Ocala, FL – August 25, 2025 — National insurance defense firm Tyson & Mendes, LLP announced another significant, decisive defense trial victory in a premises liability case following a week-long jury trial in Ocala, Florida. Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney E. Holland “Holly” Howanitz, Tyson & Mendes’ Southeast Regional Managing Partner, led the defense team achieving a result far below the plaintiff’s multimillion-dollar demand.

In a premises liability case where the plaintiff sought $2.25 million in damages, the jury returned a split liability verdict of $125,000, resulting in a net award of just $75,000, a fraction of both the plaintiff’s demand and pretrial settlement expectations.

Using the firm’s proven defense method, The Apex, Ms. Howanitz focused the defense strategy on defusing juror anger. “Our clients, trial team, and courtroom staff were phenomenal throughout the process, and the judge created a truly professional and pleasant atmosphere,” said Ms. Howanitz. “It was an honor to stand alongside such a dedicated team and deliver this result.”

Ms. Howanitz also credited collaboration and trial technology as key components of the defense victory. She extended special thanks to those on the team assisting with effective use of trial technology to help deliver a compelling closing argument. Jurors who spoke with the defense team after trial noted the persuasiveness of the defense’s use of technology.“This verdict underscores the importance of effective trial presentation and teamwork in reaching just outcomes,” Ms. Howanitz added.

For more information and to view career opportunities, visit www.tysonmendes.com. 

About Tyson & Mendes LLP 

Tyson & Mendes LLP is a nationwide, AV-rated litigation and trial firm specializing in insurance defense and protecting its clients from Nuclear Verdicts®. Founded in 2002 by Robert Tyson and Patrick Mendes, the firm has experienced tremendous growth, with offices across the United States. Tyson & Mendes is known for its expertise in defending corporations, insurance companies, and their clients against Nuclear Verdicts®.

Serving 21 states nationwide, Tyson & Mendes is one of the fastest-growing civil defense firms in the U.S. and is proud to offer one of the fastest and clearest paths to partnership for its attorneys of any mid-sized law firm in the U.S. The firm is honored to be recognized as a 2024 Best Law Firm by Best Lawyers, named a 2024 Best Company to Work For: Law Firms edition by U.S. News & World Report, awarded the 2023 Liberty Mutual Insurance External Law Firm Partner of the Year Award, awarded the No. 1 “Ceiling Smasher” in Law360’s 2022 Glass Ceiling Report for female equity partnership, and shortlisted for Financial Times’ 2022 Innovative Lawyers North America Award.

For more information, visit www.tysonmendes.com.

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