Item Q05 Q.5
t, BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
County of Monroe Mayor Sylvia Murphy,District 5
The Florida Keys l'U � � Mayor Pro Tern Danny Kolhage,District 1
�pw° Michelle Coldiron,District 2
Heather Carruthers,District 3
David Rice,District 4
County Commission Meeting
October 16, 2019
Agenda Item Number: Q.5
Agenda Item Summary #6122
BULK ITEM: Yes DEPARTMENT: County Attorney's Office
TIME APPROXIMATE: STAFF CONTACT: Cynthia Hall (305) 292-3470
No
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Authorization for County Attorney's Office to provide legal
representation simultaneously to the Monroe County BOCC and Global Sky Aircharter Corporation
(operator of Trauma Star) in the matter of Joshua J. Hertz, PA dba Law Offices of Joshua J. Hertz.
PA v. Lubna Zahan et al., llth Cir. Case No. 2019-024681-CA-01, and waiver of any potential
conflict of interest.
ITEM BACKGROUND: On September 23, 2019, Monroe County and Global Sky Aircharter
Corporation were each served with an interpleader complaint. The plaintiff in the action, Law
Offices of Joshua J. Hertz, alleges in the complaint that it settled a personal injury action on behalf
of its client Lubna Zahan, for policy limits of$30,000.00. The law firm has now deposited the
settlement proceeds minus its fee in the court registry and filed this action. The defendants are their
client, and all the providers who provided care to Ms. Zahan. The total claims by all defendants
currently exceed $91,000, against settlement proceeds after payment of attorneys' fees of$20,000.
Essentially, the lawsuit asks the Circuit Court (I Ph Circuit, in Miami) to apportion the remaining
settlement proceeds among the various defendants, including the client.
Global Sky Aircharter Corporation, another defendant in the action, is a corporation wholly owned
by the Sheriff in his official capacity for the purpose of holding the FAA Part 135 license necessary
to operate the Trauma Star helicopters.
Monroe County and the corporation jointly have an outstanding claim for services rendered in the
amount of$22,600.00. The interests of the corporation and the County appear to be consistent at
this time. Under section 2-179 of the county Code, legal staff may provide legal advice to County
Constitutional Officers to the extent no conflict of interest or potential conflict arises.
Rule 4-1.7 of the Rules Governing Florida Bar requires the attorney to obtain consent of both parties
to joint representation. Rule 4-1.7 prohibits a lawyer from representing a client if the lawyer's
exercise of independent professional judgment in the representation of that client may be materially
limited by the lawyer's responsibilities to another client or to a third person or by the lawyer's own
interest. Rule 4-1.7 further directs that a lawyer shall not represent a client if the representation of
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Q.5
that client will be directly adverse to the interests of another client, unless: (i) the lawyer reasonably
believes that the representation will not adversely affect the lawyer's responsibilities to and
relationship with the other client, and (ii) each client consents after consultation.
The County Attorney's Office does not believe that our representation of either party in the subject
transaction will adversely affect our responsibilities to and relationship with the other client.
Attached is a letter from the Sheriff s Office consenting to the joint representation after consultation.
The purpose of this agenda item is to request the consent to the joint representation from the BOCC.
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION: None.
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval.
DOCUMENTATION:
Summons & Complaint served 9-23-19
9.23.2019 Joint Representation Waiver MCSO
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Effective Date: N/A
Expiration Date:
Total Dollar Value of Contract: N/A
Total Cost to County: TBD— costs of in-house representation
Current Year Portion:
Budgeted:
Source of Funds:
CPI:
Indirect Costs:
Estimated Ongoing Costs Not Included in above dollar amounts:
Revenue Producing: If yes, amount:
Grant:
County Match:
Insurance Required: No
Additional Details:
To be determined -- cost of representation (in-house).
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Q.5
REVIEWED BY:
Cynthia Hall Completed 09/24/2019 5:44 PM
Bob Shillinger Completed 09/30/2019 12:24 PM
Budget and Finance Completed 10/01/2019 10:43 AM
Maria Slavik Completed 10/01/2019 10:44 AM
Kathy Peters Completed 10/01/2019 10:53 AM
Board of County Commissioners Pending 10/16/2019 9:00 AM
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Q.5.a
Filing# 95445533 E-Filed 09/10/2019 11:58:32 AM
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 1 Ph JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN AND FOR MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA
JOSHUA J.HERTZ,P.A. d/b/a
LAW OFFICES OF JOSHUA J. HERTZ, PA, CASE NO.: 2019-024681-CA-01 4-�
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Petitioner,
vs.
TIME
LUBNA ZAHAN;MONROE COUNTY,FLORIDA,
A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE OF u
FLORIDA d/b/a MONROE COUNTY EMS and MONROENITiA1. BADGE#
TRAUMA STAR,PIEDMONT ANESTHESIA ASSOCIATES,
L.L.0 d/b/a AMERICA ANESTHESIOLOGY,BLUE CROSS ca
AND BLUE SHIELD OF GEORGIA,INC, d/b/a BCB S OF
GEORGIA and BLUECROSS BLUESHIELD OF GEORGIA;
BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD HEALTHCARE PLAN OF
GEORGIA,INC. d/b/a BCBS OF GEORGIA and BLUECROSS
BLUESHIELD OF GEORGIA;BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD
OF GEORGIA FOUNDATION,L.L_C. d/b/a BCBS OF GEORGIA B
and BLUECROSS BLUESHIELD OF GEORGIA;PEACHTREE
ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY CENTER AT PIEDMONT,LLC d/b/a i
PEACHTREE ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY CENTER AT PIEDMONT;
PEACHTREE ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY CENTER,LLC d/b/a
PEACHTREE ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY CENTER AT PIEDMONT;
CHEROKEE FUNDING,LLC d/b/a CHEROKEE FUNDING, as
assignee of BENCHMARK REHAB PARTNERS;UNIVERSITY OF o
MIAMI d/b/a UNIVERSITY OF MIANII HEALTH SYSTEM and
UNIVERSITY OF NIIAIVIIHOSPITALS AND CLINICS;
PEACHTREE ORTHOPAEDIC CLINIC,P.A. d/b/a PEACHTREE
ORTHOPAEDIC CLINIC; ONYX IMAGING,LLC; THE PUBLIC
HEALTH TRUST OF MIAMI-DADE d/b/a JACKSON HEALTH
SYSTEM, JACKSON NORTH MEDICAL CENTER, and JACKSON
MEMORIAL HOSPITAL; GLOBAL SKY AIRCHARTER
CORPORATION d/b/a GLOBAL SKY AIRCHARTER CORP; and
MEDNAX INC. d/b/a AMERICAN ANESTHESIOLOGY and
PIEDMONT ANESTHESIA ASSOCIATES,LLC;
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Respondents. U
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THE STATE OF FLORIDA:
To All and Singular the Sheriffs of Said State:
YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED to serve this summons and a copy of the E
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complaint or petition in this action on Defendant:
GLOBAL SKY AIRCHARTER CORPORATION
d/b/a GLOBAL SKY AIRCHARTER CORP
Attn:Patrick J.McCullah.Registered Agent °2
5525 College Road
Legal Division
Key West,FL 33040
A lawsuit has been filed against you. You have 20 calendar days after this summons is served
on you to file a written response to the attached complaint/petition with the Clerk of this Court.
A phone call will not protect you. Your written response,including the case number given above
and the names of the parties, must be filed if you want the Court to hear your side of the case. If
you do not file your response in time,you may lose the case, and your wages, money, and
property may thereafter betaken without further warning from the Court. There are other legal
requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attomey,you 2
may call an attorney referral service or a legal aid office(listed in the phone book).
If you choose.to file a written response yourself, at the same time you file your written 0.
response to the Court you must also mail or take a copy of your written response to the
"Plaintiff/Plaintiff s Attorney" named below.
DEVIN P.T1SON,ESQ.
REINFELD CABRERA TISON Trial Attorneys
Attorneys for Petitioner g
2933 W. Cypress Creek Road,Suite 201
Fort Lauderdale,FL 33309
Tel. (954)334-1520
Fax:(954)334-1526
Email: service(gmyfta,ttornev.com
IWORTANTE
Usted ha sido demandado legalmente. Tiene veinte(20) dias, contados a partir del recibo
de esta notification, para contestar la demanda adjunta,por escrito,y presentarla ante este
tribunal. Una llamada telefonica no to protegera. Si usted desea que el tribunal considere su
defensa, debe presenter su respuesta por escrito, incluyendo eI numeeo del caso y los nombres de
las partes interesadas. Si usted no contesta la demanda a tiempo,pudiese perder el caso y podria
ser despojado de sus ingresos y propiedades, o privado de sus derechos, sin previo aviso del
tribunal. Existen otros requisitos legates. Si to desea,usted puede consultar a un abogado 0
inmediatamente, Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a una de las oficinas de asistencia U
legal que aparecen en la guia telefonica. 06
Si desea responder a la demanda por su cuenta, al mismo tiempo en que presente su
respuesta ante el tribunal, usted debe enviar por correo o entregar una copia de su respuesta a la
persona denominada abajo.
IMPORTANT (n
Des poursuites judiciaries ant etc entreprises contre vous. Vous avez 20 jours
consecutifs a partir de la date de Vassignation de cette citation pour deposer une response ecrite a 0
la plainte ci jointe aupres de cc tribunal. Un simple coup de telephone est insuffisant pour vous
Packet Pg. 2267
Q.5.a
proteger; vous etes obliges de deposer votre reponse ecrite, avec mention du numero de dossier
ci-dessus et du nom des parties nommees ici, si vous souhaitez que le tribunal entende votre
cause. Si vous ne deposez pas votre reponse ecrite dans le delai requis, vous risquez de perdre la °
cause ainsi que votre salaire, votreargent, et vos biens peuvent etre saisis par la suite, sans aucun
preavis ulterieur du tribunal. Il y a d'autres obligations juridiques et vous pouvez requerir les .
services immediats dun avocat. Si vous no connaissez pas d'avocat, vous pourriez telephoner a
un service de reference d'avocats ou a un bureau d'assistance juridique (figurant a Pannuaire de
telephones).
Si vous choisissez de deposer vous-meme une response ecrite, it vous faudra egalement,
en meme temps que cette formalite, £afire parvenir ou expedier une copie au carbone ou une
photocopie de votre reponse ecrite a la personne nommee ci-dessous.
9/13/2019
DATED ON ... 2019.
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CLERK OF COURT 2
B >
Del itCL
DEVIN P.TISON,ESQ t,
RERSTF=CABRERA TLSON Trial Attorneys
Attorneys for Petitioner
2933 W.Cypress Creek Road,suite 201
Fort Lauderdale,FL 33309
Tel,(954)334-1520
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Fax:(954)334-1526
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Filing# 94382397 E-Filed 08/19/2019 02:20:58 PM
FORM 1.997. CIVIL COVER SHEET
The civil cover sheet and the information contained in it neither replace nor supplement the filing and service of pleadings
or other documents as required by law. This form must be tiled by the plaintiff or petitioner for the use of the Clerk of 2
Court for the purpose of reporting judicial workload data pursuant to section 25.075,Florida Statutes. (See instructions for E
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completion.) c
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I. CASE STYLE c
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE ELEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR MIAMI-DARE COUNTY, FLORIDA
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Case No,:w, �
Judge: U)
JOSHUA J..HERTZ P.A.
Plaintiff c
VS.
BLUE SHIELD,OF GEORGIA �J PIEDMONT �
ANESTHESIA ASSOCIATES LoiC BLUE CROSS_AND BL POLITICAL SUBDIVISION O PIE a mIT�
ORIDA A PO
BLUE
LUBNA ZAHAN MO . O
CROSS -BLUE SHIELD HEALTHCARE_PLAN ,.OF ,._GEORG
C L .. — IA�� BLUE CROSS BLUE PIEDMONT
SHIELD O >
GEORGIA FOUNDATION,. L.L. ,PEACHTREE ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY CENTER AT PIEDMON F
OF MI I T .m._. c
PEA�._ P�L ...� LLC
E ORTHOPAEDIC CLIl�TIC
_ AEDIC SURGERY CENTER LLC CHEROKEE FUND
CHTREPEACHTRE m_ _ ... A,ONYX IMAGING.LL DN-AX INCLTC,HEALTH �
THE PUB
TRUST OF MIAMT DADE-,GLOBAL,"SKY AIlZCHARTER CORPORATION ME ...,,�. O
Defendant
II. TYPE OF CASE
® Homestead residential foreclosure$50,001 -
El Condominium $249,999
❑Contracts and indebtedness ❑ Homestead residential foreclosure$250,000 or
11 Eminent domain more
El0 Auto negligence Non-homestead residential foreclosure$0-
$50,000
g Negligence—other O Non-homestead residential foreclosure
❑ Business governance $50,001-$249,999
❑ Business torts ❑ Non-homestead residential foreclosure
CI EnvironmentallToxic tort $250,00 or more >
g Third party indemnification ❑ Other real property actions$0-$50,000
0 Construction defect g Other real property actions$50,001-$249,999
g Mass tort I] Other real property actions$250,000 or more
O Negligent security CL
❑ Nursing home negligence g Professional malpractice E
• Premises liability—commercial ❑ Malpractice—business U
0 Premises liability—residential ❑ Malpractice—medical
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El Products liability ❑ Malpractice—other professional
0 Real PropertylMortgage foreclosure N Other c
❑ Commercial foreclosure$0-$50,000 ❑ Antitrust/Trade Regulation
❑ Commercial foreclosure$50,001 -$249,999 ❑ Business Transaction
❑ Commercial foreclosure$250,000 or more ® Circuit Civil-Not Applicable
❑ Homestead residential foreclosure$0—50,000 ® Constitutional challenge-statute or
ordinance
Packet Pg. 2269
Q.5.a
Q Constitutional challenge-proposed
amendment
t] Corporate Trusts
Discrimination-employment or other
0 Insurance claims
Intellectual property
Libel/Slander
O Shareholder derivative action 2
0 Securities litigation
C] Trade secrets
El Trust litigation
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COMPLEX BUSINESS COURT
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This action is appropriate for assignment to Complex Business Court as delineated and mandated by the
Administrative Order. Yes 0 No
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Ill. REMEDIES SOUGHT (check all that apply): °-
® Monetary;
® Non-monetary declaratory or injunctive relief;
❑ Punitive 0
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IV. NUMBER OF CAUSES OF ACTION:( )
(Specify)
1 U)
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V. IS THIS CASE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT?
❑ Yes
® No
VI. HAS NOTICE OF ANY KNOWN RELATED CASE BEEN FILED? 0
® Na CL
0 Yes—If"yes"list all related cases by name,case number and court:
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VII. IS JURY TRIAL DEMANDED IN COMPLAINT?
0 Yes
® No
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I CERTIFY that the information I have provided in this cover sheet is accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief, and
that I have read and will comply with the requirements of Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.425.
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Signature s/Devin Tison FL Bar No.: 95225
Attorney or party (Bar number, if attorney) a
Devin Tison 08/19/2019 U)
(Type or print name) Date
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Filing# 94382397 E-Filed 08/19/2019 02:20:58 PM
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 1 Ph JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN AND FOR 1VIIAMI-DADE..,.COUNTY,FLORIDA
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JOSHUA J.HERTZ,P.A.d/b/a .
OFFICES OF JOSHUA J.HERTZ,PA, CASE NO. . 1
LAW e
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Petitioner,
VS.
LUBNA ZAHAN;MONROE COUNTY,FLORIDA,
A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE OF
FLORIDA d/b/a MONROE COUNTY EMS and MONROE
TRAUMA STAR;PIEDMONT ANESTHESIA ASSOCIATES,
L.L.0 d/b/a AMERICA ANESTHESIOLOGY;BLUE CROSS
AND BLUE SHIELD OF GEORGIA,INC.d/b/a BCBS OF cm
as
GEORGIA and BLUECROSS BLUESHIELD OF GEORGIA;
BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD HEALTHCARE PLAN OF
GEORGIA,INC. d/b/a BCBS OF GEORGIA and BLUECROSS
BLUESHIELD OF GEORGIA;BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD
OF GEORGIA FOUNDATION,L.L.C. d/b/a BCBS OF GEORGIA
and BLUECROSS BLUESHIELD OF GEORGIA;PEACHTREE
ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY CENTER AT PIEDMONT,LLC d/b/a
PEACHTREE ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY CENTER AT PIEDMONT; g
PEACHTREE ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY CENTER,LLC d/b/a
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PEACHTREE ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY CENTER AT PIEDMONT; e
CHEROKEE FUNDING,LLC d/b/a CHEROKEE FUNDING, as
assignee of BENCHMARK REHAB PARTNERS;UNIVERSITY OF
MIAMI d/b/a UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI HEALTH SYSTEM and
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI HOSPITALS AND CLINICS;
PEACHTREE ORTHOPAEDIC CLINIC,P.A.d/b/a PEACHTREE
ORTHOPAEDIC CLINIC;ONYX IMAGING,LLC;THE PUBLIC
HEALTH TRUST OF MIAMI-DADS d/b/a JACKSON HEALTH U)
SYSTEM,JACKSON NORTH MEDICAL CENTER, and JACKSON
MEMORIAL HOSPITAL;GLOBAL SKY AIRCHARTER
CORPORATION d/b/a GLOBAL SKY AIRCHARTER CORP; and e
MEDNAX INC. d/b/a AMERICAN ANESTHESIOLOGY and u
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PIEDMONT ANESTHESIA ASSOCIATES,LLC;
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Respondents.
..... ...__-___ ..,,,...... . ......
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PETITION FOR INTERPLEADER
COMES NOW, the Petitioner, JOSHUA J. HERTZ, P.A. d/b/a LAW OFFICES OF
JOSHUA J. HERTZ, PA, and petitions an Order of Interpleader, discharging the Petitioner, r_
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JOSHUA J. HERTZ, P.A. d/b/a LAW OFFICES OF JOSHUA J. HERTZ, PA, from this action
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entirely and discharging any and all liability Petitioner has or may have to Respondents, and in
support thereof,alleges as follows: �
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1. The JOSHUA J.HERTZ, P.A. d/b/a LAW OFFICES OF JOSHUA J.HERTZ,PA,is
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a law firm practicing throughout the state of Florida, including in Miami-Dade County
and currently holds proceeds within this Court's jurisdiction in Miami-Dade County.
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2. That LUBNA ZAHAN, a resident of the State of Georgia, who brought the underlying CL
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negligence claim arising out of a car accident that occurred on June 19, 2018, against the
Defendant TIA STOTTS.
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3. That LUBNA ZAHAN,retained the law firm of JOSHUA J.HERTZ,P.A. d/b/a LAW g
OFFICES OF JOSHUA J. HERTZ, PA, to represent her in her claim as stated in
paragraph 2. Such representation of LUBNNA ZAHAN was undertaken by the
undersigned law firm on a contingency basis.
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4. The instant case has settled for the total sum of$30,000 for the damages and injuries
sustained by LUBNA ZAHAN.The monies from the settlement have been deposited into
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the trust account of JOSHUA J. HERTZ, P.A. d/b/a LAW OFFICES OF JOSHUA J.
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HERTZ, PA, pending the distribution of said proceeds amongst the Petitioner-law fum, o
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and the various other Respondents claiming liens against said proceeds. 06
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5. That according to the Contingency Fee Agreement between the Respondent and o
JOSHUA J. HERTZ, P.A. d/b/a LAW OFFICES OF JOSHUA J. HERTZ, PA, the
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Petitioner-law firm is entitled to a 33 1/3% contingency fee from the $30,000 gross
settlement, totaling $10,000, for its services rendered in procuring said settlement on
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Respondent-Zahan's behalf.
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6. That Petitioner-law firm has incurred $624.72 in costs for prosecuting the above stated ca
claim as stated in paragraph 2, as well as costs in prosecuting this interpleader claim,
specifically:
1. Medical Records Request $ 424.72 U)
2. Postage and Costs: $ 200.00
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3. Filing Fee and summons fee for Interpleader Unknown at
this time.
4. Service of Process for Interpleader Unknown at
this time. >
Total: $ 624.72 plus CL
casts in#3 and o
#4 above
7. As to the remaining settlement funds,the following entities have claimed or are claiming
liens: g
I.Liens
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1. MONROE COUNTY,FLORIDA,A POLITICAL
SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA d/b/a
MONROE COUNTY EMS $ 604.80 ,
2. MONROE COUNTY,FLORIDA,A POLITICAL
SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA d/b/a
MONROE TRAUMA STAR $ 22,600.00
3. PIEDMONT ANESTHESIA ASSOCIATES,L.L.0 d/b/a
AMERICA ANESTHESIOLOGY $ 1,622.77 i�
4. BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF GEORGIA,
INC. d/b/a BCBS OF GEORGIA and BLUECROSS o
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BLUESIIELD OF GEORGIA $ Unknown 06
5. BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD HEALTHCARE PLAN
OF GEORGIA,INC. d/b/a BCBS OF GEORGIA and
BLUECROSS BLUESHIELD OF GEORGIA $ Unknown
6. BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF GEORGIA (n
3
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Q.5.a
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FOUNDATION,L.L.C.d/b/a BOBS OF GEORGIA and
BLUECROSS BLUESH]ELD OF GEORGIA $ Unknown
7. PEACHTREE ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY CENTER
AT PIEDMONT, LLC d/b/a PEACHTREE 2
ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY CENTER AT PIEDMONT $ Unknown
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8. PEACHTREE ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY CENTER,
LLC d/b/a PEACHTREE ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY
CENTER AT PIEDMONT $ Unknown 3
9. CHEROKEE FUNDING,LLC d/b/a CHEROKEE
FUNDING, as assignee of BENCHMARK REHAB
PARTNERS $ 14,922.25
10. UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI d/b/a UNIVERSITY OF 0
MIAMI HEALTH SYSTEM and UNIVERSITY OF �
MIAMI HOSPITALS AND CLINICS $ 3,025.30
It. PEACHTREE ORTHOPAEDIC CLINIC,P.A.d/b/a
PEACHTREE ORTHOPAEDIC CLINIC $ 15.96
12, ONYX IMAGING,LLC $ 2,079.00 00.
'13. THE PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST OF MIAW-DARE
d/b/a JACKSON HEALTH SYSTEM,JACKSON
NORTH MEDICAL CENTER,and JACKSON
MEMORIAL HOSPITAL $ 23,529.41
14. GLOBAL SKY AIRCHARTER CORPORATION d/b/a
GLOBAL SKY AIRCHARTER CORP $ 22,600.00
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..—._........_......._..........— ..mm._....................—_...._... .. ...,.eee............... Total: S 90,999.49 �
plus unknown
in 44 through ,
#8 above `d
8. That the aforementioned lien holders have competing claims to the single settlement �
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proceeds and payment,from the proceeds,to any single entity would expose the
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Petitioner to multiple liability for other competing claims against said gross settlement.
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9. That Respondent,LUBNA ZAHAN,has a claim to the settlement proceeds.
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10. That the Petitioner is perfectly indifferent to the competing claims of the Respondents.
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11. That the Petitioner-law firm has,or will forthwith, deposit the sum of the gross settlement
minus the earned 33 1/3% contingency fee as attorney's fees and minus the costs
pursuant to the Contingency Fee Agreement as well as minus the costs associated with °2
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this Interpleader action into the Court's Registry. e
12. The gross settlement minus the earned 33 1/3% contingency fee as attorney's fees and
minus the costs pursuant to the Contingency Fee Agreement as well as minus the costs
associated with this Interpleader action being interplead is the subject of competing U)
claims by the Respondents, all of whom claim a share of such monies.Further,the claims ca
of each of the Respondents are connected in that they each arise out of the same incident
which gave rise to the above stated claim as stated in paragraph 2, filed by LUBNA
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ZAHAN.
WHEREFORE, The Petitioner, JOSHUA J. HERTZ, P.A. d/b/a LAW OFFICES OF
JOSHUA J. HERTZ, PA, respectfully seek an Order of Interpleader allowing the Petitioner to r_
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deposit funds representing the gross settlement funds, subtracted by the aforementioned attorney's
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fee and costs pursuant to the Contingency Fee Agreement as well as costs for bringing this
Interpleader action, discharging the Petitioner, JOSHUA J. HERTZ, P.A. d/b/a LAW OFFICES
OF JOSHUA J. HERTZ, PA, from this action entirely and discharging any and all liability
Petitioner has or may have to Respondents,as well as awarding the Petitioner costs for bringing said
interpleader action as well as any and all further relief that the court should deem just and proper.
REINFELD CABRERA TISON CL
Attorneys for Petitioner �0
10235 West Sample Road, Suite 207
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Coral Springs,FL 33065
Tel. (954)334-1520 0
Fax:(954)334-1526
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Isl Devin P. Tison,Esq.
Devin P.Tison Esq. 0
Fla.Bar No: 95225 .2
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C77 777 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ounty of Monroe Mayor Sylvia J.Murphy,District 5
�1 Mayor Pro Tem Danny L.Kolhage,District 1
ne ]non&Keys Michelle Coldiron,District 2 _
Heather Carruthers,District 3 t)
David Rice,District 4 �
Robert B.Shillinger,County Attorney"
Pedro J.Mercado,Assistant County Attorney** Office of the County Attorney
Cynthia L.Hall,Assistant County Attorney** 1111 12'b Street,Suite 408
Christine Limbert-Barrows,Assistant County Attorney** Key West,FL 33040 �y
Derek V.Howard,Assistant County Attorney** (305)292-3470—Phone ,
Steven T.Williams,Assistant County Attorney** (305)292-3516—Fax
Peter H.Morris,Assistant County Attorney** c�
Patricia Eables,Assistant County Attorney
Chris Ambrosio,Assistant County Attorney**
Paunece Scull,Assistant County Attorney
**Board Certified in City,County&Local Govt.Law
September 23, 2019
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Global Sky Aircharter Corporation Global Sky Aircharter Corporation
10100 Overseas Highway c/o Patrick J.McCullah,Jr.
Marathon,FL 33050 5525 College Rd.
Attn: Sheriff Richard Ramsey Key West, FL 33040
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Re: Waiver of Potential Conflict of Interest under Applicable Florida Bar Rules —
Joint Legal Representation in Joshua J. Hertz, P.A. c/bla Law Offices of Joshua J. Hertz
v. Lubna Zahan et al., 111h Judicial Circuit Case No. 2019-024681-CA-01.
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Dear Sheriff Ramsey:
a�
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This letter is written to you as the President of the Global Sky Aircharter Corporation
("Corporation") to discuss the applicability of and our obligation to consult with you regarding
Rule 4-1.7 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar concerning conflicts of interest.
As you know,the Law Offices of Joshua J.Hertz("Plaintiff")filed a lawsuit in the 11th Judicial
Circuit(Miami) against Monroe County, the Corporation, and other defendants ("Lawsuit"). The
Lawsuit is an interpleader action. In the Lawsuit, the Plaintiff law firm alleges that it previously
represented an individual(Lubna Zahan) in a personal injury action and obtained a settlement on 2
her behalf in the amount of$30,000. However,claims filed by various providers,including Monroe
County and the Corporation, exceed $91,000. Therefore, the Plaintiff has deposited the settlement U)
funds minus the law firm's fee into the court registry and filed this interpleader action, asking the
court to decide how to apportion the remaining amount.
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The facts so far appear to show that the County and the Corporation transported the patient
on Trauma Star,resulting in a bill to Ms.Zahan in the amount of$22,600. The County is responsible
for billing for patient services, so our joint interest is to recover the amount outstanding.
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Q.5.b
Rule 4-1.7 of the Rules Governing Florida Bar prohibits a lawyer from representing a client
if the representation of one client will be directly adverse to the other,or if there is a substantial risk
that the representation of one client will be materially limited to the lawyer's responsibilities to the
other client.
We do not believe that there are currently any conflicts of interest. If a conflict does arise in
the future, we will advise you in writing before moving to withdraw. In the motion to withdraw,
our Office will ask the Court to provide you with sufficient time to find new counsel of your choice.
We are unable to undertake representation of the Corporation without the consent both of
the Corporation and the County. We request that the Corporation waive any conflict of interest
arising from our representation of both parties in the Lawsuit. We will then place an item on the
agenda for the October 2019 BOCC meeting asking for the BOCC's consent.
If the foregoing is acceptable,please sign and return a copy to me. Thank you. o
MONROE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Cynthia L.Hall
Assistant County Attorney
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Accepted this day of September 2019
GLOBAL SKY AIRCHARTER CORPORATION cas
M
y:
Name: Richard Ramsey,Sh
eriff
Title: President
U)
CL
MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
APP V01 AS TO FORM: S
P ;TRICK J. MCCULLAH
GENERAL COUNSEL
DATE:
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