rittersville resident dies due to another party’s negligence, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim. Pennsylvania law allows certain family members to seek compensation for their losses, including funeral expenses, lost income the deceased would have provided, and loss of companionship.
A separate survival action may also be filed on behalf of the deceased person’s estate. This claim covers damages the deceased could have recovered if they had survived, such as pain and suffering experienced before death and medical expenses incurred.
The two-year statute of limitations under 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524 generally applies to wrongful death claims, running from the date of death. Families dealing with the loss of a loved one face emotional challenges that can make legal deadlines easy to overlook. Attorney Snover provides compassionate guidance to Rittersville families during these difficult times.
How to Start Your Case
- Call for a Free Consultation: Contact Michael A. Snover at (484) 821-1005 during office hours (Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm) or email snoverlaw@aol.com to schedule your free case evaluation.
- Gather Available Documentation: If possible, collect accident reports, medical records, photographs of injuries or accident scenes, insurance information, and contact details for witnesses. Do not worry if you do not have everything; Attorney Snover can help obtain necessary records.
- Meet with Attorney Snover: During your consultation, you will discuss the facts of your case, learn about your legal options, and receive an honest assessment of your claim. Rittersville residents can meet at the Bethlehem office located at 2571 Baglyos Circle, Suite B25.
- Sign a Contingency Fee Agreement: If you decide to move forward, you will sign an agreement confirming that you pay no attorney fees unless compensation is recovered on your behalf.
- Investigation and Claim Filing: Attorney Snover will investigate your case, gather evidence, and communicate with insurance companies or file a lawsuit if necessary.
- Resolution: Your case may resolve through settlement negotiations or, if needed, through trial at Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas in Allentown or Northampton County Court of Common Pleas in Easton.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law requires personal injury lawsuits to be filed within two years from the date of injury. This deadline is set by 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation through the court system. Rittersville residents should consult an attorney as soon as possible after an injury to ensure all deadlines are met.
What does contingency fee basis mean?
Contingency fee basis means you pay no attorney fees upfront and owe no fees unless your attorney recovers compensation for you. If your case is successful, the attorney fee is a percentage of the recovery. If no compensation is recovered, you owe no attorney fees. Michael A. Snover handles personal injury, workers compensation, and medical malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis, making legal representation accessible to Rittersville residents regardless of their financial situation.
What is the difference between limited tort and full tort auto insurance in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state where drivers select limited tort or full tort coverage. Limited tort has lower premiums but restricts your ability 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 after any accident. Your tort selection directly affects your legal options after a car accident.
What benefits does Pennsylvania workers compensation provide?
Pennsylvania workers compensation provides several benefits to employees injured on the job. These include payment of all reasonable medical expenses related to the work injury, wage loss benefits typically calculated at 66.67% of your average weekly wage, and specific loss benefits for permanent injuries. The system covers these benefits regardless of fault, meaning you do not need to prove your employer was negligent.
Can I sue my employer if I am injured at work in Pennsylvania?
Generally, no. Pennsylvania workers compensation law makes the workers compensation system the exclusive remedy for workplace injuries. This means injured employees typically cannot file civil lawsuits against their employers for work-related injuries. However, if a third party other than your employer caused or contributed to your injury, you may have a separate personal injury claim against that party.
What is a Certificate of Merit in a Pennsylvania medical malpractice case?
A Certificate of Merit is a document required by Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1042.3 before filing a medical malpractice lawsuit. The certificate must be signed by a licensed medical professional who has reviewed your case and believes the defendant healthcare provider deviated from accepted standards of care. This requirement exists to screen out claims that lack medical merit before they proceed through the court system.
What is comparative negligence in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. This means you can recover damages in a personal injury case if you are less than 51% at fault for your injury. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages from other at-fault parties.
Where would my Rittersville personal injury case be heard?
Personal injury cases involving Rittersville residents are typically heard at the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas, located in Allentown, PA. Rittersville is a neighborhood within Allentown in Lehigh County, so Lehigh County courts have jurisdiction over most local civil matters. Some cases with connections to Northampton County may be heard at the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas in Easton.
Does Michael A. Snover offer free consultations?
Yes. Michael A. Snover offers free consultations to Rittersville residents and others considering legal representation for personal injury, workers compensation, or medical malpractice claims. During the consultation, you can discuss your case, ask questions, and receive an honest assessment of your legal options. Call (484) 821-1005 to schedule your free consultation.
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 is relevant for Rittersville residents whose cases may involve cross-border issues, particularly given the proximity of the Lehigh Valley to the New Jersey state line near Easton.
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.
