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Agenda 09/13/2011 Item #16K49/13/2011 Item 16.K.4. EU UTIVE SUMMARY Recommendation to approve a settlement in the lawsuit entitled Jennifer Ressel, as Parent and Natural Guardian of Joshua Friedman, a Manor v Collier County, A Political Subdivision of the State of Florida, filed in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit in and for Collier County, Florida, for the sum of $8,000.00 and authorize the Chairman to execute the Settlement Agreement. ORJECTIYE: Recommendation to accept the settlement in the lawsuit filed by Jennifer Ressel, as parent and natural guardian of Joshua Friedman, a minor, against the Board of County Commissioners for the sum of $8,000.00 and authorize the Chairman to execute the Settlement Agreement. CONSIDERATIONS The injured party, Joshua Friedman, was sitting on a bench at the Collier County Golden Gate Community Park on Recreation Lane on January 16, 2010 for baseball tryouts. The Plaintiff alleges that bench flipped over and landed on his foot causing a fractured big toe. The Plaintiff alleged a defect which caused the bench to fail. Joshua was 8 years old at the time of the alleged incident. Joshua was treated at the emergency room and subsequently wore a cast for his fractured toe: The parties have completed discovery including depositions. Based on the County's investigation, discovery and Plaintiff's medical bills (approximately $3,000.00), the $8,000.00 is reasonable. If this matter went to a jury trial, the trial costs and potential exposure could be significant. FISCAL JACT: Funds are budgeted and available in Fund 516, Property & Casualty Insurance Fund, and the total impact will be $8,000.00. LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: The County Attorney's Office has reviewed this settlement with the Risk Management Department and recommends that the,, Board of County Commissioners approve this Settlement Agreement. There is a risk of costs and exposure associated with trying this case. This item is legally sufficient for Board action. — CMG REC011E4F DATION: For the Board of County Commissioners to accept the settlement in the lawsuit filed against the Board of County :Commissioners by Jennifer Ressel as parent and natural guardian of Joshua Friedman, a minor, in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court for the sum of $8,000.00 and authorize the Chairman to execute the Settlement Agreement. PREPARED BY; Colleen M. Greene, Assistant County Attorney 10- 7104 -CA/75 Packet Page -3349- 9/13/2011 Item 16.K.4. COLLIER COUNTY Board of County Commissioners Item Number 16.K.4. Item Summary: Recommendation to approve a settlement in the lawsuit entitled Jennifer Ressel, as Parent and Natural Guardian of Joshua Friedman, a. Minor v. Collier County, A Political Subdivision of the State of Florida, filed in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit in and for Collier County, Florida, for the sum of $8,000 and authorize the Chairman to execute the Settlement Agreement. Fleeting Date 9/13/2011 Prepared By Name: CrotteauKathynell Title: Legal Secretary,County Attorney 8/29/20118:51:02 AM Approved By Name WalkerJeff Tithe: Director - Risk Management,Risk Management Date: 8/29/2011 10:83:17 AM Name: GreeneColleen Title: Assistant County Attorney,County Attorney Date: 8/20/2011 12:25:26 PM Name: KlatzkowJeff Title: County Attorney, Date: 8/29/2011 1:37:44 PM Name: StanleyTherese Title: Management/Budget Analyst, Senior,pffice of Management &Budget Date: 8/29/2011 1:40:28 PM Name: SheffieldMichael Title: Manager - Business Operations, CMO Date: 8/30/20112:09: 10 PM Packet Page - 3350- 9/13/2011 Item 16.K.4. SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND MUTUAL RELEASE THiS SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND MUTUAL RELEASE (hereinafter referred to as the "Agreement and Release ") is entered into and made on this day of , 2011 by and between JENNIFER RESSEL, As Parent and Natural Guardian of JOSHUA FRIEDMAN, a Minor, (hereinafter referred to as "Plaintiffs ") and Board of County Commissioners for Collier County (hereinafter referred to as the "County "). WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, Plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against the County in the Circuit Court for the Twentieth Judicial Circuit in and for Collier County, Florida, styled Jennifer Ressel, As Parent and Natural Guardian of Joshua Friedman, a Minor v. Collier County, A Political Subdivision of the State of Florida, Case No. 10- 7104 -CA (hereinafter referred to as the "Lawsuit "); and WHEREAS, Plaintiffs and the County, without either party admitting any liability or fault, desire to settle the Lawsuit and any and all disputes that arise from, relate or refer in any way, whether directly or indirectly, known or unknown, to the incidents described or allegations made in the Complaint filed in the Lawsuit; and, WHEREAS, Plaintiffs and the County desire to reduce their settlement to a writing so that it shall be binding upon them as well as their respective owners, principals, elected officials, officers, employees, ex- employees, agents, attorneys, representatives, insurers, spouses, successors, assigns, heirs and affiliates; and 1 Packet Page -3351- 9/13/2011 Item 16.K.4. WHEREAS, Plaintiffs agree and covenant to fully comply with all applicable Medicare laws and liens specifically including 42 USC § 1395y. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, promises and consideration set forth in this Agreement and Release, and with the intent to be legally bound, Plaintiffs and the County agree as follows: 1. Plaintiffs and the County adopt and incorporate the foregoing recitals, sometimes referred to as "Whereas Clauses ", by reference into this Agreement and Release. 2. In consideration of the resolution of all disputes or claims arising from or referring or relating in any way, whether directly or indirectly, to the Lawsuit, and for and in consideration of the sum of Eight Thousand Dollars and 00/100 ($8,000.00) and other valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged by Plaintiffs, Plaintiffs agree to dismiss the Lawsuit with prejudice. 3. In consideration of the resolution of the Lawsuit, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, Plaintiffs, on behalf of themselves, their attorneys, agents, representatives, insurers, heirs, successors and assigns, hereby expressly releases and forever discharges the County, as well as its elected officials, officers, employees, ex- employees, agents, attorneys, representatives, successors, assigns, insurers and affiliates from any and all claims, demands, causes of actions, damages, costs, attorney's fees, expenses and obligations of any kind or nature whatsoever that they have asserted or could have asserted in the Lawsuit or that arise from or relate or refer in any way, whether directly 2 Packet Page -3352- 9/13/2011 Item 16.K.4. or indirectly, to the Lawsuit or any incident, event or allegation referred to or made in the Complaint in the Lawsuit. 4. Notwithstanding anything that may be to the contrary in Paragraph 3 of this Agreement and Release, Plaintiffs and the County agree that either of them (as well as any other persons or entities intended to be bound) shall, in the event of any breach, retain the right to enforce the terms and conditions of this Agreement and Release. 5. Plaintiffs agree and covenant to fully comply with all applicable Medicare laws and liens specifically including 42 USC § 1395y. 6. Plaintiffs and the County acknowledge and agree that this Agreement and Release is intended to and shall be binding upon their respective owners, principals, officials, officers, employees, ex- employees, agents, attorneys, representatives, insurers, successors, assigns, spouses, heirs, and affiliates. 7. Plaintiffs and the County recognize and acknowledge that this Agreement and Release memorializes and states a settlement of disputed claims and nothing in this Agreement and Release shall be construed to be an admission of any kind, whether of fault, liability, or of a particular policy or procedure, on the part of either Plaintiffs or the County. 8. Plaintiffs and the County acknowledge and agree that this Agreement and Release is the product of mutual negotiation and no doubtful or ambiguous language or provision in this Agreement and Release is to be construed against any party based upon a claim that the party drafted the ambiguous provision or language or that the party was intended to be benefited by the ambiguous provision or Ianguage. 3 Packet Page -3353- 9/13/2011 Item 16.K.4. 9., This Agreement and Release may be amended only by a written instrument specifically referring to this Agreement and Release and executed with the same formalities as this Agreement and Release. 10. In the event of an alleged breach of this Agreement and Release, Plaintiffs and the County agree that all underlying causes of action or claims of Plaintiffs have been extinguished by this Agreement and Release and that the sole remedy for breach of this Agreement and Release shall be for specific performance of its terms and conditions or any damages arising from the breach. In this regard, Plaintiffs and the County further agree that the sole venue for any such action shall be in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit in and for Collier County, Florida in Naples, Florida. 11. This Agreement and Release shall be governed by the laws of the State of Florida. ,#'-N 12. Plaintiffs and Plaintiffs' attorney shall be solely responsible for any Medicare lien or other liens as referenced in the attached Addendum. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Plaintiffs, and the County have signed and sealed this Agreement and Release as set forth below. Date: ATTEST: DWIGHT E. BROCK, Clerk Deputy Clerk Approved as to form and I suffciency: (0?1lee—nM' . Greene Assistant County Attorney BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA By: FRED W. COYLE, Chairman By: JENNIFER RESSEL, As Parent and Natural Guardian of Joshua Friedman, a Minor, Plaintiff. 4 Packet Page -3354- 9/13/2011 Item 16.K.4. 110�. STATE OF COUNTY OF THIS SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND RELEASE BETWEEN PLAINTIFFS AND COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA WAS SWORN TO and subscribed by JENNIFER RESSEL, As Parent and Natural Guardian of JOSHUA FRIEDMAN, a Minor, before me on this day of 2011. Personally Known Signature of Notary Public or Produced Identification Commissioned Name of Notary Public Type of Identification Produced (Please print, type or stamp) n My Commission expires: 10- 7104 -CA/7I 9/13/2011 Item 16.K.4. ADDENDUM TO SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE Representations With Regard to Medicare's Interests Releasor hereby warrants and represents that I presently am not, nor have ever been enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part B. Further, I have no claim for Social Security Disability benefits nor am I appealing or re- filing for Social Security Disability benefits. Medicare's interests In reaching agreement on the terms of this Release, the parties acknowledge Releasor's possible entitlement to Social Security disability benefits pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 423, and receipt of Medicare or Medicaid benefits under 42 U.S.0 § 1395y, as well as the entitlement of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ("CMS ") to subrogation and intervention, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § i 395y(b) (2) to recover any overpayment made by CMS. The parties to this Release agree that this Release is not intended to shift to CMS the responsibility for payment of medical expenses for the treatment of injury related conditions. The parties agree that this settlement is intended to provide Releasor a lump sum and /or future periodic payment which will foreclose Releasee's responsibility for future payment of al( injury related medical expenses. Non - reimbursable Expenses (where there is an MSA or other future medical expense consideration) The parties to this Release understand that many common medical expenses are not payable or reimbursable under the Medicare program. These medical expenses, not covered by Medicare but necessary in the ongoing treatment of the Releasor's injury, and without an admission of liability on the part of the Releasee, have been taken into consideration in the calculation and settlement of Releasor's future medical expenses. Funds for these non - Medicare covered medical expenses have been included in the lump sum settlement amount and shall not be paid from any Medicare allocation amount. Packet Page -3356- 9/13/2011 Item 16.K.4. Benefit Eligibility Releasor acknowledges that any decision regarding entitlement to Social Security benefits or Medicare or Medicaid benefits, including the amount and duration of payments and offset reimbursement for prior payments is exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Social Security Administration, the United States Government, and the U.S. Federal Courts, and is determined by Federal law and regulations. As such, the United States Government is not bound by any of the terms of this Release. Future Benefits Releasor has been apprised of his /her right to seek assistance from legal counsel of his /her choosing or directly from the Social Security Administration or other government agencies regarding the impact this Release may have on Releasor's current or future entitlement to Social Security or other governmental benefits. Releasor acknowledges that acceptance of these settlement funds may affect Releasor's rights to other governmental benefits, insurance benefits, disability benefits, or pension benefits. Notwithstanding this possibility, Releasor desires to enter into this Release agreement to settle his /her injury claim according to the terms set forth in this Release. Medicare Recovery Action Releasor agrees to hold harmless, indemnify and defend Releosee from any cause of action, including, but not limited to, an action by CMS to recover or recoup Medicare benefits or loss of Medicare benefits, if CMS determines that the money set -aside has been spent inappropriately or for any recovery sought by Medicare, including past, present, and future and /or conditional Payments. Releasor agrees not to use designated Medicare allocation funds to pay claims for conditional payments that may have been made by Medicare. 380652.1 2 Packet Page -3357- e 9/13/2011 Item 16.K.4. Complete Understanding Releasor hereby declares that the terms of this Release have been completely read and are fully understood and voluntarily accepted for the purpose of making a full and final settlement of any and all claims, disputed or otherwise, on account of injuries and /or damages related to the Claims set forth herein, and for the express purpose of precluding forever any further additional claims against the Release arising out of the aforesaid incident, accident or occurrence. As to the releaser only: Releasor Name Date Jennifer Ressel, as parent and natural guardian of Joshua Frieman, a minor Releasor Address STATE OF _ COUNTY OF THIS ADDENDUM TO SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND MUTUAL RELEASE BETWEEN PLAINTIFFS AND COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA WAS SWORN TO and subscribed by JENNIFER RESSEL, As Parent and Natural Guardian of JOSHUA FRIEDMAN, a Minor, before me on this day of 2011. Personally Known Signature of Notary Public or Produced Identification Commissioned Name of Notary Public (Please print, type or stamp) My Commission expires: 380652.1 Type of Identification Produced 3 Packet Page -3358- As to the releasee only: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA Releasee Date Fred W, Coyle, Chairman Releasee Address ATTEST: DWIGHT E. BROCK, Clerk Deputy Clerk Approved as to form and al sufficiency: W en M. Greene Assistant County Attorney 08- 6276- CA/3604 380652.1 4 Packet Page -3359- 9/13/2011 Item 16.K.4.