Personal Injury Attorney Serving Nazareth, PA - Michael A. Snover, Esq.
If you have been injured in Nazareth, 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 handles personal injury, workers compensation, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. 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 as a sole practitioner since 1997, giving him nearly three decades of independent practice focused on protecting the rights of accident victims throughout Northampton County, including Nazareth and surrounding communities.
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 Nazareth Residents Choose Michael A. Snover
Nazareth is a close-knit borough in Northampton County with deep Moravian heritage and a proud manufacturing tradition. Home to the Martin Guitar Company and situated along Route 191 north of Bethlehem, Nazareth sees a mix of residential traffic and commercial truck routes. These roadways create accident risks that residents understand all too well.
When you are injured in Nazareth, you need an attorney who understands local conditions and Pennsylvania law. Michael A. Snover earned his Bachelor of Arts from Moravian College in 1984 before completing his legal education. His connection to the Lehigh Valley spans his entire career. He is also admitted to the New Jersey Bar since 1988, which can be valuable for cases involving cross-border issues.
Attorney Snover’s office in Bethlehem is a short drive from Nazareth, making in-person consultations convenient. Cases filed in Northampton County proceed through the Court of Common Pleas located in Easton, PA. For matters involving Lehigh County, the Court of Common Pleas sits in Allentown.
Personal Injury
Personal injury law in Pennsylvania covers a wide range of accidents and harm caused by another party’s negligence. If you were injured in Nazareth due to someone else’s careless or reckless actions, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule under the 51% bar. This means you can recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% responsible, your recovery is reduced by 20%.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Pennsylvania is two years from the date of injury under 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to file a lawsuit. Contact Michael A. Snover promptly after any injury in Nazareth to protect your legal options.
Workers Compensation
If you were hurt on the job in Nazareth, the Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Act provides benefits regardless of who was at fault. Workers compensation covers medical bills related to your work injury, wage loss benefits, and specific loss benefits for permanent injuries such as loss of a limb or hearing.
Wage loss benefits under Pennsylvania workers compensation typically equal 66.67% of your average weekly wage, subject to statewide maximum limits. These benefits help you support yourself and your family while you recover.
One important aspect of Pennsylvania workers compensation law is that injured workers generally cannot sue their employers in civil court. Instead, workers compensation serves as the exclusive remedy. However, if a third party caused your injury, such as a negligent driver or equipment manufacturer, you may have a separate personal injury claim.
Michael A. Snover helps Nazareth workers understand their rights, file claims correctly, and appeal denied benefits when necessary.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s negligence causes patient harm. In Pennsylvania, medical malpractice claims require a Certificate of Merit before the case can proceed. Under Pa.R.C.P. 1042.3, a licensed medical professional must review your case and sign a certificate stating that the care you received fell below accepted standards and caused your injury.
This requirement exists to screen out frivolous claims, but it also means you need an attorney who can work with medical professionals to evaluate your case properly. Michael A. Snover handles medical malpractice cases for Nazareth residents and can help determine whether your situation warrants a claim.
The two-year statute of limitations applies to medical malpractice claims in Pennsylvania. Time is critical because gathering medical records and obtaining a Certificate of Merit takes time.
Auto Accidents
Route 191 runs through Nazareth, connecting the borough to Bethlehem and communities to the north. Local roads in Nazareth, Lower Nazareth Township, and surrounding areas see regular traffic that includes passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, and motorcycles. Accidents happen at intersections, on rural stretches, and in parking lots throughout the community.
Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state for auto insurance. When you purchase a policy, 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
| Features | Limited Tort | Full Tort |
|---|---|---|
| Right to sue for pain and suffering | Restricted to serious injuries only | Unrestricted |
| Premium cost | Lower | Higher |
| Definition of serious injury | Death, serious impairment of body function, or permanent serious disfigurement | Not applicable |
| Compensation for medical bills and lost wages | Available | Available |
| Best suited for | Drivers seeking lower premiums who accept limited recovery rights | Drivers who want full legal options after an accident |
If you were injured in an auto accident in Nazareth, your tort selection affects what compensation you can pursue. Michael A. Snover reviews your insurance policy and explains your options during your free consultation.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents in Nazareth can occur at retail stores, restaurants, apartment complexes, parking lots, and private homes. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors. When they fail to address hazards like wet floors, icy sidewalks, broken stairs, or poor lighting, they may be liable for injuries that result.
Pennsylvania premises liability law considers the status of the injured person. Business invitees, such as customers, are owed the highest duty of care. Social guests and trespassers are owed lesser duties. Proving a slip and fall case requires showing the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn visitors.
If you fell and were injured on someone else’s property in Nazareth, document the scene if possible and seek medical attention. Then contact Michael A. Snover to discuss your potential claim.
Wrongful Death
When a loved one dies due to another party’s negligence or misconduct, Pennsylvania law allows certain family members to file a wrongful death claim. Spouses, children, and parents of the deceased may recover damages for funeral expenses, lost income the deceased would have earned, and loss of companionship.
A separate survival action allows the estate to recover damages the deceased could have claimed if they had survived, such as pain and suffering experienced before death and medical expenses.
Wrongful death claims in Pennsylvania must be filed within two years of the date of death under 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524. These cases are emotionally difficult, and families deserve compassionate legal guidance. Michael A. Snover represents Nazareth families who have lost loved ones in accidents, medical malpractice incidents, and other preventable tragedies.
How to Start Your Case in Nazareth, PA
- Call for a free consultation. Contact Michael A. Snover at (484) 821-1005 to schedule your initial meeting. Describe your accident and injuries so he can provide preliminary guidance.
- Gather your documents. Bring any accident reports, medical records, photographs of the scene or your injuries, insurance information, and correspondence with insurance companies.
- Meet with Attorney 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, he will evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
- Sign a contingency fee agreement. If you decide to move forward, you sign an agreement confirming that you owe no attorney fees unless compensation is recovered on your behalf.
- Investigation and case building. Attorney Snover investigates the facts, gathers evidence, consults with necessary professionals, and builds your case.
- Negotiation or litigation. Many cases settle through negotiation with insurance companies. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas in Easton.
How to Start Your Case in Nazareth, PA
Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule directly affects how much compensation you can recover. Under the 51% bar rule, you are barred from recovering any damages if you are 51% or more at fault for the accident. If your fault is 50% or less, you can recover, but your damages are reduced proportionally.
For example, if a jury awards you $100,000 but finds you 30% at fault, your recovery is reduced to $70,000. Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto injured victims to reduce payouts. Having an attorney who understands how to counter these tactics protects your interests.
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 personal injury claims under 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524. This means you must file your lawsuit within two years of the date you were injured. Failing to file within this period typically results in losing your right to seek compensation through the courts.
What does contingency fee basis mean?
Contingency fee basis means you pay no attorney fees upfront. Michael A. Snover only collects a fee if he recovers compensation for you through a settlement or court award. If there is no recovery, you owe no attorney fees. This arrangement makes legal representation accessible to injury victims regardless of their 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 suffered a serious injury, which Pennsylvania defines as death, serious impairment of body function, or permanent serious disfigurement. Full tort coverage preserves your unrestricted right to sue for pain and suffering regardless of injury severity. Limited tort premiums are lower, but full tort provides broader legal protection.
Can I sue my employer if I was injured at work in Pennsylvania?
Generally, no. The Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Act provides the exclusive remedy for workplace injuries. You receive workers compensation benefits for medical bills and lost wages, but you cannot sue your employer in civil court. However, if a third party caused your injury, such as a negligent driver or defective equipment manufacturer, you may have a separate personal injury claim against that party.
What are workers compensation wage loss benefits in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania workers compensation wage loss benefits typically equal 66.67% of your average weekly wage, up to a statewide maximum. These benefits help replace income you lose while recovering from a work-related injury. The exact amount depends on your earnings before the injury and the nature of your disability.
What is a Certificate of Merit in Pennsylvania medical malpractice cases?
A Certificate of Merit is a document required under Pa.R.C.P. 1042.3 before a medical malpractice lawsuit can proceed in Pennsylvania. A licensed medical professional must review your case and certify that the healthcare provider’s care fell below accepted standards and caused your injury. This requirement ensures that medical malpractice claims have merit before they move forward in court.
Where are Northampton County cases heard?
Civil cases in Northampton County, including personal injury lawsuits, are heard at the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas located in Easton, PA. If your accident occurred in Nazareth or elsewhere in Northampton County, your case would likely be filed in this court.
How does comparative negligence affect my Pennsylvania injury case?
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault for the accident, you cannot recover any damages. If you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages, but your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are 25% at fault and your damages total $80,000, you would receive $60,000.
Does Michael A. Snover offer free consultations?
Yes. Michael A. Snover offers free consultations to Nazareth residents and others throughout Northampton County. Call (484) 821-1005 to schedule your consultation and discuss your injury case with no obligation.
What types of cases does Michael A. Snover handle?
Michael A. Snover handles personal injury, workers compensation, medical malpractice, auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall accidents, wrongful death, and premises liability cases. He represents clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless compensation is recovered.
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.
