McINTOSH, SAWRAN, PELTZ, & CARTAYA, P.A. began operation on March 13, 1989. The firm was founded by Douglas M. McIntosh, who was a partner in a well-respected defense firm in Miami. Mr. McIntosh, together with Carmen Y. Cartaya, had developed litigation expertise over the years in such legal disciplines as general negligence, products liability, professional negligence, insurance, admiralty and maritime matters. A strong desire to develop a firm which would represent its clients in a highly professional, responsive and ethical fashion led to the firm's creation. In May of 1993, they were joined by James C. Sawran, who brought to the firm his experience in handling medical malpractice defense matters. Mr. Sawran was able to further diversify the firm's litigation expertise. Ms. Cartaya was named as a partner in 1995 and has continued to expand the firm’s nursing home practice throughout the state. In 1998, Robert D. Peltz joined the firm as a partner and opened its Miami office.