Personal Injury Attorney Serving Hellertown, PA - Michael A. Snover, Esq.
If you have been injured in Hellertown, PA, call Michael A. Snover, Esq. at (484) 821-1005 for a free consultation. Michael A. Snover has practiced personal injury law in Pennsylvania for over 37 years. 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. He has operated as a sole practitioner since 1997, giving him nearly three decades of experience running his own firm and handling cases for injured clients throughout Northampton County, including Hellertown and surrounding 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: Hellertown, Bethlehem, and all of Northampton County
Why Hellertown Residents Choose Michael A. Snover
Hellertown is a small borough in Northampton County, located along the Saucon Creek just south of Bethlehem. The borough sees significant through-traffic between Bethlehem and the I-78 corridor, with Route 412 running directly through town. This traffic pattern contributes to motor vehicle accidents that injure local residents each year.
When Hellertown residents suffer injuries from car crashes, workplace incidents, or dangerous property conditions, they need an attorney who understands both Pennsylvania law and the local court system. Cases from Hellertown are typically heard in the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas in Easton. Michael A. Snover has practiced in this region for his entire career and understands how to build strong cases for clients in this jurisdiction.
His office in Bethlehem is just minutes from Hellertown, making in-person consultations convenient for injured clients who may have difficulty traveling far distances. He offers free initial consultations and works on a contingency fee basis, meaning Hellertown injury victims pay no attorney fees unless they recover compensation.
Personal Injury
Personal injury claims in Pennsylvania allow injured people to seek compensation when someone else’s negligence causes them harm. If you were hurt in Hellertown due to another party’s careless or reckless conduct, you may be entitled to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Pennsylvania law gives you a limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit. Under 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of injury. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to pursue compensation through the courts.
Pennsylvania also follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. This means you can recover compensation if you were 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% responsible for an accident, your compensation would be reduced by 20%.
Michael A. Snover represents Hellertown residents in all types of personal injury matters, helping them understand their rights and pursue fair compensation.
Workers Compensation
Workers who are injured on the job in Hellertown have rights under 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 in Pennsylvania covers medical bills related to your workplace injury, wage loss benefits, and specific loss benefits for permanent injuries. Wage loss benefits are typically calculated at 66.67% of your average weekly wage, subject to statewide maximum rates.
One important aspect of Pennsylvania workers compensation law is that injured workers generally cannot sue their employers in civil court. The workers compensation system is designed as the exclusive remedy for most workplace injuries. However, if a third party other than your employer contributed to your injury, you may have a separate personal injury claim against that party.
Hellertown workers who have been hurt on the job should understand that employers and insurance companies do not always approve legitimate claims willingly. Having an attorney review your situation can help ensure you receive all the benefits you deserve.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s negligence causes injury to a patient. These cases are among the most complex personal injury matters because they require proving that a medical professional deviated from the accepted standard of care.
Pennsylvania has specific procedural requirements for medical malpractice claims. Under Pa.R.C.P. 1042.3, you must file a Certificate of Merit signed by a licensed medical professional before your claim can proceed. This certificate must state that the defendant’s conduct fell outside acceptable medical standards and caused your injury.
Hellertown residents receive medical care from providers throughout the Lehigh Valley. If you believe you or a family member was harmed by medical negligence, the two-year statute of limitations under 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524 applies to most medical malpractice claims.
Michael A. Snover handles medical malpractice cases for clients in Hellertown and throughout Northampton County on a contingency fee basis.
Auto Accidents
Auto accidents are a leading cause of personal injuries in Hellertown. The borough’s location along Route 412 and its proximity to I-78 means residents regularly travel on busy roads where serious collisions occur.
Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state for auto insurance, which means drivers select either limited tort or full tort coverage when purchasing insurance. This choice significantly affects your rights after an accident:
Limited Tort vs. Full Tort in Pennsylvania
| Limited Tort | Full Tort | |
|---|---|---|
| Right to sue for pain and suffering | Restricted to serious injuries only | Full right to sue for any injury |
| Insurance premium cost | Lower premiums | Higher premiums |
| Economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) | Can recover regardless of tort choice | Can recover regardless of tort choice |
| Serious injury threshold | Must prove serious impairment of body function, permanent serious disfigurement, or death | No threshold required |
| Exceptions to limited tort | May apply if other driver was DUI, out-of-state, or uninsured | Not applicable |
Understanding your tort selection is critical after a Hellertown car accident. Michael A. Snover can review your insurance policy and explain how it affects your potential claim.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners in Pennsylvania have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. When they fail to do so and visitors are injured, the property owner may be liable under premises liability law.
Slip and fall accidents in Hellertown can happen at retail stores, restaurants, apartment buildings, parking lots, and private homes. Common causes include wet floors, icy sidewalks, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, and debris in walkways.
To succeed in a slip and fall claim, you generally must prove that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn visitors. The two-year statute of limitations under 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524 applies to these cases.
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident in Hellertown, documenting the scene with photographs and reporting the incident to the property owner or manager can help preserve important evidence for your claim.
Wrongful Death
When a person dies due to another party’s negligence in Pennsylvania, certain family members may bring a wrongful death claim. These claims allow surviving family members to seek compensation for the losses they have suffered because of their loved one’s death.
Pennsylvania wrongful death claims can recover damages including funeral and burial expenses, lost income the deceased would have provided, and loss of companionship and guidance. A separate survival action may also allow recovery for the pain and suffering the deceased experienced before death and other damages that would have belonged to the deceased.
The two-year statute of limitations applies to wrongful death claims in Pennsylvania, running from the date of death rather than the date of the incident that caused the death.
Losing a family member is devastating. If your loved one died due to negligence in Hellertown or the surrounding area, Michael A. Snover can help you understand your legal options during this difficult time.
How to Start Your Case
- Call for a free consultation: Contact Michael A. Snover at (484) 821-1005 to discuss your injury and learn about your legal options. There is no charge for this initial conversation.
- Gather your documents: Collect any records related to your injury, including medical bills, accident reports, photographs, and correspondence with insurance companies.
- Meet with the attorney: Visit the Bethlehem office at 2571 Baglyos Circle, Suite B25, or arrange a meeting at a location convenient for you. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.
- Case evaluation: Michael A. Snover will review the facts of your case, explain applicable Pennsylvania law, and advise you on the strength of your potential claim.
- Begin representation: If you decide to move forward, you will sign a contingency fee agreement. You pay no attorney fees unless your case results in compensation.
- Investigation and claim filing: Your attorney will investigate your claim, gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and file suit if necessary before the statute of limitations expires.
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 you from recovering compensation through the court system.
What does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney in Hellertown?
Michael A. Snover works on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases. This means you pay no attorney fees unless your case results in a financial recovery. Free consultations are available to Hellertown residents who want to discuss their potential claims.
Where is Michael A. Snover's office located?
The office is located at 2571 Baglyos Circle, Suite B25, Bethlehem, PA 18020. This location is just minutes from Hellertown, making it convenient for Northampton County residents to meet in person. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.
What court handles personal injury cases from Hellertown?
Hellertown is in Northampton County, so civil cases including personal injury lawsuits are typically heard in the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas, which is located in Easton, PA.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault for my accident in Pennsylvania?
Yes, Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. You can recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages.
What is the difference between limited tort and full tort auto insurance in Pennsylvania?
Limited tort insurance typically costs less but restricts your right to sue for pain and suffering unless you suffered a serious injury. Full tort insurance costs more but preserves your full right to sue for pain and suffering after any accident. Both options allow you to recover economic damages like medical bills and lost wages.
What benefits does Pennsylvania workers compensation provide?
Pennsylvania workers compensation covers medical expenses related to your workplace injury, wage loss benefits at approximately 66.67% of your average weekly wage, and specific loss benefits for permanent injuries such as loss of a limb or loss of use of a body part.
Do I need a Certificate of Merit for a medical malpractice case in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1042.3 requires plaintiffs in medical malpractice cases to file a Certificate of Merit signed by a licensed medical professional. This certificate must state that the healthcare provider’s conduct fell outside acceptable standards and caused your injury.
What is Michael A. Snover's legal background?
Michael A. Snover earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Moravian College in 1984 and his Juris Doctor from Dickinson School of Law at Pennsylvania State University in 1987. He was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 1987 and the New Jersey Bar in 1988. He has been a sole practitioner since 1997, giving him over 37 years of legal experience and nearly 29 years running his own practice.
Does Michael A. Snover offer free consultations to Hellertown residents?
Yes. Michael A. Snover offers free initial consultations to injury victims in Hellertown and throughout Northampton County. Call (484) 821-1005 to schedule your consultation and learn about your legal options.
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.
