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 Montvale, 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 Montvale, 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 Montvale, 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 Montvale, 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 Montvale, 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 Montvale, 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.
Case tests whether an elected official may block critics from a Facebook page where government business is discussedA judge has rejected a bid to dismiss a lawsuit accusing a New Jersey mayor of violating a local man’s civil rights by blocking him from the mayor’s Facebook page.In a July 17 decision, Bergen County Superior Court Judge John O’Dwyer ruled that the lawsuit brought by Park Ridge resident Howard Fredrics could proceed, rejecting Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali’s attempt to have it thr...
A judge has rejected a bid to dismiss a lawsuit accusing a New Jersey mayor of violating a local man’s civil rights by blocking him from the mayor’s Facebook page.
In a July 17 decision, Bergen County Superior Court Judge John O’Dwyer ruled that the lawsuit brought by Park Ridge resident Howard Fredrics could proceed, rejecting Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali’s attempt to have it thrown out.
Fredrics, an award-winning composer and audio engineer, sued Ghassali in March, alleging the mayor blocked him from the Facebook page after several online disputes. Fredrics said the action violated his First Amendment rights and the New Jersey Civil Rights Act. He is seeking a court order requiring the mayor to unblock him.
The case raises a growing legal question in the social media age: Can elected officials who discuss government matters online block people from their Facebook pages or other social media accounts?
In a series of court filings, Ghassali’s attorney, Christopher Botta, argued that the Facebook page is personal, not an official government account. He also said Ghassali cannot speak unilaterally on the borough’s behalf because Montvale has a “weak-mayor, strong-council” form of government.
Even if the page were considered an official account, Botta argued, Fredrics failed to show that Ghassali’s actions were supported by a borough policy or custom. The claims against Montvale therefore should be dismissed, he said.
O’Dwyer rejected those arguments, writing in a 14-page decision that Fredrics had made sufficient allegations under the state’s civil rights law for the case to proceed.
“The allegations, liberally construed, describe state action, viewpoint discrimination in a public forum, and municipal liability through final policymaker authority and ratification,” O’Dwyer wrote. “The complaint adequately pleads each element of plaintiff’s constitutional claim … accordingly, defendants’ motion to dismiss is denied.”
Fredrics told The Jersey Vindicator on Thursday that he was “very pleased with the judge’s decision to find that the legal issues in my case are meritorious, worth pursuing, and significant.”
“It shows that the judge understood that the ability of the public to communicate with public officials to redress their grievances and have a dialogue is worth protecting,” he said. “The whole notion of the First Amendment is the right to seek redress from the government … this is such an important decision to keep those lines of communication open.”
Botta did not respond to requests for comment. Ghassali declined to comment on the litigation.
The case has entered the discovery phase, Fredrics said. The court has not yet scheduled the next hearing.
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From left: Montvale Post Acute and Healthcare Center recently broke ground on a new 185,878-square-foot facility at 100 Summit Ave. in Montvale, where it welcomed dignitaries including Cole Touhey, district director for U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer; Marquis Health Consulting Services’ Jennifer Hertzog, vice president, and Barry Munk, CEO; Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali; Marquis’ Michael Smith, division president; state Sen. Holly Schepisi; and Marquis’ Yehuda May, vice president. — Courtesy: Montvale Post Acute and Health...
By Joshua Burd
The operator of what will be a new skilled nursing facility in Montvale has broken ground on the project, where it’s bringing new life to the former site of a vacant office building.
Located at 100 Summit Ave., the 185,878-square-foot property will have roughly 180 beds along with a focus on hospitality and advanced care and services, according to Montvale Post Acute and Healthcare Center. Those features will occupy three floors with distinct care levels — including short-term rehabilitation, secure memory care and long-term residential care — connecting to an existing structure adapted to create a grand lobby with a “Main Street” feel, lounges, dining areas, therapy suites, resident amenities and operational spaces.
The independently owned and operated skilled nursing facility, which will have all private rooms, will soon take shape at the former Western Union headquarters site in a key corridor just east of the Garden State Parkway. Brick-based Marquis Health Consulting Services will provide administrative consulting, giving residents access to an evolving suite of clinician-led specialty care models, signature services and comfort features.
“Montvale Post Acute and Healthcare will check all the boxes for transformative skilled nursing at a time when the call for exceptional care and elevated environments is growing fast,” Marquis Division President Michael Smith said. “Simply put, skilled nursing care is not what it used to be. This center is poised to become a premier rehabilitation destination in a region where private rooms are scarce and specialized clinical care is in high demand.”
The operator recently welcomed state and local dignitaries, health care colleagues and leadership from Marquis to break ground on the project.
"We are excited and grateful for the quality care, expanded capacity and good-paying jobs Montvale Post Acute and Healthcare Center, supported by Marquis Health Consulting Services, will bring to New Jersey," said Andy Aronson, CEO and president of the Health Care Association of New Jersey. "By 2030, for the first time in our state's history, New Jersey will have more older adults than children. Campuses like Montvale and other high-quality providers will be essential to meeting that growing need.”
Marquis Health Consulting Services, which describes itself as a hands-on, third-generation family-owned company, supports 112 skilled nursing facilities and senior living communities along the Eastern Seaboard, according to a news release. The firm’s “Care, anew” philosophy supports its mission to help clients transform industry processes, mindsets and outcomes.
Editor’s note: The views expressed in this reader commentary are the author’s alone; publication does not constitute endorsement by Pascack Press. In seeking to illuminate our vibrant Pascack Valley from within, we give priority to local voices and people with a direct connection to the issues discussed, and we particularly welcome perspectives that are underrepresented in public debate. Civil, substantive responses—including disagreement with this commentary—are welcome. We ask contributors to engage the facts an...
Editor’s note: The views expressed in this reader commentary are the author’s alone; publication does not constitute endorsement by Pascack Press. In seeking to illuminate our vibrant Pascack Valley from within, we give priority to local voices and people with a direct connection to the issues discussed, and we particularly welcome perspectives that are underrepresented in public debate. Civil, substantive responses—including disagreement with this commentary—are welcome. We ask contributors to engage the facts and ideas rather than attack individuals or the newspaper. Submission guidelines are available on our website.
By BARBARA C. DUNNSPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS
MONTVALE, N.J.—As a longtime Bergen County resident and retired executive director of Paterson Habitat for Humanity, I have seen the devastating consequences when working families cannot find safe, affordable places to live. I have also seen what happens when communities make room for those families: Lives become more stable, children’s futures are transformed, and entire communities become stronger.
That is why, as a 50-year resident of neighboring Hillsdale, I am concerned about what Montvale is proposing for the former KPMG campus—and why residents deserve a clear explanation of what is being planned.
The 34-acre KPMG property is Montvale’s largest redevelopment opportunity and one of the largest in Bergen County. Montvale also is required under New Jersey’s affordable housing law to create a 10-year plan allowing for its fair share of homes. The site could meet the borough’s entire affordable housing obligation.
Instead, the settlement preserves two alternative paths for the KPMG site. One would permit 250 homes, including 50 affordable units. The other would allow continued or expanded commercial use—including the 322,822-square-foot data center shown in an attached concept plan—while still requiring 50 affordable homes on another portion of the property.
No formal site-plan application for the data center has yet been filed, according to Montvale officials, but the developer’s option is embedded in a fully executed settlement filed with the court May 6. In an April 17 court filing, Montvale said, “The PILOT on the data center becomes the economic engine driving the creation of affordable housing.” (The settlement’s oral arguments are scheduled for Nov. 10 but that date could change.)
That raises a basic question: Why should one of Bergen County’s largest redevelopment opportunities be devoted principally to a massive industrial facility? How many permanent jobs would it create, and would those benefits justify its other effects?
Data centers are attracting concern across New Jersey. They can consume enormous amounts of electricity and water, while backup generators can bring noise and air pollution to surrounding communities.
That concern is reflected in two recent statewide polls:
A Fairleigh Dickinson University Poll conducted March 20–28 among 805 registered New Jersey voters found that 65% supported halting construction of new data centers until more power plants can be built. The poll was conducted in partnership with the International Union of Operating Engineers.
A Stockton University poll conducted April 21–27 among 642 registered New Jersey voters found that 56% would support banning data centers in the communities where they live.
The question is not whether data centers have a role in our economy. It is whether this is the right place for one—and whether Montvale residents have enough information to answer that.
If the borough believes this facility is appropriate, residents deserve to know how much electricity and water it would consume, what cooling systems and backup generators it would use, and what noise and air pollution would result. They also deserve an accounting of its possible effects on the watershed.
More than 400 municipalities are moving forward with affordable housing plans under the state’s new law. Much of that housing will come through the redevelopment of underused properties—exactly the kind of opportunity the KPMG site represents.
Repurposing an already-developed property for housing means communities can add homes without paving over forests, farms and other limited open space. It can make better use of existing roads and utilities while putting people closer to jobs, businesses and services. Done well, redevelopment can address both the shortage of affordable homes and the environmental costs of sprawl.
Once a 322,822-square-foot data center is built there, Montvale will have sharply limited its ability to use one of its most valuable existing sites to create the homes our region needs.
Montvale has the same flexibility as other communities to decide how to meet its affordable housing needs. It does not need to choose between local control and affordable housing. It needs to use its local control responsibly.
I know what affordable housing can do for families and communities because I have spent years working alongside people who need it. Teachers, nurses, first responders and others who keep our communities running need homes they can afford, too.
Montvale should not make a data center the “economic engine” of its housing plan. The KPMG property is too important—and the need for affordable homes is too great.
Montvale residents deserve a plan that treats affordable housing as a central opportunity, not an obligation to be minimized alongside a much larger industrial development.
Editor’s note: Paterson Habitat for Humanity was not involved in preparing or submitting the piece, and Ms. Dunn’s former affiliation is included for biographical context only. We have invited Montvale officials to respond.