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Personal Injury AttorneyYou Deserve with Help from William Gonzalez
William Gonzalez-Black

The Personal Injury Attorney in Paramus, 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 Paramus, 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.

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Personal Injury Attorney Paramus, NJ

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 Paramus, 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.

Car-Accidents

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 Paramus, 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.

 William Gonzalez Law Paramus, NJ

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.

 Auto Accidents Paramus, NJ

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.

 Truck Accidents Paramus, NJ

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.

 Car Accidents Paramus, NJ

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

 Motorcycle Accidents Paramus, NJ

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a drunk driving accident, a personal injury lawyer in Paramus, 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 Paramus, 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.

Personal Injury Attorney Paramus, NJ

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 Paramus, 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 Paramus, 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.

 William Gonzalez Law Paramus, NJ

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Latest News in Paramus, NJ

Paramus Baseball And Softball Teams Set For The Challenges This Spring

PARAMUS, NJ - With a great deal of anticipation and warranted confidence, the Paramus High School baseball and softball programs are set to take the field for the 2024 regular season.Let’s take a close look at each team:Paramus SoftballSign Up for FREE Paramus NewsletterGet local news you can trust in your inbox.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and ...

PARAMUS, NJ - With a great deal of anticipation and warranted confidence, the Paramus High School baseball and softball programs are set to take the field for the 2024 regular season.

Let’s take a close look at each team:

Paramus Softball

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The Spartans are scheduled to begin the regular season with a home game versus Wayne Hills on April 1.

Marc Gregory, the head coach for Paramus, would like to see his squad make strong runs in the County and NJSIAA Sectional/State Tournaments.

Key returning varsity-tested student athletes include Ava Zotollo (senior, short stop, captain), Miranda Rivera (junior, pitcher) and Ella Zotollo (sophomore, third base).

The Spartans tallied a solid overall record of 17-10 and they were 6-3 as second place finishers in the challenging Big North Conference Freedom Division.

Paramus advanced to the quarterfinal round of the NJSIAA North 1 Group 3 Sectional Tournament before being defeated by eventual Sectional champion Morris Knolls. They topped Northern Highlands in the first round of the Sectionals last year.

This season, the Spartans compete in the Big North Conference Freedom Division along with Northern Highlands, Ramapo, Hackensack and Ridgewood.

“This is a rebuilding year, but we expect to be competitive as we always are each year,’’ Gregory said. “[We have] a lot of new faces this year with something to prove.’’

Paramus Baseball

The Spartans are set to open the regular season with a home contest versus Paterson Eastside on April 3.

“[We want to] qualify for the Bergen County Tournament and the North 1 Group 3 State playoffs.’’

Among the returning varsity experienced student athletes are Jack Cutrona (senior, short stop and right-handed pitcher), Nick Rozon (senior, catcher, First Team All-League in 2023), Elias Rodriguez (senior, middle infielder, Honorable Mention All-League in 2023), Adrian Caba (senior, outfielder and right-handed pitcher), Chris Matesic (junior, first base and right-handed pitcher, Second Team All-League in 2023).

Promising newcomers to the varsity lineup include Dakota Racine (senior, outfielder), Ryan McAvoy (senior, outfielder and right-handed pitcher) and Evan Gonzalez (sophomore, middle infielder and right-handed pitcher).

“To be honest, we need all of our seniors to be leaders this year and lead an inexperienced pitching staff,’’ Paramus head coach Doug Aday said. “Jack Cutrona, Elias Rodriguez and Nick Rozon, our team captains, will be looked to carry the load early on this year as they all were starters last year and had success in our tough league.

“This senior class has been a big part of 30 wins over the past two seasons and in order to keep that momentum going, they will need to take a more active role in leading this team on and off the field.’’

The Spartans posted a fine overall record of 15-11 and advanced to the quarterfinal round of the North 1 Group 3 Sectional Tournament before losing a one-run game to Ramapo last year. They toppled Sparta in the first round of the 2023 Sectionals.

Paramus plays in the Big North Conference Freedom Division along with Ramapo, Ridgewood, Northern Highlands and Hackensack.

“I envision our team learning to play together over the course of our scrimmages and the beginning of the season,’’ Aday said. “We always want to be a contender in our Division and we will need to lock in early as we open league play with Ridgewood and Ramapo right off the bat.

“This will be challenging as we will be retooling our pitching rotation as only Chris Matesic and Ryan DeSantis return with extended varsity pitching experience. We hope to get hot and in sync as the season progresses and make a run to the State Tournament. Ridgewood will be the team to beat this year. They were 8-0 in league play last year and return many players from last year's team. However, all teams in our Division have college baseball players up and down their lineups.’’

'New era of health care': Officials tout new Valley Hospital in Paramus at ribbon-cutting

After five years in the making, The Valley Hospital officially celebrated the opening of its new home in Paramus on Friday morning."With today's ribbon-cutting, we mark the beginning of a new era of health care for our entire region," said Valley CEO Audrey Meyers. "It's my privilege to be surrounded today by so many people instrumental in bringing this important project to fruition."The ceremony brought local officials and hospital staff together to celebrate the opening of the 370-bed, $868 ...

After five years in the making, The Valley Hospital officially celebrated the opening of its new home in Paramus on Friday morning.

"With today's ribbon-cutting, we mark the beginning of a new era of health care for our entire region," said Valley CEO Audrey Meyers. "It's my privilege to be surrounded today by so many people instrumental in bringing this important project to fruition."

The ceremony brought local officials and hospital staff together to celebrate the opening of the 370-bed, $868 million facility. The project initially broke ground in 2019.

Story continues after photo gallery

The hospital will officially be open for business on April 14, when patients from the hospital's current Ridgewood facility will be moved over to the new building.

Gov. Phil Murphy was in attendance Friday to share his well wishes for Meyers and her staff on their new journey.

"This will become not just one of the premier hospitals in the state or the Northeast, but in the United States," said Murphy.

The 30-minute ceremony also featured well wishes in video messages from Sen. Cory Booker, Reps. Bill Pascrell Jr. and Josh Gottheimer, and Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco.

Meyers said building a facility on the scale of the Paramus location, especially during a pandemic, is “nothing short than amazing,” and thanked the team and contractors involved with the construction.

Each single-patient room will feature a private bathroom, a family area and a 75-inch television, which will serve as a communication tool among patients, their care team and their family.

Hospital rooms were also designed with the ability to be converted into critical care units if needed, which was a lesson learned by staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

80 private exam rooms

The new hospital’s emergency department will have 80 private exam rooms, which is double the amount of the Ridgewood campus. The new exam rooms will have glass doors with blinds to ensure patient privacy.

Valley will also use new technologies to help patients, such as Inspiren’s AUGi platform that uses a combination of hybrid sensors, artificial intelligence, computer vision, a smartphone app and more to help prevent patients from falling.

The new Paramus location is also eligible for a Gold LEED designation due to its environmental sustainability features, including having 30% of the campus dedicated to green space, and having two green roofs and a cogeneration plant — a gas turbine that generates electricity — that will produce 30% to 40% of the building’s power.

In addition to serving patients, Valley is also the new home of panels from the beloved Alexander's mural, one of Bergen County's most prominent landmarks for those driving through the intersection of Routes 4 and 17 from the 1960s to the late 1990s.

Twenty-four of the panels, which were created by Polish-born artist Stefan Knapp, are being displayed on the hospital's grounds and seven will be displayed in the hallway of the hospital's conference center.

Artisan retailer World Market returning to Bergen County with new store at Paramus mall

Food and decor chain World Market will return to Bergen County, with a new location at the Bergen Town Center mall in Paramus.The San Francisco-based chain offers furniture, artisan décor, food and drinks from around the world. It has signed a...

Food and decor chain World Market will return to Bergen County, with a new location at the Bergen Town Center mall in Paramus.

The San Francisco-based chain offers furniture, artisan décor, food and drinks from around the world. It has signed a long-term lease with Bergen Town Center and will replace the Neiman Marcus Last Call store, mall owner Urban Edge Properties announced this week.

A previous World Market location at the Fashion Center mall off Route 17 closed a few years ago.

The new store will be on Bergen Town Center's ground level, facing Route 4, and will be next to its covered parking garage.

'Unique artisan goods' from around the world

“World Market is a terrific tenant to join the gift and home lineup at Bergen Town Center,” said Leigh Lyons, a senior vice president at Urban Edge Properties. “A popular store of this size will draw new customers to the property, where they’ll find many choices and complementary shops.”

The chain "continues to search the world for unique artisan goods and handicrafts, international food favorites and design inspiration for furniture and home décor," said the Urban Edge statement. The addition will expand the mall’s selection of gifts and décor, joining HomeGoods, Marshalls, Burlington and Target, the news release said.

More:A cat cafe, cannabis in Sussex, GolfCave among North Jersey's new business openings

When will World Market open?

The mall hasn’t announced an official opening date beyond saying World Market will open sometime this year.

Formerly known as Cost Plus World Market, the chain was owned by Bed, Bath & Beyond until the subsidiary was sold in 2021. World Market also has New Jersey locations in Woodland Park, Livingston and Shrewsbury.

Correction: Based on information from Bergen Town Center and World Market, a prior version of this story incorrectly stated that this would be the first World Market in Bergen County and also omitted the chain's two other North Jersey locations.

Stephanie Noda is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Valley Health System Celebrates Ribbon Cutting of New Hospital in Paramus

Valley Health System hosted a ribbon-cutting this morning to celebrate the opening of The Valley Hospital’s new home in Paramus, New Jersey. The Paramus hospital will open on Sunday, April 14, when patients from the Ridgewood hospital will be moved to this new facility, and Valley will begin to provide emergency and inpatient care at its campus in Paramus.In attendance were New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, elected leaders, generous donors, distinguished guests, and Valley Health System leaders.“Today marks the culmi...

Valley Health System hosted a ribbon-cutting this morning to celebrate the opening of The Valley Hospital’s new home in Paramus, New Jersey. The Paramus hospital will open on Sunday, April 14, when patients from the Ridgewood hospital will be moved to this new facility, and Valley will begin to provide emergency and inpatient care at its campus in Paramus.

In attendance were New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, elected leaders, generous donors, distinguished guests, and Valley Health System leaders.

“Today marks the culmination of a vision Valley has long had to offer our community the most technologically advanced, beautifully designed and constructed, sustainable, patient-friendly facility,” said Audrey Meyers, Chief Executive Officer for Valley Health System. “Today, Valley ensures its future as the healthcare system of choice for our region. It is a great privilege to cut this ribbon, knowing that all those who come through our doors for their care will be well served by Valley’s compassionate staff and this stunning facility for generations to come.”

The new 370-bed, state-of-the-art hospital was built with patients, their loved ones, and Valley doctors and staff in mind. Key features of the hospital include single-patient rooms for privacy and healing, an expanded Emergency Department, larger operating rooms, park-like grounds, and the latest technology.

The hospital serves as the anchor of a 40-acre health and wellness campus that unites acute patient care with Valley’s wide range of outpatient services. Included on the comprehensive campus is Valley’s medical arts building, located at 140 East Ridgewood Avenue, and The Robert and Audrey Luckow Pavilion, which houses Valley-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care, The George R. Jaqua Same Day Services Center, a full-service retail pharmacy, and more.

“Today’s celebration is exciting for Valley and honors the legacy of more than 70 years of exceptional world-class healthcare delivery,” said Kevin Lobo, Chair of Valley Health System Board of Trustees. “We look forward to expanding Valley’s ability to positively impact the lives of those we serve in our community.”

For more information about The Valley Hospital, please visit ValleyHealth.com/NewHospital.

Photo Caption: In attendance, cutting the ribbon from left to right were Joseph Lorino, Vice President, Facilities Management, Valley Health System; Germaine Ortiz, Bergen County Commissioner and Chairwoman; Robert Brenner, MD, MMM, FACHE, President, Valley Health System; Kevin Lobo, Chair, Valley Health System Board of Trustees; Christopher DiPiazza, Paramus Mayor; James Tedesco, III, Bergen County Executive; Audrey Meyers, Chief Executive Officer, Valley Health System; New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy; Joseph Lagana, Senator, 38th District; Lisa Swain, Assemblywoman, 38th District; Christopher Tully, Assemblyman, 38th District; Robin Goldfischer, Senior Vice President of Legal Services, Valley Health System; and Karteek Bhavsar, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Valley Health System.

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