Personal Injury Attorney Serving Easton, PA - Michael A. Snover, Esq.
If you have been injured in Easton, PA and need legal representation, call Michael A. Snover, Esq. at (484) 821-1005 for a free consultation. Attorney Snover has served injury victims throughout the Lehigh Valley for nearly four decades. 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 practice. He handles personal injury cases 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)
- 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
- Service Area: Easton, Bethlehem, Allentown, and throughout Northampton and Lehigh Counties
Why Easton Residents Choose Michael A. Snover
Easton sits at the confluence of the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers, serving as the county seat of Northampton County. This location creates unique legal considerations for injury victims. The Northampton County Court of Common Pleas, located in Easton, handles civil litigation for residents throughout the county. Attorney Snover understands the local court system and has practiced in this region for his entire legal career.
Michael A. Snover earned his undergraduate degree from Moravian College in 1984, an institution with deep roots in the Bethlehem and Easton communities. His New Jersey Bar admission in 1988 proves valuable for Easton residents, given the city’s location directly across the Delaware River from Phillipsburg, NJ. Cross-border accidents on the Route 22 toll bridge or incidents involving New Jersey parties may require an attorney licensed in both states.
With nearly four decades of legal experience, Attorney Snover has built his practice on representing injured individuals against insurance companies and negligent parties. His office in Bethlehem is a short drive from Easton, making in-person consultations convenient for local residents.
Personal Injury
Pennsylvania law gives injury victims two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is established by 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524, the state’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Missing this deadline typically bars you from recovering compensation through the court system, regardless of how serious your injuries may be.
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. This means you can recover damages if you were less than 51% responsible for the accident. However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you suffered $100,000 in damages but were found 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000.
Attorney Snover represents Easton residents in all types of personal injury claims. He works on a contingency fee basis, so you can pursue your case without paying upfront legal fees. You only pay attorney fees if he recovers compensation for you.
Workers Compensation
The Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Act provides benefits to employees injured on the job. If you were hurt while working in Easton or anywhere in Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to medical bill coverage, wage loss benefits, and specific loss benefits for permanent injuries.
Wage loss benefits under Pennsylvania workers compensation law typically equal 66.67% of your average weekly wage, subject to statewide maximum amounts. These benefits help replace income while you recover from your workplace injury.
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 serves as the exclusive remedy in most cases. However, third-party claims may be possible if someone other than your employer caused your injury.
Michael A. Snover helps Easton workers understand their rights under the Workers Compensation Act. He assists with initial claims, denied claims, and disputes over the extent of injuries or appropriate benefits.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice claims in Pennsylvania require a Certificate of Merit before the case can proceed. Under Pa.R.C.P. 1042.3, a licensed medical professional must sign a certificate stating that there is a reasonable probability that the healthcare provider’s conduct fell outside acceptable professional standards and caused harm to the patient.
This requirement exists to ensure that medical malpractice claims have medical support before they move forward in the court system. Attorney Snover works with medical professionals to evaluate potential malpractice cases and obtain the necessary certification when appropriate.
Easton residents receive care at hospitals and medical facilities throughout the Lehigh Valley. When that care falls below acceptable standards and causes injury, patients have the right to seek compensation. The two-year statute of limitations under 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524 applies to medical malpractice claims, making prompt legal consultation important.
Auto Accidents
Easton’s location at the intersection of Routes 22 and 78 means significant traffic volume passes through the area daily. Auto accidents on these highways, on local Easton streets, or on the bridges connecting to New Jersey can result in serious injuries.
Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state for auto insurance. When you purchase auto 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 economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) | Can recover economic damages (medical bills, 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 |
| Must prove serious impairment of body function, permanent serious disfigurement, or death to recover non-economic damages | No threshold requirement for non-economic damage claims |
Understanding your tort selection is critical after an Easton car accident. Attorney Snover reviews insurance policies with clients to determine their coverage and legal options. His New Jersey Bar admission also allows him to handle matters when accidents involve New Jersey drivers or occur on the New Jersey side of the border.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners in Easton have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. When dangerous conditions like wet floors, icy sidewalks, broken stairs, or poor lighting cause injuries, the property owner may be liable under Pennsylvania premises liability law.
Slip and fall cases require proving that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to address it. Evidence preservation is important in these cases. Photographs of the hazard, incident reports, and witness statements can support your claim.
Easton experiences winter weather that creates icy and snowy conditions. Pennsylvania law addresses property owner responsibility for snow and ice removal. If you fell on commercial or residential property in Easton due to a hazardous condition, contact Attorney Snover to discuss your potential claim. The two-year statute of limitations applies to slip and fall cases.
Wrongful Death
When negligence causes a fatal injury, Pennsylvania law allows certain family members to bring a wrongful death claim. Spouses, children, and parents of the deceased may be entitled to compensation for their losses.
Wrongful death claims can arise from auto accidents, workplace incidents, medical malpractice, or any other situation where negligence caused a death. These cases involve both a wrongful death action for the benefit of surviving family members and a survival action on behalf of the deceased person’s estate.
The emotional difficulty of losing a family member makes legal matters feel overwhelming. Michael A. Snover handles wrongful death cases for Easton families, managing the legal process while you focus on your family. Consultations are free, and cases are handled on a contingency fee basis.
How to Start Your Case
- Call for a free consultation: Contact Michael A. Snover at (484) 821-1005 or email snoverlaw@aol.com to schedule your initial meeting. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.
- Gather your documents: Collect accident reports, medical records, photographs of injuries or the accident scene, insurance information, and any correspondence with insurance companies.
- Meet with Attorney Snover: Visit the office at 2571 Baglyos Circle, Suite B25, Bethlehem, PA to discuss your case. Easton residents can reach the office in approximately 15 minutes.
- Case evaluation: Attorney Snover will review your situation, explain your legal options, and answer your questions about the process.
- Engagement: If you decide to proceed, you will sign a contingency fee agreement. You pay no attorney fees unless compensation is recovered.
- Investigation and action: Attorney Snover will investigate your claim, gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and take legal action as needed to pursue fair compensation.
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 of 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 pursue compensation through the court system. Contact an attorney promptly after an injury to protect your legal rights.
What does contingency fee basis mean?
Contingency fee basis means you pay no attorney fees unless your attorney recovers compensation for your case. Michael A. Snover handles personal injury cases this way, allowing Easton injury victims to pursue claims without paying upfront legal costs. If no compensation is recovered, you owe no attorney fees.
What is the difference between limited tort and full tort auto insurance in Pennsylvania?
Limited tort 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 suffer a serious injury, such as permanent serious disfigurement or serious impairment of body function. Full tort costs more but preserves your full right 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?
Generally, no. Pennsylvania workers compensation law provides the exclusive remedy for most workplace injuries. This means you receive workers compensation benefits but cannot sue your employer in civil court. However, if a third party other than your employer caused 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 Pa.R.C.P. 1042.3 in Pennsylvania medical malpractice cases. A licensed medical professional must sign the certificate stating there is reasonable probability that the healthcare provider deviated from acceptable medical standards and that deviation caused harm. This certificate must be obtained before the malpractice case can proceed.
How much are workers compensation wage benefits in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania workers compensation wage loss benefits typically equal 66.67% of your average weekly wage, up to a statewide maximum amount that changes annually. These benefits help replace lost income while you recover from a workplace injury. The specific amount depends on your pre-injury wages and the current maximum benefit rate.
What court handles personal injury cases for Easton residents?
Personal injury lawsuits for Easton residents are typically filed in the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas, which is located in Easton. As the county seat of Northampton County, Easton is home to the county courthouse where civil litigation is heard. Some cases may also be filed in Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas in Allentown, depending on where the incident occurred.
Is Michael A. Snover licensed to practice in New Jersey?
Yes. Michael A. Snover was admitted to the New Jersey Bar in 1988 and maintains that license in good standing. This dual licensure is valuable for Easton clients because Easton borders Phillipsburg, NJ across the Delaware River. Accidents on border bridges or incidents involving New Jersey parties may require an attorney licensed in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Where is Michael A. Snover's office located?
Michael A. Snover’s office is located at 2571 Baglyos Circle, Suite B25, Bethlehem, PA 18020. The office is conveniently located for Easton residents and is accessible during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. To schedule a free consultation, call (484) 821-1005 or email snoverlaw@aol.com.
What types of cases does Michael A. Snover handle?
Michael A. Snover represents clients in personal injury, workers compensation, medical malpractice, auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall accidents, wrongful death, and premises liability cases. He has nearly four decades of legal experience and has operated his own practice since 1997. All personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis.
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.
