July 2 , 2025

TAMPA HUB – Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. (QPWB) has obtained a complete defense verdict ($0 awarded), secured by Tampa attorneys Drew Lewis and Andrew Westphal on behalf of our client in a recent slip-and-fall lawsuit. Despite the Plaintiff's initial demand of $200,000, and a highly unusual on-stand admission of fault by the Defendant, the QPWB team successfully convinced the jury to find no negligence against our client. This remarkable outcome underscores the firm's ability to adapt and prevail in even the most challenging and unexpected trial scenarios.

Overview of the Case

The Plaintiff alleged she slipped on a faulty bathmat in the bathroom of her daughter, the Defendant, claiming significant foot injuries. During trial, the Defendant unexpectedly testified and accepted fault for the fall, testimony that was sympathetic to her mother’s position. The defense team presented an alternative theory for the cause of the fall. The jury ultimately agreed with the defense, finding the defendant not negligent.

Key Difference-Makers

• Drew Lewis – Partner, Tampa Hub
• Andrew Westphal – Associate, Tampa Hub

Administrative Support:

• Dinah Bishop – Paralegal
• Telisha Thompson – Legal Assistant
• Deneen Kerrigan – Legal Assistant
• Riley Fasano – Legal Assistant

Claims Made Against Our Client

Plaintiff claimed our client was negligent for maintaining a faulty bathmat, which they alleged caused her to slip and sustain foot injuries. Their arguments focused on establishing liability based on this alleged defect and the subsequent physical harm.

Defense Strategy

Our strategy involved a nuanced approach to the unexpected admission of fault. Defense counsel subtly suggested to the jury that the Defendant's testimony might not be entirely in the best interest of her own case. Instead, QPWB attorneys meticulously presented evidence highlighting the Plaintiff's pre-existing conditions, specifically a history of unstable knees and ankles, arguing these issues were the actual cause of the fall, irrespective of the bathmat. This indirect challenge to the Defendant's on-stand testimony, paired with the focus on the Plaintiff's medical history, was central to our defense.

Impact on Final Outcome

The defense's adaptive strategy and subtle suggestion to the jury proved decisive. Despite the Defendant's direct testimony admitting fault, the jury followed the defense's underlying theory. They found the Defendant not negligent, leading to a complete $0 verdict for our client. This outcome validated the QPWB's core argument that the Plaintiff's injuries were not caused by any negligence of the Defendant.

Unique Aspects of the Case

The most unique aspect of this case was the Defendant's testimony on the stand, where she admitted to being negligent. This presented a significant and highly unusual challenge that required immediate, strategic adaptation from the defense team.

Predicting the Future

This victory sends a powerful message, particularly in personal injury defense. It demonstrates that QPWB attorneys can think outside the box and adapt dynamically to unforeseen challenges, even when faced with a client's unexpected testimony at trial. This result reinforces QPWB’s commitment to aggressively defending its clients and is expected to influence future legal proceedings in similar areas of practice, showcasing the firm's resilience and strategic prowess.

Key Actions in This Case

• Agile Adaptation: Swiftly adjusted defense strategy mid-trial in response to defendant's on-stand admission of fault
• Jury Persuasion: Subtly guided the jury to question the defendant's unexpected testimony
• Focus on Pre-existing Conditions: Successfully pivoted the narrative to the Plaintiff's medical history as the cause of the fall
• Resilient Defense: Secured a $0 verdict despite a significant challenge from within the defense's own presentation.

About QPWB

Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. is one of the fastest growing law firms in the United States providing a different focus on what it means to provide responsive service to clients and team members. With a national presence of 49 offices and a comprehensive scope of over 130 practice areas, QPWB delivers legal representation in litigation, regulatory, and corporate matters to a diverse range of industries. This scope and rapid expansion has attracted unique legal talent from all different backgrounds and experiences which has made them the largest minority-owned law firm in the country.