Personal Injury Attorney Serving Northampton County - Michael A. Snover, Esq.
If you have been injured in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, call Michael A. Snover, Esq. at (484) 821-1005 for a free consultation. Attorney Snover has represented injury victims across eastern Pennsylvania for approximately 39 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. Since 1997, he has operated his own law firm from Bethlehem, serving clients throughout Northampton County and the Lehigh Valley. He handles all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless he recovers compensation for your claim.
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 Northampton County Residents Choose Michael A. Snover
Northampton County residents face unique challenges when pursuing injury claims. Cases filed in this county proceed through the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas in Easton. Understanding local court procedures, filing requirements, and Pennsylvania personal injury law requires an attorney with deep roots in the community.
Michael A. Snover earned his undergraduate degree from Moravian College in 1984, an institution located right here in Bethlehem. After completing his law degree at Dickinson School of Law, he returned to eastern Pennsylvania to practice. His New Jersey Bar admission in 1988 also allows him to assist clients with cross-border matters, which is particularly relevant for Northampton County residents who live near the Delaware River border communities around Easton.
With approximately 29 years running his own practice and approximately 39 years of total legal experience, Attorney Snover provides direct, personal attention to every client. When you call his Bethlehem office, you work directly with him throughout your case.
Personal Injury
Personal injury claims in Pennsylvania are governed by strict deadlines. Under 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. Missing this statute of limitations deadline typically bars you from recovering any compensation, regardless of how strong your case may be.
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 your injury. However, your recovery 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 handles personal injury cases throughout Northampton County, including incidents that occur along Routes 22, 78, 512, and 191. Whether your injury happened in Bethlehem, Easton, Hellertown, or any surrounding community, he can evaluate your claim during a free consultation.
Workers Compensation
Pennsylvania workers compensation claims are governed by the Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Act. This system provides benefits to employees injured on the job without requiring them to prove their employer was at fault. In exchange, injured workers typically cannot sue their employers in civil court for workplace injuries.
Workers compensation benefits in Pennsylvania typically include:
- Payment of all reasonable and necessary 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 loss of a limb or loss of use
- Death benefits for families of workers killed on the job
Northampton County has manufacturing facilities, warehouses, construction sites, and healthcare employers where workplace injuries occur regularly. If your workers compensation claim has been denied or your benefits terminated, Attorney Snover can help you understand your options and represent you in proceedings before a Workers Compensation Judge.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice claims in Pennsylvania have additional procedural requirements beyond standard personal injury cases. Before a medical malpractice lawsuit can proceed, Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1042.3 requires the plaintiff to file a Certificate of Merit. This certificate must be signed by a licensed medical professional who has reviewed the case and determined that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that the healthcare provider deviated from the accepted standard of care.
Northampton County residents receive medical care at hospitals, surgical centers, urgent care facilities, and physician offices throughout the Lehigh Valley. When a healthcare provider’s negligence causes injury or death, victims and their families deserve answers and fair compensation.
The two-year statute of limitations under 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524 applies to medical malpractice claims in Pennsylvania. Given the complexity of these cases and the Certificate of Merit requirement, it is important to contact an attorney promptly if you believe you or a family member suffered harm due to medical negligence.
Auto Accidents
Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state for auto insurance. When you purchase car insurance in Pennsylvania, 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
| 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 is serious | Full right to sue for pain and suffering |
| Must prove serious impairment of body function to recover non-economic damages | No threshold requirement for non-economic damages |
| Exceptions apply if the at-fault driver was DUI, out-of-state, or uninsured | Full legal rights preserved in all circumstances |
Many Northampton County residents commute daily on Routes 22 and 78, two of the busiest highways in eastern Pennsylvania. Auto accidents on these roads can result in serious injuries. Attorney Snover represents accident victims throughout Northampton County, helping them understand how their tort selection affects their claim and pursuing maximum compensation under the law.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners in Pennsylvania have a legal duty to maintain reasonably 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 premises liability law.
Slip and fall cases in Northampton County can occur at shopping centers, grocery stores, restaurants, apartment complexes, office buildings, and private residences. The same two-year statute of limitations applies to these claims.
Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence rule also applies to slip and fall cases. The property owner’s attorney may argue that you were partially at fault for not watching where you were walking or for ignoring warning signs. If successful, this argument can reduce your recovery. Attorney Snover investigates the circumstances of your fall, gathers evidence of the dangerous condition, and builds a case to counter comparative fault arguments.
Wrongful Death
When someone dies due to another party’s negligence or wrongful act in Pennsylvania, certain family members may bring a wrongful death claim. These claims compensate surviving family members for their losses, including funeral expenses, lost income the deceased would have provided, and loss of companionship.
A separate survival action may also be available. This claim recovers damages the deceased person could have claimed if they had survived, such as pain and suffering between the time of injury and death, and medical expenses incurred before death.
Wrongful death claims in Northampton County may arise from fatal car accidents, workplace incidents, medical malpractice, or other circumstances. The two-year statute of limitations generally runs from the date of death. Because these cases involve both legal complexity and profound grief, having an experienced attorney handle the legal process allows families to focus on healing.
How to Start Your Case
- Call for a free consultation: Contact Michael A. Snover at (484) 821-1005. Describe what happened and the injuries you suffered. This initial conversation is free and confidential.
- Gather your documents: Collect any accident reports, medical records, photographs of injuries or the accident scene, insurance information, and contact details for witnesses. Bring these to your consultation.
- Meet with Attorney Snover: Visit the Bethlehem office at 2571 Baglyos Circle, Suite B25, or arrange a phone consultation. Attorney Snover will evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
- Sign a contingency fee agreement: If you decide to proceed, you will sign a fee agreement. Remember, you pay no attorney fees unless compensation is recovered for your claim.
- Investigation and claim filing: Attorney Snover will investigate the facts, gather evidence, and handle communications with insurance companies. If necessary, he will file a lawsuit in the appropriate court, such as the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas in Easton.
- Resolution: Your case may resolve through settlement negotiations or, if required, through trial. Attorney Snover will advise you throughout this process and advocate for fair compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of injury. This deadline is established by 42 Pa.C.S. Section 5524. If you do not file a lawsuit within this two-year period, you will likely be barred from recovering compensation. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after your injury to protect your rights.
What does contingency fee basis mean?
Contingency fee basis means you do not pay attorney fees upfront. The attorney’s fee is contingent on recovering compensation for your claim. If no compensation is recovered, you owe no attorney fees. Michael A. Snover handles all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, making legal representation accessible to Northampton County residents regardless of their financial situation.
What is the difference between limited tort and full tort auto insurance in Pennsylvania?
Limited tort coverage has lower premiums but restricts your right to sue for pain and suffering unless your injury meets a serious injury threshold, defined as death, permanent serious disfigurement, or serious impairment of body function. Full tort coverage costs more but preserves your right to sue for pain and suffering regardless of injury severity. Your tort selection is made when you purchase auto insurance in Pennsylvania.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for my injury in Pennsylvania?
Yes, Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. You can recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault for your injury. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages 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 approximately 66.67% of your average weekly wage, specific loss benefits for permanent injuries, and death benefits for families of workers killed on the job. These benefits are available regardless of who was at fault for the workplace accident.
What is a Certificate of Merit in a Pennsylvania medical malpractice case?
A Certificate of Merit is a document required by Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1042.3 in medical malpractice cases. It must be signed by a licensed medical professional who has reviewed the case and concluded that there is a reasonable basis to believe the healthcare provider deviated from the accepted standard of care. This certificate must be filed with the court, and failure to obtain one can result in dismissal of your case.
Where is the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas located?
The Northampton County Court of Common Pleas is located in Easton, Pennsylvania, which is the county seat of Northampton County. Personal injury lawsuits filed in Northampton County are heard in this court. Attorney Michael A. Snover handles cases in this court and other courts throughout eastern Pennsylvania.
Does Michael A. Snover offer free consultations?
Yes, Michael A. Snover offers free consultations to injury victims in Northampton County and the surrounding Lehigh Valley area. During this consultation, you can discuss your case, ask questions, and learn about your legal options. Call (484) 821-1005 to schedule your free consultation.
Can Michael A. Snover handle cases involving accidents that occurred in New Jersey?
Yes, Michael A. Snover is admitted to both the Pennsylvania Bar (1987) and the New Jersey Bar (1988). This dual admission allows him to represent clients in matters involving both states, which is particularly relevant for Northampton County residents near the Easton area who may be involved in incidents across the Delaware River in New Jersey.
What areas of Northampton County does Michael A. Snover serve?
Michael A. Snover serves clients throughout Northampton County, including Bethlehem, Easton, Hellertown, Northampton Borough, Bangor, Wilson, Bath, Fountain Hill, Freemansburg, and all surrounding communities. His office is located at 2571 Baglyos Circle, Suite B25, Bethlehem, PA 18020. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.
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.
