Personal Injury Attorney Serving Fullerton, PA - Michael A. Snover, Esq.
If you have been injured in Fullerton, PA, contact Michael A. Snover, Esq. at (484) 821-1005 for a free consultation. With approximately 39 years of legal experience representing injured Pennsylvanians, Attorney Snover provides dedicated personal injury representation to Fullerton residents from his Bethlehem office, just minutes away. He works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless he recovers compensation for your case.
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 as a sole practitioner since 1997, giving him approximately 29 years of running his own law firm focused on helping injury victims throughout the Lehigh Valley, including Fullerton and surrounding Whitehall Township communities.
Quick Facts About Michael A. Snover, Esq.
- Education: 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
- Fees: Contingency fee basis (no fee unless you recover compensation)
- Service Area: Fullerton, Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, and throughout Pennsylvania
Why Fullerton Residents Choose Michael A. Snover
Fullerton is a densely populated residential community within Whitehall Township in Lehigh County. Located along the Lehigh River just north of Allentown, Fullerton sees significant traffic along Routes 145 and 329, as well as active industrial and commercial activity in the river corridor. These conditions create risks for motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, and premises liability incidents.
Attorney Snover understands the local landscape that Fullerton residents face. His Bethlehem office at 2571 Baglyos Circle, Suite B25, is conveniently located for Fullerton clients. When your case requires court proceedings, Lehigh County cases are heard at the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas in Allentown, just south of Fullerton.
Michael A. Snover completed his undergraduate education at Moravian College in 1984 before attending law school. After earning his JD and passing the Pennsylvania Bar in 1987, he was also admitted to the New Jersey Bar in 1988. This dual admission allows him to assist clients with matters that may cross state lines.
Personal Injury
Personal injury law covers a wide range of accidents and incidents where someone else’s negligence causes you harm. For Fullerton residents, this can include car crashes on Route 145, injuries at local businesses, or harm caused by defective products.
Under Pennsylvania law, you have a limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit. The statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury, as established in 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to pursue compensation through the courts.
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 the accident, but your compensation 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, you would recover $80,000.
Attorney Snover handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. Fullerton residents pay no upfront costs and owe no attorney fees unless compensation is recovered.
Workers Compensation
Fullerton’s proximity to industrial operations along the Lehigh River means many residents work in settings where workplace injuries can occur. The Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Act provides benefits to employees who are injured on the job, regardless of fault.
Workers compensation benefits in Pennsylvania typically include:
- Payment of all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to the work injury
- Wage loss benefits at approximately 66.67% of your average weekly wage
- Specific loss benefits for permanent injuries such as loss of limbs or fingers
- 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, a separate personal injury claim may be possible.
Michael A. Snover helps Fullerton workers understand their rights under the Workers Compensation Act and works to ensure they receive the full benefits they deserve.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s negligence causes injury to a patient. Fullerton residents receive care at hospitals and medical facilities throughout the Lehigh Valley, and substandard care can lead to serious harm.
Pennsylvania has 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 before a medical malpractice claim can proceed. This certificate must state that the medical professional has reviewed the facts of the case and believes there is a reasonable basis to conclude that the healthcare provider deviated from the acceptable standard of care.
The two-year statute of limitations under 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524 applies to medical malpractice claims as well. Given the complexity of these cases and the Certificate of Merit requirement, Fullerton residents who believe they have experienced medical malpractice should seek legal guidance promptly.
Auto Accidents
Fullerton’s location along Routes 145 and 329 means residents frequently travel busy roadways where accidents happen. The intersection of residential traffic with commercial and industrial vehicles creates conditions where collisions occur.
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 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 |
| Insurance premium cost | Lower premiums | Higher premiums |
| Definition of serious injury | Must meet threshold: death, serious impairment of body function, or permanent serious disfigurement | No threshold required |
| Economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) | Always recoverable | Always recoverable |
| Exceptions to limited tort restrictions | You can still sue if the at-fault driver was DUI, from out of state, or driving an unregistered vehicle | Not applicable |
If you have been injured in an auto accident in Fullerton, understanding your tort selection is critical to evaluating your claim. Attorney Snover can review your insurance policy and explain how it affects your legal options.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents fall under premises liability law. Property owners and occupiers in Pennsylvania have a duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. When they fail to do so, and someone is injured as a result, the property owner may be liable.
Common slip and fall hazards in Fullerton include:
- Icy or snow-covered sidewalks and parking lots during winter months
- Wet floors in retail stores and restaurants
- Uneven pavement or broken steps
- Poor lighting in stairwells and parking areas
- Debris or obstacles in walkways
To succeed in a premises liability case, you must generally show that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to address it. The two-year statute of limitations applies, so Fullerton residents should document the scene and seek legal advice soon after an incident.
Wrongful Death
When a family member dies due to someone else’s negligence, Pennsylvania law allows certain relatives to pursue a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death action seeks compensation for the losses the family has suffered, including lost income the deceased would have provided, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses.
A separate survival action may also be filed on behalf of the deceased person’s estate. This action covers damages the deceased person could have claimed if they had survived, such as pain and suffering between the time of injury and death, as well as medical expenses incurred before death.
The two-year statute of limitations under 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524 applies to wrongful death claims, running from the date of death. Fullerton families dealing with the loss of a loved one due to negligence should consult with an attorney to understand their legal options during this difficult time.
How to Start Your Case in Fullerton, PA
- Call for a free consultation: Contact Michael A. Snover at (484) 821-1005 to discuss your situation. The initial consultation is free, and there is no obligation to proceed.
- Gather your documents: Collect any accident reports, medical records, photographs of injuries or the accident scene, insurance information, and contact details for witnesses.
- Meet with Attorney Snover: Visit the Bethlehem office at 2571 Baglyos Circle, Suite B25, or arrange a convenient meeting to review your case in detail. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.
- Case evaluation: Attorney Snover will evaluate the facts, identify potentially liable parties, and explain the legal process, including any applicable deadlines under Pennsylvania law.
- Begin representation: If you choose to proceed, you will sign a contingency fee agreement. You pay no attorney fees unless compensation is recovered for your case.
- Investigation and claim pursuit: Your attorney will gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and pursue your claim through negotiation or litigation as appropriate.
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. This means you must file your lawsuit within two years from the date of your injury. Failing to file within this period typically bars your claim permanently. Fullerton residents should consult an attorney promptly to protect their rights.
What does contingency fee basis mean?
Contingency fee basis means you pay no attorney fees upfront. 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 handles personal injury cases for Fullerton clients on this basis, making legal representation accessible regardless of your current financial situation.
What is the difference between limited tort and full tort auto insurance in Pennsylvania?
Limited tort coverage restricts your right to sue for pain and suffering after an auto accident unless you suffer a serious injury, such as permanent serious disfigurement or serious impairment of body function. Full tort coverage preserves your full right to sue for pain and suffering regardless of injury severity. Limited tort policies have lower premiums, but they limit your legal options after an accident.
Can I sue my employer if I am injured at work in Pennsylvania?
Generally, no. Pennsylvania workers compensation law provides the exclusive remedy for workplace injuries. This means you receive workers compensation benefits but cannot sue your employer in civil court for negligence. However, if a third party other than your employer caused your injury, you may have a separate personal injury claim against that party.
What benefits does Pennsylvania workers compensation provide?
Pennsylvania workers compensation provides payment of medical expenses related to your work injury, wage loss benefits at approximately 66.67% of your average weekly wage, specific loss benefits for permanent injuries such as amputation, and death benefits for surviving family members if a worker is killed on the job.
What is a Certificate of Merit in a Pennsylvania medical malpractice case?
A Certificate of Merit is a document required under Pa.R.C.P. 1042.3 before a medical malpractice claim can proceed in Pennsylvania. It must be signed by a licensed medical professional who has reviewed the case and believes there is a reasonable basis to conclude that the healthcare provider deviated from the acceptable standard of care. This requirement exists to screen out frivolous claims.
How does Pennsylvania's comparative negligence rule work?
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. You can recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages from the other party.
Where would my Fullerton personal injury case be heard in court?
Fullerton is located in Lehigh County, so civil cases would be heard at the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas in Allentown. Some cases involving parties or incidents in neighboring Northampton County might 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 Fullerton residents and others throughout the Lehigh Valley. You can discuss your case, ask questions, and learn about your legal options at no cost and with no obligation. Call (484) 821-1005 to schedule your free consultation.
What should I bring to my first meeting with a personal injury attorney?
Bring any documents related to your case, including accident or incident reports, medical records and bills, photographs of injuries or the accident scene, insurance policy information, correspondence from insurance companies, and contact information for any witnesses. The more information you provide, the better Attorney Snover can evaluate your case.
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.
