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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When filing a claim, you must show proof of loss, which may include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering compensation.
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.
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.
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2-minute readHACKENSACK — Lidl, the German discount grocery store, is set to open a 23,250-square-foot store on River Street later this month, the latest addition to the chain as it continues its expansion across the East Coast.The grand opening for the new Lidl at 150 River St. is set for July 25, with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony starting at 7:40 a.m. Customers can arrive early for a freshly baked croissant and a cup of coffee.After the opening, the store will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Germ...
HACKENSACK — Lidl, the German discount grocery store, is set to open a 23,250-square-foot store on River Street later this month, the latest addition to the chain as it continues its expansion across the East Coast.
The grand opening for the new Lidl at 150 River St. is set for July 25, with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony starting at 7:40 a.m. Customers can arrive early for a freshly baked croissant and a cup of coffee.
After the opening, the store will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The German-based grocer, known for its specialty sauces and cured meats, easily navigable store layouts and fresh pastries and produce, at discount prices, has more than 12,000 stores in 31 countries. including about 150 across the U.S.
The company has been steadily expanding its presence along the East Coast, with new stores announced or recently opened in Totowa, Hackensack, Livingston, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Manhattan. The Hackensack store is the fourth Lidl to open in Bergen County, with others in Paramus, Bergenfield and Elmwood Park. There are more than 20 Lidl stores in New Jersey.
The company is competing with Aldi, another German-born discount grocer, as it expands in the Garden State.
“Shoppers experience a curated collection of private label picks, global imports, and everyday name brands,” the company said in a release announcing the Hackensack store. “From imported cheeses to fresh meats and seafood, you’ll get to experience the quality we’re famous for in Europe — without using your passport.”
The grocer recently launched a special guest bakery program in which it introduces one new baked product each month, leaning into seasonal trends and unique items, available while supplies last. For the Hackensack opening, there will be special items: a cinnamon raisin New York bagel and a banana nut muffin. The store’s “Midl of Lidl” aisle features new items that drop every Monday, with limited-time offers.
The store is part of the Print House development on River Street, a sprawling 20-acre development along the Hackensack River at the site of the former headquarters of The Record newspaper, with a total of 696 units and roughly 40,000 square feet of retail space. The grocer joins other retail tenants in the development, including a drive-thru Starbucks, a Hackensack Meridian Health medical clinic, Jersey Mike's, Blue Foundry Bank and, most recently, Azul, a high-end Mexican restaurant, and the collaborative food hall concept Wonder.
“With the addition of Azul and Wonder to the Print House community, we have a thoughtfully curated set of retail offerings designed to offer convenience and accessibility not only for Print House residents but also to members of the public,” said Adam Pasternack from Russo Development.
The residential units in phase one and two of the property are both fully leased, he said.
With Lidl opening later this month, the development "continues to establish itself as a center for luxury living but also a one-stop shop for fast-casual and sit-down dining, banking, grocery shopping, while also offering health care services through Hackensack Meridian Health,” he said.
HACKENSACK — The city Board of Education appointed Andrea Oates-Parchment on June 18 as acting superintendent, just shy of a week after the board suspended Superintendent Thomas McBryde.Oates-Parchment had been Hackensack’s assistant superintendent and previously worked as a teacher and principal in the district....
HACKENSACK — The city Board of Education appointed Andrea Oates-Parchment on June 18 as acting superintendent, just shy of a week after the board suspended Superintendent Thomas McBryde.
Oates-Parchment had been Hackensack’s assistant superintendent and previously worked as a teacher and principal in the district.
Parents and community members packed the board meeting on June 18, which had been moved to the high school auditorium to accommodate the large crowd. Some questioned why the board suspended McBryde, others voiced their concerns about the impact of the change on students, and others spoke in support of the board and of their trust in Oates-Parchment to lead the district.
McBryde, who had previously worked as a deputy superintendent in Norwalk, Connecticut, assumed the role of Hackensack schools chief in January 2024 under a three-year contract with an annual salary of $263,000.
He was informed of his suspension June 12 after multiple conversations among board members, a representative of the state School Boards Association, and the board’s legal counsel, who reviewed McBryde’s contract, said Jennifer Harris, the school board president.
“While I understand there may be questions, I must emphasize that state law prohibits me from publicly discussing the reasons behind this decision. However, I can share that all non-conflicted board of education trustees unanimously supported this course of action,” Harris said. “The meeting with Dr. McBryde was brief and conducted professionally and in alignment with longstanding district precedent and best practices.”
McBryde was asked to return all district-issued items, including his keys, cellphone and laptop, and was given an opportunity to take any personal items from his office. He told them he had already packed his belongings in advance, Harris said.
The meeting took place at 4 p.m., after students and staff had left the building, and he was given the choice to come back later to get the rest of his things to protect his privacy, she said.
After the meeting with McBryde, Oates-Parchment was asked to assume the role of acting superintendent and the next morning, she and Harris met with staff members to inform them of the situation.
“The board of education recognizes that this situation may create uncertainty, but we want to assure you that the day-to-day operations of our schools will continue without interruption,” Harris said. “Our primary focus remains unchanged, providing excellence in education for every student in our district. With just a few days remaining in the academic year, I encourage all staff members to continue their outstanding work.”
Harris also addressed public statements from former board members criticizing the board’s decision, while knowing current trustees cannot discuss details about personnel matters.
“Instead of using whatever platform they believe they still have to support the district, they have instead chosen to traffic in innuendos, rumors, gossip and social media posts for their own personal agenda and satisfaction,” she said. “One has to wonder why would people who quit this board, and voluntarily gave up on being a voice for our students, suddenly be so loud about matters they know nothing about.”
The board then voted to appoint Oates-Parchment as acting superintendent, effective immediately.
“My calling is to ensure that our kids receive what they need to have prosperity in life. I am here to collaborate with every one of you,” Oates-Parchment said. “We're all willing to work together because we're here for the children, and we're also here to support all of our staff and the community. We can only move ahead, united.”
Some parents asked for more transparency from the board. They said they were blindsided by the suspension of McBryde, and the recent decision not to renew the contracts of several well-liked school administrators and employees.
“There are too many inconsistencies, too many disruptions. and frankly, too many unanswered questions,” said Abby Martinez-Bojos, the PTA president of Fairmount Elementary School. “This environment is not healthy for our children, and it certainly isn't beneficial for their education or their future. There have been sudden changes, with no explanation. We are left to fill in the blanks.”
But other community members told the board they trusted they made the right decision and that they had faith in Oates-Parchment’s leadership.
“Nobody wants to see our first Black superintendent suspended, or any of the other staff fired. But do you really think that there is some nefarious reason behind these actions?” said Deborah Keeling-Geddis, a former City Council member. “I do not think that this board that is 99% minority has taken these actions lightly but unfortunately and legally, they cannot discuss personnel issues. So at this time we must trust their decisions.”
Earlier on June 18, the board also filled the seat left vacant by former Trustee Lissette Cordero-Outen, who resigned in May after the board declined to renew the contracts of the five employees. All had been recommended for renewal by McBryde.
Mike Jones, the owner of Hackensack Brewing Co., who serves on the city Zoning Board and has children in Hackensack schools, was appointed to fill the remainder of the term, which runs through January 2026.
The Hackensack school board suspended its superintendent last week without issuing a public statement explaining their actions.The Hackensack Board of Education met June 11 in an executive session to discuss personnel matters away from public view. The next day, recently resigned board member Lissette Cordero-Outen posted on Facebook that Superintendent Thomas McBryde had been suspended.McBryde has two years left on his contract in the Bergen County district. He ...
The Hackensack school board suspended its superintendent last week without issuing a public statement explaining their actions.
The Hackensack Board of Education met June 11 in an executive session to discuss personnel matters away from public view. The next day, recently resigned board member Lissette Cordero-Outen posted on Facebook that Superintendent Thomas McBryde had been suspended.
McBryde has two years left on his contract in the Bergen County district. He earned $263,000 in the job last year, according to state data.
Neither McBryde nor school officials responded to a request to comment left with the superintendent’s office Tuesday.
The school board is scheduled to vote Wednesday on replacing McBryde and appointing current assistant superintendent Andrea Oates-Parchment as acting superintendent.
The 6:15 p.m. meeting has been moved to a larger venue within Hackensack High School in anticipation of a large crowd, the school district said.
McBryde is the district’s first Black superintendent, the Bergen Record reported after his 2023 appointment.
The Bergen County Black Caucus’s Facebook page posted a statement calling news of McBryde’s suspension “troubling.”
“When politics and personal agendas take over, our students lose. Constant turnover hurts stability, and students pay the price,” the statement said.
Hackensack enrolls about 5,300 students in six schools.
In May, the board voted to not renew Hackensack Middle School Principal Daniel Sass’s contract, against the wishes of McBryde, according to a report on The Ridgewood Blog, a local news site.
In a letter to the community this week, Sass said he was shocked by this decision.
“I will miss this community dearly,” he said. “It has been a pleasure to lead the future generation of Hackensack.”
A message McBryde wrote after he was hired a superintendent is still on the district’s website.
“My foremost aspiration is to establish an enduring legacy within our educational community, one that blazes trails and paves the way for success for every student and family,” he wrote.
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HACKENSACK2-minute readNorthJersey.comHACKENSACK — The city Board of Education has suspended the superintendent, Dr. Th...
HACKENSACK
NorthJersey.com
HACKENSACK — The city Board of Education has suspended the superintendent, Dr. Thomas McBryde, just halfway through a three-year contract to lead the school district that began in January 2024.
Jennifer Harris, the school board president, referred questions to Jason Nunnermacker, the school board attorney, who confirmed that McBryde was suspended, but said he could not comment further on the decision.
The board will vote Wednesday on whether to appoint Andrea Oates-Parchment as acting superintendent, Nunnermacker said. Parchment is currently an assistant superintendent and has also held roles as a teacher and principal in the district.
McBryde, who was previously the deputy superintendent of excellence, equity and inclusion for Norwalk Public Schools in Connecticut, was the city’s first black superintendent. He did not respond to requests for comment.
He grew up in Elizabeth and worked in New York City public schools in Brooklyn and Manhattan as a principal and deputy superintendent, after beginning his career in education through the Teach for America program.
McBryde’s suspension comes several weeks after the board declined to renew the contracts of several school administrators and employees he had recommended continue with the district.
Among them were Fairmount Elementary School Principal Eric Boateng, Daniel Sass, principal of the 7th and 8th grade academy of Hackensack Middle School, the communications director, human resources director and school business administrator.
McBryde was told Thursday to pack his belongings and leave the building, according to Scott James-Vickery, the former school board president who voted to hire McBryde in December 2023.
When he abruptly resigned from the board late last year, James-Vickery said he was concerned about the shifting dynamics of the school board. In November, trustees Lancelot Powell and Marlene Somerville lost their bids for reelection, along with their running mate Khadija Pollard, to Harris, Leila Amirhamzeh and Eugina "Gina" Gilmore. At the time, he warned the public to "keep your eyes open" and hold the board accountable.
“Removing a superintendent is not a simple process,” James-Vickery said Monday. “Dr. McBryde has a multi-year contract that will likely end up having to be paid out. They’re going to have to fight it out in court.”
People who are merely suspended “aren’t made to clean out their offices,” he said. “When he was given five minutes to clean out his office, that spoke volumes about what’s to come. Treating such a highly qualified instructional leader with such unprofessionalism really casts doubt on the ability of this board to lead this district.”
Abby Martinez-Bojos, the PTA president of Fairmount, said she and others in the school community were shocked when Boateng’s contract was not renewed.
“He’s very well-loved in the community by parents and students. There are so many rumors going on and nobody knows what’s happening. Things are changing left and right and nobody knows,” she said of the principal. “There’s been no explanation. It’s been too many disruptions into the children’s lives.”
After the vote last month not to renew the employees’ contracts, Trustee Lissette Cordero-Outen resigned from the school board, saying she was blindsided by the decision.
“Unfortunately, I felt that continuing to be on a board where I had no voice was doing a huge disservice to the community and the district,” she said. “I’m not seeing transparency; I’m seeing deliberate deception. I do worry that they will be costing this district and its children. At the end of the day, all our kids are going to lose.”
The board held special meetings on June 5 and June 11 to discuss personnel matters in closed session, according to meeting agendas, but there was no public vote taken on the superintendent’s employment.
On Friday, the Bergen County Black Caucus posted on its Facebook page that it was “troubling to see people of color being removed from key positions in the Hackensack School District that only recently began reflecting the diversity of its students.”
“This is exactly why school boards are non-partisan,” the caucus wrote. “When politics and personal agendas take over, our students lose. Constant turnover hurts stability, and students pay the price. If every new board just fires everyone, what future are you building? All concerned citizens need to attend the next Board of Education meeting to hear what’s really going on.”
The school board plans to appoint a new member to fill the board vacancy that runs through January 2026 at Wednesday's meeting. The board intends for the new member to take office at the July 23 board meeting, according to a notice on the district website.
This story may be updated as more information is made available.