(Tampa, Florida) (October 9, 2026)- Wood Smith Henning & Berman secured summary judgment for a high-profile restaurant client in a Florida premises liability case involving more than $390,000 in claimed past medical expenses. The plaintiff alleged she slipped and fell on a menu dropped by a restaurant hostess. The defense established that the menu was on the floor for less than two seconds before the incident, leaving the restaurant no reasonable opportunity to discover it, provide a warning, or remove it.
Led by Partner Zachary Williams and Senior Counsel Johana Quirantes, the litigation team developed the decisive factual record through detailed investigation and lengthy, vigorously contested depositions. Undisputed surveillance footage captured the brief interval between the menu reaching the floor and the plaintiff's fall. The team paired that footage with deposition testimony to establish the sequence of events and support the restaurant's defense.
The timing drove the outcome, but developing the record took sustained effort. "We examined the footage closely, tested the testimony, and gave the court a clear account of what happened. That preparation allowed us to demonstrate why the claims against our client could not stand," said Williams.
At the summary judgment hearing, the defense used the surveillance footage and testimony from multiple witnesses to show the restaurant had no meaningful opportunity to prevent the incident. The court agreed and entered summary judgment in the restaurant's favor.
"Less than two seconds separated the menu hitting the floor from the fall," said Quirantes. "Our task was to establish that interval through the evidence and explain its significance. The video and deposition testimony gave the court a firm factual basis to resolve the case in our client's favor."
The victory reflects WSHB's commitment to thorough investigation, disciplined preparation, and effective motion practice. By building the record throughout discovery and presenting the decisive evidence clearly, the team brought the case to a successful conclusion without trial.
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Experience the power of a proven industry leader in the law. Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) is renowned globally for our exceptional trial results and expertise in handling complex litigation. With our nationwide network of over 500 lawyers across 43 office locations, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive litigation and counsel to both public and private companies. From start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations, we deliver unrivaled legal representation that consistently achieves favorable outcomes for our clients.
At WSHB, our strength lies in our diverse and accomplished team of attorneys. We boast thought leaders and defense specialists in over 41 fields of practice, covering an extensive range of specialties. Founded in 1997, we are proud to be among the top ten law firms in the nation for diversity, female partners, female lawyers, and Hispanic lawyers. This rich tapestry of diversity forms the foundation of our success when presenting cases to juries of our peers, ensuring we understand the unique nuances underlying each claim.
Our expansive geographic footprint allows us to provide effective and efficient representation to clients nationwide, regardless of their location, background, or legal expertise. By prioritizing strategic and cost-effective approaches to litigation, our dedicated attorneys work tirelessly to protect the interests of our clients. We have a track record of success, securing numerous victories such as summary judgments and defense verdicts on behalf of our clients. As a trial firm, we have taken over 2,000 cases to verdict, making us well-equipped to handle even the most complex and high-stakes litigation matters across the country.
