By The New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyers At Blume Forte Attorneys at Law
When you are hurt because someone else was careless, the lawyer you pick can shape everything that comes next. You want someone who knows New Jersey courts, who has handled cases like yours, and who other lawyers respect. That is why we are proud to share that nine Blume Forte attorneys have been selected to the 2027 New Jersey Super Lawyers list, and three more have been named 2027 New Jersey Rising Stars.
These honors belong to the people who earned them. They also say something to you as an injured person looking for help. Every attorney on this year’s lists focuses on representing plaintiffs in personal injury and medical malpractice cases, which means they spend their careers standing up for injured people, not insurance companies.
If you or someone you love was injured in New Jersey and you have questions about your options, call Blume Forte at 973-845-4421 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
2027 New Jersey Super Lawyers: Which Blume Forte Attorneys Made This Year’s List?
Nine attorneys from our Chatham office were selected to the 2027 New Jersey Super Lawyers list. Each one was recognized for work representing injured people and their families.
- Carol L. Forte: Named a 2027 Super Lawyer in personal injury medical malpractice for plaintiffs and included on a 2027 top list
- Michael B. Zerres: Named a 2027 Super Lawyer in personal injury medical malpractice for plaintiffs
- John E. Molinari: Named a 2027 Super Lawyer in general personal injury for plaintiffs
- Mitchell J. Makowicz, Jr.: Named a 2027 Super Lawyer in general personal injury for plaintiffs
- Jeffrey J. Zenna: Named a 2027 Super Lawyer in general personal injury for plaintiffs
- Kenneth W. Elwood: Named a 2027 Super Lawyer in general personal injury for plaintiffs
- Harris S. Feldman: Named a 2027 Super Lawyer in personal injury products for plaintiffs
- Norberto A. Garcia: Named a 2027 Super Lawyer in general personal injury for plaintiffs
- Terrence Hull: Named a 2027 Super Lawyer in general personal injury for plaintiffs
Together, these attorneys cover car accidents, medical errors, and defective products. That range means you can rely on our team for help across many types of injury claims.
2027 New Jersey Rising Stars: Who Are The Next Generation Of Blume Forte Trial Lawyers?
Rising Stars recognizes lawyers who are 40 or younger, or who have been in practice for 10 years or less. Three Blume Forte attorneys earned a place on the 2027 list.
- Connor Turpan: Named a 2027 Rising Star in personal injury medical malpractice for plaintiffs
- Richard Madurski: Named a 2027 Rising Star in personal injury medical malpractice for plaintiffs
- John A. Burke: Named a 2027 Rising Star in general personal injury for plaintiffs
These attorneys work side by side with our senior trial lawyers on complex injury and malpractice cases. Their recognition is a sign that the future of our practice is in good hands.
Super Lawyers Selection Process In New Jersey: How Do Attorneys Earn This Recognition?
You may wonder whether an award like this actually means anything. It is a fair question, since many legal “honors” are little more than paid advertising. Super Lawyers works differently, and lawyers cannot buy their way onto the list.
According to Super Lawyers, the selection process follows four main steps.
- Nominations: Lawyers in the same state nominate peers, and no one may nominate themselves
- Independent research: Researchers review candidates across 12 indicators, such as verdicts, honors, and bar activity
- Peer evaluation: Top candidates in each practice area rate fellow nominees on a one-to-five scale
- Final selection: Candidates are grouped by firm size, then the final list is chosen
No more than 5 percent of lawyers in a state are named to Super Lawyers each year. For Rising Stars, the cap is 2.5 percent. Those limits make the recognition selective, and they give you one more piece of information when you compare law firms.
Choosing A Personal Injury Lawyer In New Jersey: What Should You Look For Besides Awards?
Recognition is helpful, but it should never be the only reason you hire a lawyer. The right attorney for your case is someone who understands your injury, answers your questions honestly, and has the resources to take on a well-funded insurance company.
When you meet with a personal injury attorney, consider asking about these points.
- Case experience: Ask how often the firm handles injuries like yours
- Trial readiness: Find out whether the firm takes cases to trial when a fair offer does not come
- Communication: Ask who will handle your case day to day and how you will get updates
- Resources: Learn whether the firm can work with medical, engineering, and economic professionals
- Fees: Ask how fees work and what costs you might owe
A good first meeting should leave you feeling more informed and less anxious. If a lawyer pressures you or makes promises about your result, that is a red flag.
Next Steps After An Injury In New Jersey: What Can You Do Right Now To Protect Your Claim?
The days and weeks after an accident can feel overwhelming. Medical appointments, missed work, and calls from insurers pile up quickly. Taking a few simple steps early can make a real difference later.
- Get medical care: See a doctor promptly, even if your injuries seem minor at first
- Keep records: Save bills, photos, discharge papers, and notes about your symptoms
- Limit insurer contact: Avoid giving a recorded statement before you speak with a lawyer
- Stay off social media: Insurers may use posts and photos to question your injuries
- Talk to a lawyer early: Early advice can help preserve evidence and protect important deadlines
You do not have to have every detail figured out before you call. Part of our job is helping you sort through what happened and what it means for your claim.
New Jersey Personal Injury Law: What Rules Could Affect Your Case?
Every state handles injury claims a little differently. Here are a few New Jersey rules that often matter to our clients, explained in plain English.
First, there is a time limit. In most New Jersey personal injury cases, you generally have two years to file a lawsuit. Some situations have different or shorter deadlines, such as claims against a public entity, which require written notice much sooner. Waiting too long can cost you the right to recover anything at all.
Second, New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you were partly at fault, you can still recover compensation as long as your share of fault is not greater than the other party’s. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Third, medical malpractice cases have extra requirements. New Jersey generally requires an injured patient to provide an affidavit of merit from a qualified medical professional early in the case. This document supports the claim that the care fell below accepted standards. Several of our 2027 honorees focus their practices on these demanding cases.
Every case turns on its own facts, and no lawyer can promise a particular result. What a knowledgeable attorney can do is explain how these rules apply to you and build the strongest claim possible.
Blume Forte Offices Across New Jersey: Where Can Injured People Find Help Near Them?
Our main office sits at One Main Street in Chatham, in the heart of Morris County. From there, our attorneys represent injured people in courthouses throughout North Jersey and beyond.
We also serve clients from offices in Jersey City near Journal Square, in North Bergen along Bergenline Avenue, and in Sea Girt on Route 35 near the Jersey Shore. Whether you were hurt in a crash on the Garden State Parkway, injured on a construction site in Hudson County, or harmed by a medical error at a hospital in Essex County, our team is ready to listen.
Having offices in different parts of the state means you can meet with us at a location that works for you.
2027 New Jersey Super Lawyers FAQ: What Do Injured People Often Ask About These Honors?
How Many Blume Forte Attorneys Were Named 2027 New Jersey Super Lawyers?
Nine Blume Forte attorneys were selected to the 2027 New Jersey Super Lawyers list. Three more were named 2027 New Jersey Rising Stars, for a total of twelve honorees.
Can A Lawyer Pay To Be Named To Super Lawyers?
No. Super Lawyers states that attorneys cannot buy a spot on the list. Selection is based on peer nominations, independent research, and peer evaluations.
What Is The Difference Between Super Lawyers And Rising Stars?
Super Lawyers includes no more than 5 percent of lawyers in a state. Rising Stars includes no more than 2.5 percent of lawyers in a state, and candidates must be 40 or younger or in practice 10 years or less.
Does Hiring A Super Lawyers Attorney Guarantee A Better Result?
No lawyer can guarantee an outcome. Recognition can help you compare firms, but you should also consider experience, communication, and how comfortable you feel with the attorney.
How Long Do I Have To File A Personal Injury Claim In New Jersey?
Most New Jersey personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years. Some claims, including those against public entities, have earlier notice deadlines, so it is wise to speak with a New Jersey personal injury lawyer soon.
Does Blume Forte Handle Medical Malpractice Cases?
Yes. Several of our 2027 honorees, including Carol L. Forte and Michael B. Zerres, focus their practices on medical malpractice cases for injured patients and their families.
New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyers At Blume Forte: Are You Ready To Talk About Your Claim?
We are grateful to our colleagues across New Jersey for this recognition. But the honor that matters most to us is the trust our clients place in us during some of the hardest moments of their lives.
If you were injured in a car accident, a fall, a workplace incident, or because of a medical mistake, you deserve clear answers and a team that will fight for you. Call Blume Forte Attorneys at Law at 973-845-4421 or reach out through our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. We are here to listen and help you understand your next steps.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.
