The Personal Injury Attorney in Hackensack, NJ, You Can Trust
Did you know that as a state, New Jersey has the 3rd most personal injury cases per capita? In fact, personal injury cases occurred at a rate of 30.34 per 100,000 capita, which is 218% higher than the national average of 9.53%. Perhaps even more alarming, personal injury cases account for 31% of New Jersey's entire caseload - 166% higher than the U.S. average, which lies at 11.65%. One look at those stats, and it's clear that thousands of men and women in New Jersey suffer from the unfortunate negligence of others.
The truth is, when an accident happens out of nowhere, even the most prepared New Jersey native can become a victim. Imagine driving home after a tough day at work, looking forward to relaxing, but suddenly, your life takes an unexpected turn due to someone else's negligence. Coping with the aftermath of personal injury accidents is a daunting task involving long-lasting pain, concerns about work, and worries about your loved ones.
Unfortunately, victims often fall prey to lowball settlement offers and provide official statements to insurance companies without a personal injury attorney in Hackensack, NJ. Once you accept a settlement offer or make an official statement, it becomes challenging to correct the situation. That's where William Gonzalez Law Group comes in - to protect your rights and fight on your behalf for the compensation you deserve.
Service Areas
The William Gonzalez Law Difference
William N. Gonzalez was Born in 1961 in the Bronx. He moved to Puerto Rico in 1973, where he attended Middle School, High School, and freshman year at the Catholic University of Ponce, Puerto Rico. Ultimately, he transferred to John Jay College of Criminal Justice C.U.N.Y., earning a B.A. degree in 1984.
After completing that achievement, he attended Seton Hall School of Law from 1987 through 1990, earning a J.D. and admission into the New Jersey State Bar. Shortly after, he began working for various law firms until2002, when he became a solo practitioner in the Township of West New York.
Since that time, he has dedicated his practice to serving the community with honesty, integrity, and hard work. His practice was founded with the main purpose of helping those who face crisis and are in need of a personal injury lawyer in Hackensack, NJ, who sticks by their side.
Mr. Gonzalez focuses on a range of personal injury cases, including but not limited to.
- Auto Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Slip-and-Fall Accidents
- Workers' Compensation Cases
- DUI Cases
- Municipal Court Cases
If you're looking for a fearless attorney to fully represent you and to fight the good fight on your behalf, look no further than the William Gonzalez Law Group. Now that you're up-to-date on William Gonzalez's background and accomplishments, let's dig a little deeper into the nuances of personal injury law and the areas of law in which he focuses.
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in New Jersey
While there are many different types of personal injury cases in New Jersey, some are more common than others - especially those that involve motor vehicles and driving under the influence. Some of the most common types of personal injury cases that William Gonzalez helps clients overcome include.
Did you know that driver error is the leading cause of car accidents in New Jersey? The truth is that negligent drivers don't pay attention. They also don't adhere to traffic laws or use the right safety precautions. They often cause serious injuries by.
- Driving Too Fast
- Talking or Texting While Driving
- Driving Under the Influence
- Making Improper Lane Changes
- Running Stop Signs and Red Lights
- Rear-Ending Other Drivers
If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else's negligence, it is important to have a personal injury attorney in Hackensack, NJ, whom you can rely on. Your lawyer will help protect your rights and fight for the maximum compensation possible according to local laws. Your car accident attorney will also collaborate with specialists such as investigators and accident reconstruction experts to determine the cause of your injury and establish who is responsible for any damages.
There are more than eleven million trucks that operate daily across the United States, with drivers who work long hours and carry sensitive materials. In 2016, there were over 470,000 large truck and semi accidents, with human error accounting for 90% of those accidents. Truck accidents can cause injuries in several ways, such as if a truck carrying hazardous materials explodes or spills its contents, causing damage to surrounding drivers and property. Commercial trucks can also jackknife or lose control of their steering wheel, which can result in injuries to the driver or others involved in the accident.
Due to the massive size of semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles, accidents involving these vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries. If you have been injured due to a negligent truck driver who was speeding, distracted, impaired, or whose vehicle was poorly maintained, it's time to hire a trucks accident lawyer. Doing so quickly after your accident will help protect your rights against insurers and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you ride a motorcycle in New Jersey, you are at a higher risk of dying in an accident compared to other drivers. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are on the rise. The good news? William Gonzalez is highly skilled when it comes to representing motorcycle accident clients and the injuries they sustain, including.
- Injury from negligent drivers who are reckless, distracted, or are involved in blind-spot wrecks
- Injury due to serious road defects such as unsafe intersections, potholes, and more
If you were recently involved in a motorcycle accident because of another party's negligence, you can count on William Gonzalez as your advocate. It all starts with an initial consultation with a motorcycle injury attorney who truly understands New Jersey injury law.
If you have been injured while working, it can be a painful, confusing, and emotional experience. It can also be financially devastating for you and your family. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and seek the guidance of a qualified workers' compensation lawyer in New Jersey. The William Gonzalez Law Group has been successfully assisting injured workers for years. Mr. Gonzalez's goal is to get the full compensation you need to cover your medical bills and take care of your family while you recover. If you've suffered an injury while on the job that resulted in lost wages or ongoing pain and suffering, it's time to fight for financial compensation.
Injuries resulting from trips, slips, and falls can be severe and may include fractures, brain trauma, neck, and back injuries, among others. Recovering from a serious fall can take months, and the victim may experience lifelong health issues and incur substantial medical bills.
However, in New Jersey, property owners have a legal obligation to maintain their property in a safe manner. If someone gets injured on their premises or property due to their negligence, the owner can be held liable. The victim has the right to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for the cost of medical treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering caused by the injuries.
Some of the most common contributors to slip-and-fall accidents in New Jersey include.
- Poor Lighting
- Narrow Stairs
- Wet Floors
- Missing Handrails
- Uneven Flooring
- Defective Sidewalks
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a drunk driving accident, a personal injury lawyer in Hackensack, NJ, can provide assistance. Despite decades-long efforts by civic organizations to curb drunk driving, it remains a problem throughout the United States, including in New Jersey, which has strict DUI laws and enforcement.
William Gonzalez believes that prosecuting drunk driving accidents not only helps clients recover compensation for their injuries but also serves as a warning to others who may consider driving under the influence.
What are Personal Injuries in New Jersey?
When an accident, incident, or illness causes you physical injury or emotional pain and suffering, it is referred to as personal injury. For example, suppose you are involved in a car accident and experience a traumatic brain injury. In that case, you have the right to seek compensation for the expenses related to treating and recovering from your physical injuries. You're also entitled to financial compensation for the emotional distress you may have suffered as a result of the injury.
There are three general terms you should be familiar with as it relates to personal injury law in New Jersey:
- Pain and Suffering
- Bodily Harm
- Emotional Distress
Pain and Suffering in New Jersey
Experiencing pain and suffering is not always limited to physical injuries. It can also affect one's emotional well-being, which may require the help of a mental health professional to properly document. Consulting with a mental health professional can help determine the extent of any potential psychological issues that may have arisen from your incident.
To provide accurate documentation of your emotional pain and suffering, it is important to record how your daily activities have been impacted and how you may no longer be able to participate in activities that you once enjoyed. This might include difficulties in communication or the inability to enjoy outings that were once pleasurable.
Bodily Harm in New Jersey
When someone experiences physical injury as a result of an accident, such as a car accident, they may sue for compensation for the harm done to their body. This compensation can help cover the costs of medical bills, surgeries, physical therapy, home care equipment, or any other expenses needed to aid in their recovery from the injury.
Emotional Distress in New Jersey
Emotional distress can be difficult to prove, especially when it involves defamation of character or threats to one's physical safety. It's important to understand, however, that emotional distress is valid. You have the right to seek compensation for any fear or trauma you have experienced and should not hesitate to fight for what you deserve.
If you have suffered a serious injury due to an accident, it's time to protect yourself and your family with the help of a personal injury attorney in Hackensack, NJ. Unlike your lawyer, the insurance companies involved in your personal injury case are not on your side and are known for presenting offers that don't fairly compensate you for your losses.
How Negligence Affects Your Personal Injury Case in New Jersey
In New Jersey, determining who is legally responsible for an accident usually involves assessing the negligence of the person at fault. Proving negligence or negligent acts as the cause of serious injuries and damages can be one of the most challenging aspects of a personal injury case. While some accidents are just that - accidents - in other cases, such as drunk driving car accidents, it is clear that the act of criminal negligence caused the accident, and the person responsible should be held liable for the damages.
According to New Jersey law, there are four elements that must be covered when trying to prove negligence in personal injury cases. Those elements include the following.
In New Jersey, determining who is legally responsible for an accident usually involves assessing the negligence of the person at fault. Proving negligence or negligent acts as the cause of serious injuries and damages can be one of the most challenging aspects of a personal injury case. While some accidents are just that - accidents - in other cases, such as drunk driving car accidents, it is clear that the act of criminal negligence caused the accident, and the person responsible should be held liable for the damages.
Legal Duty
According to legal duty, the defendant has a responsibility to ensure the safety of the victim and prevent harm. In New Jersey, drivers have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles safely in regard to other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Businesses are legally obliged to maintain their premises in a safe manner, ensuring there are no hazards such as ice, snow, or slippery floors.
Breach of Duty
To prove that the defendant is responsible for an accident, it must be shown that they behaved in a way that they knew could cause harm to others. Additionally, it must be demonstrated that a reasonable person in the same situation would have acted differently. For instance, it is common knowledge that driving a car, truck, or motorcycle under the influence can lead to an accident.
Causation
One of the biggest reasons to hire a personal injury lawyer in Hackensack, NJ, is so they can prove that your injuries are a direct result of the other party's breach of duty. This means that you need to demonstrate that your injuries occurred due to the defendant's actions. To do so, it is recommended that you seek medical attention from a physician who can document your injuries and confirm that they were caused or worsened by the defendant's negligence. It is crucial to document your injuries with a doctor, as it can be difficult to obtain compensation for injuries that were not properly documented.
Damages
When filing a claim, you must show proof of loss, which may include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering compensation.
William Gonzalez Law Pro Tip
If you've been injured due to someone else's negligence, you should act fast to file a claim and hire a lawyer. In New Jersey, you only have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit or claim. If you fail to file a claim within the time frame set by the statute of limitations, you will lose your opportunity to do so. In most cases, if you attempt to file a claim after the two-year deadline, the defendant will file a motion to dismiss. There are very few exceptions where a personal injury claim may be filed beyond the two-year mark.
A Personal Injury Attorney in Hackensack, NJ, You Can Count On
The William Gonzalez Law Group specializes in helping you get back on track after a setback. With decades of experience in personal injury law, Mr. Gonzalez can assist you in cases such as car crashes, truck accidents, slip and fall incidents, motorcycle accidents, DUI accidents, workers' compensation cases, and more.
When you are unable to work, have mounting bills and medical expenses, and your quality of life is affected, you need a strong and reliable advocate on your side, and William Gonzalez is the man to call for help. Whether you need assistance with a complex personal injury case or need trustworthy, easy-to-understand legal advice, contact the William Gonzalez Law Group today.
Latest News in Hackensack, NJ
Secaucus Public Meeting Nov. 12 On Hackensack River Superfund Status
Carly Baldwinhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/secaucus/public-meeting-nov-12-high-tech-hackensack-river-superfund-site
The EPA will hold a "community workshop" Nov. 12 at High Tech in Secaucus. Learn the latest on the Hackensack being a Superfund site:Patch Staff|Updated Fri, Nov 1, 2024 at 10:16 am ETSECAUCUS, NJ — Remember in 2022 when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared the Lower Hackensack River a Superfund site?No remediation work has been done on...
The EPA will hold a "community workshop" Nov. 12 at High Tech in Secaucus. Learn the latest on the Hackensack being a Superfund site:
Patch Staff
|Updated Fri, Nov 1, 2024 at 10:16 am ET
SECAUCUS, NJ — Remember in 2022 when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared the Lower Hackensack River a Superfund site?
No remediation work has been done on the river since then, but the EPA will host a "Community Superfund Workshop" November 12 in Secaucus.
The community forum will be held at High Tech High School (Hudson County School of Technology Frank J. Gargiulo Campus, 1 High Tech Way) from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Nov. 12. Please register using this Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/l... (link is now working correctly)
An EPA spokesman told Patch:
"This series of workshops are designed to engage the community in the Superfund clean-up process and to introduce the community to the site team. The Regional Administrator plans on attending ... Learn about the Superfund clean-up process, share your concerns and expectations with the EPA, and learn how to get involved, stay informed and reduce your potential risk of exposure."
Find out what's happening in Secaucuswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
What does being a Superfund site even mean?
If something is declared a Superfund site, it means a large amount of federal tax dollars will be directed to do a clean-up. In the case of the Hackensack, the clean-up is specifically of the river's mud, which has high amounts of chromium and other heavy metals due to years of industry along the river's banks.
Mud and sediment in the Hackensack River tests high for arsenic, lead, chromium, mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), according to the NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection. Important to note is that it is not the Hackensack River water that tests high for heavy metals: The chromium is mostly concentrated in the mud and on the riverbanks.
There were some concerns the Hackensack River could be closed to the public while a clean-up is done. So far, that has not happened. Since the 2022 Superfund designation, the river has remained open for use by boaters, kayakers, fishermen and the public.
It is the Lower Hackensack, a 19-mile segment of the river that starts at the Oradell Reservoir and empties into Newark Bay, that will officially become a Superfund site.
It remains unknown when the clean-up will begin or how long it will take. It could take decades. For comparison, a 17-mile stretch of the Passaic River has been a Superfund site for the past 20 years, and federal clean-up on that river is still not completed. So far, about $2 billion has been spent to clean the Passaic River.
For the latest on the Superfund status of the Lower Hackensack River, here is the EPA's Lower Hackensack Site profile page.
The latest news is that on Oct. 3, the EPA entered into a settlement agreement with Beazer East, Inc., Honeywell International Inc., Morton International, LLC, Occidental Chemical Corporation and PSE&G to investigate contamination in a stretch of the river located between river miles 2 and 5.5, near Kearny and Jersey City. Here is the settlement agreement.
Patch will be there Nov. 12!
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N.J. hospital misplaced stillborn baby, performed unauthorized autopsy, lawsuit says
Anthony G. Attrinohttps://www.nj.com/bergen/2024/10/nj-hospital-misplaced-stillborn-baby-performed-unauthorized-autopsy-lawsuit-says.html
A Connecticut woman is suing Hackensack University Medical Center claiming the hospital misplaced her stillborn son’s remains and later performed an unauthorized autopsy, in violation of her religious beliefs and explicit instructions.The 34-year-old says in court papers she underwent an induced birth of her stillborn son at the North Jersey hospital on Sept. 28, 2022, following the discovery by doctors of a congenital disorder that ensured the baby would not survive birth.The woman and her husband, who are Jewish, declin...
A Connecticut woman is suing Hackensack University Medical Center claiming the hospital misplaced her stillborn son’s remains and later performed an unauthorized autopsy, in violation of her religious beliefs and explicit instructions.
The 34-year-old says in court papers she underwent an induced birth of her stillborn son at the North Jersey hospital on Sept. 28, 2022, following the discovery by doctors of a congenital disorder that ensured the baby would not survive birth.
The woman and her husband, who are Jewish, declined to authorize an autopsy, a decision they based on both their religious beliefs and the known cause of their son’s death.
Despite her clear refusal, an autopsy was performed months later, according to the lawsuit filed in August in U.S. District Court.
Representatives of Hackensack University Medical Center, which is part of the Hackensack Meridian Health network, said in a statement on Saturday that they regret “the family’s tremendous loss.”
“We are committed to high quality, compassionate healthcare, and when a patient and family suffers a loss, all of us share in their grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with the (family),” the statement said.
According to the lawsuit, the woman signed a consent form allowing only for a basic examination of her baby’s remains, without a full autopsy.
After leaving the hospital, the woman trusted that her son’s remains would be handled according to her wishes and disposed of respectfully within four weeks.
It wasn’t until July 2023, nearly a year after her son’s birth, that she learned by chance that the hospital had conducted an autopsy without her consent, court papers allege.
Further investigation revealed the hospital had misplaced the baby’s body in the morgue for several months due to its small size, delaying any action until February 2023, according to the lawsuit.
In June 2023, Hackensack University Medical Center hired a fetal pathologist, and by July, the unauthorized autopsy was performed, according to the suit.
The suit alleges professional negligence and negligent infliction of emotional distress, citing the hospital’s failure to properly store, locate, and respect her son’s body, as well as their breach of her religious and personal wishes.
The mishandling of her son’s remains and the unauthorized autopsy have caused the woman severe emotional trauma, the lawsuit claims.
Note: This post has been updated to include a statement from Hackensack Meridian Health
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Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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