Personal Injury Attorney Serving Emmaus, PA - Michael A. Snover, Esq.
If you have been injured in Emmaus, PA, call Michael A. Snover, Esq. at (484) 821-1005 for a free consultation. Mr. Snover has practiced personal injury law in Pennsylvania for approximately 39 years, serving injured residents throughout the Lehigh Valley from his Bethlehem office. 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, Mr. Snover provides direct, personal attention to every client. He handles cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless he recovers compensation for your injury.
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 Emmaus Residents Choose Michael A. Snover
Emmaus is a close-knit borough in Lehigh County with a strong sense of community. When residents here suffer injuries due to someone else’s negligence, they need an attorney who understands both the local area and Pennsylvania personal injury law. Mr. Snover’s office in Bethlehem is a short drive from Emmaus, making in-person consultations convenient for injured clients and their families.
Mr. Snover completed his undergraduate education at Moravian College in 1984, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. This local educational background reflects his long-standing connection to the Lehigh Valley region. After graduating from Dickinson School of Law in 1987, he was admitted to the New Jersey Bar in 1988, giving him the ability to handle matters in both states when necessary.
As a sole practitioner since 1997, Mr. Snover offers the kind of focused, individualized representation that larger firms often cannot provide. When you call his office, you work directly with him rather than being passed between associates or paralegals.
Personal Injury
Personal injury claims in Pennsylvania arise when someone suffers harm due to another party’s negligence. Emmaus residents may encounter injury situations involving car crashes on Route 29, slip and fall incidents at local businesses, dog bites, or accidents on private property. Pennsylvania law allows injured parties to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
A critical deadline applies to all personal injury cases in Pennsylvania. Under 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524, you have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Missing this statute of limitations typically bars you from recovering any compensation, regardless of how strong your case may be. If you have been injured in Emmaus, contact Mr. Snover promptly to protect your legal rights.
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule known as the 51% bar. This means you can still recover damages if you were partially at fault for your injury, as long as your fault does not reach 51% or more. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000.
Workers Compensation
Injured workers in Emmaus are protected by the Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Act. This system provides benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or occupational diseases, regardless of who was at fault. In exchange for these guaranteed benefits, employees generally cannot sue their employers in civil court for workplace injuries.
Workers compensation benefits in Pennsylvania typically include:
- Payment of all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to the work injury
- Wage loss benefits 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 dependents of workers killed on the job
Many Emmaus residents work in manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and other industries where workplace injuries occur regularly. Common injuries include back strains, repetitive motion injuries, falls, machinery accidents, and exposure to harmful substances. Mr. Snover helps injured workers obtain the full benefits they deserve under Pennsylvania law.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s negligence causes patient harm. Emmaus residents receive medical care at hospitals and clinics throughout the Lehigh Valley, including facilities in Allentown and Bethlehem. When that care falls below accepted medical standards and results in injury, patients may have grounds for a malpractice claim.
Pennsylvania law imposes a specific procedural requirement on medical malpractice cases. Under Pa.R.C.P. 1042.3, plaintiffs must file a Certificate of Merit signed by a licensed medical professional. This certificate must state that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that the care provided fell outside acceptable professional standards and caused the harm alleged. This requirement exists to screen out frivolous claims and ensure that only legitimate cases proceed.
Medical malpractice cases are subject to the same two-year statute of limitations that applies to other personal injury claims in Pennsylvania. Given the complexity of these cases and the Certificate of Merit requirement, Emmaus residents who believe they have been harmed by medical negligence should consult with Mr. Snover as soon as possible.
Auto Accidents
Car accidents are among the most common sources of personal injury claims in Emmaus and throughout Lehigh County. Routes 29 and 222 carry significant traffic through and around Emmaus, and collisions occur regularly at intersections, parking lots, and along residential streets. Victims may suffer injuries ranging from whiplash and soft tissue damage to traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage.
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 legal rights after an accident:
Limited Tort vs. Full Tort in Pennsylvania
| Factor | Limited Tort | Full Tort |
|---|---|---|
| Right to sue for pain and suffering | Restricted to cases involving "serious injury" | Full right to sue for any injury |
| Definition of serious injury | Death, serious impairment of body function, or permanent serious disfigurement | Not applicable |
| Insurance premium cost | Lower premiums | Higher premiums |
| Compensation for medical bills and lost wages | Available regardless of tort option | Available regardless of tort option |
| Best suited for | Drivers seeking lower insurance costs who accept limited lawsuit rights | Drivers who want full legal protection after an accident |
If you selected limited tort and were injured in an Emmaus car accident, you may still have a valid claim depending on the severity of your injuries. Mr. Snover can review your insurance policy and the facts of your accident to determine your legal options.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners in Pennsylvania have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors. When they fail to address hazards such as wet floors, icy sidewalks, uneven pavement, or poor lighting, visitors who fall and injure themselves may have a premises liability claim. Emmaus has numerous retail establishments, restaurants, apartment complexes, and public spaces where slip and fall accidents occur.
These cases require proof that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to correct it or warn visitors. Evidence preservation is critical. If you fall on someone’s property in Emmaus, document the scene with photographs if possible, report the incident to the property owner or manager, and seek medical attention promptly.
The two-year statute of limitations under 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524 applies to slip and fall cases. Contact Mr. Snover soon after your accident to discuss your potential claim.
Wrongful Death
When a person dies due to another party’s negligence, Pennsylvania law allows certain family members to bring a wrongful death claim. These cases seek compensation for the losses suffered by surviving family members, including lost financial support, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses.
Wrongful death claims in Pennsylvania can be brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of the surviving spouse, children, or parents. A separate survival action may also be available to recover damages the deceased person could have claimed had they survived, such as pain and suffering experienced before death.
Losing a family member is devastating, and legal deadlines may be the last thing on your mind. However, the two-year statute of limitations still applies. Emmaus families dealing with a wrongful death should consult with Mr. Snover to understand their rights and options.
How to Start Your Case in Emmaus, PA
- Call for a free consultation: Contact Michael A. Snover, Esq. at (484) 821-1005. Describe your injury and how it happened. Mr. Snover will provide an initial assessment of your potential case at no charge.
- Gather your documents: Collect any paperwork related to your injury, including medical records, bills, accident reports, photographs, and insurance information. Bring these to your consultation.
- Meet with Mr. Snover: Visit the office at 2571 Baglyos Circle, Suite B25, Bethlehem, PA 18020. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. During this meeting, Mr. Snover will review your case in detail and explain your legal options.
- Sign a contingency fee agreement: If you decide to proceed, you will sign a fee agreement. Under contingency fee arrangements, you pay no attorney fees unless Mr. Snover recovers compensation for you.
- Investigation and claim filing: Mr. Snover will investigate your case, gather evidence, and handle communications with insurance companies. If necessary, he will file a lawsuit in the appropriate court, such as the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas in Allentown.
- Resolution: Your case may settle through negotiation or proceed to trial. Mr. Snover will keep you informed throughout the process and advise you on all settlement offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law gives you two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is established by 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524. If you do not file within this period, you will almost certainly lose your right to seek compensation. Emmaus residents should contact an attorney promptly after an injury to ensure they meet this deadline.
What does contingency fee basis mean?
Contingency fee basis means you do not pay attorney fees upfront. Instead, the attorney’s fee is a percentage of the compensation recovered in your case. If no compensation is recovered, you owe no attorney fee. Michael A. Snover, Esq. handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, making legal representation accessible to Emmaus injury victims regardless of their financial situation.
What is the difference between limited tort and full tort in Pennsylvania?
Limited tort and full tort are auto insurance options in Pennsylvania. Full tort gives you the unrestricted right to sue for pain and suffering after a car accident. Limited tort restricts your right to sue for pain and suffering unless you suffer a “serious injury,” defined as death, serious impairment of body function, or permanent serious disfigurement. Limited tort typically costs less but provides fewer legal protections.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for my injury?
Yes, Pennsylvania follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar. You can recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault for your injury. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation from other at-fault parties.
What benefits are available through Pennsylvania workers compensation?
Pennsylvania workers compensation provides medical expense coverage for treatment related to your work injury, wage loss benefits at 66.67% of your average weekly wage, specific loss benefits for permanent injuries, and death benefits for dependents of workers killed on the job. These benefits are available regardless of fault, but injured workers generally cannot sue their employers in civil court.
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. It must be signed by a licensed medical professional who states that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that the healthcare provider’s care fell outside acceptable professional standards and caused the alleged harm. This certificate must be filed with the court, typically within 60 days of filing the complaint.
Which court handles personal injury cases for Emmaus residents?
Emmaus is located in Lehigh County, so most personal injury lawsuits involving Emmaus residents would be filed in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas, which is located in Allentown, PA. Some cases involving defendants or incidents in neighboring areas may be filed in the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas in Easton, PA.
How much does it cost to consult with Michael A. Snover about my injury case?
Michael A. Snover, Esq. offers free consultations to potential clients. You can call (484) 821-1005 to discuss your case at no charge. If you decide to hire Mr. Snover, he handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no attorney fees unless compensation is recovered.
What should I bring to my first meeting with a personal injury attorney?
Bring any documents related to your injury, including medical records and bills, photographs of the accident scene or your injuries, police or incident reports, insurance policy information, correspondence from insurance companies, and contact information for any witnesses. The more information you provide, the better Mr. Snover can evaluate your case.
How far is Michael A. Snover's office from Emmaus?
Mr. Snover’s office is located at 2571 Baglyos Circle, Suite B25, Bethlehem, PA 18020. This location is approximately 10 to 15 minutes from Emmaus by car, depending on traffic conditions. The office is easily accessible from Routes 29 and 22, making it convenient for Emmaus residents to schedule in-person consultations.
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.
