Megan Ann Pariti - Vernis & Bowling

Megan Ann Pariti, Esq.
Attorney
Vernis & Bowling of Broward, P.A. 5821 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, FL 33021
Phone: (954) 927-5330
Email: MPariti@Florida-Law.com
Fax: (954) 927-5320
Website: www.national-law.com
V-Card Email LinkedIn

Verdicts and Dispositions

Jose Lopez v. Target
Tom Paradise and Megan Pariti (Hollywood, FL) (Premises Liability) obtained Summary Judgment in a Spoliation of Evidence claim. The Plaintiff, Jose Lopez, age 79, claimed to have slipped and fallen on a clear liquid in a Target store on December 18, 2022. Target sought Summary Judgment contending that Plaintiff failed to demonstrate actual or constructive notice as required by Florida Statute 768.0755. In response, Plaintiff argued that Target spoliated evidence by not preserving enough of the surveillance video and that Target employees were in the aisle minutes before the incident occurred.

Despite the Plaintiff’s preservation request for three hours of video (2 hours before the incident and 1 hour after), which was received by Target days after the incident occurred, Target only preserved one hour of footage (30 minutes before and 30 minutes after the incident). The store’s surveillance, however, only showed part of the incident since the area where the fall occurred was obscured by a merchandise display. As a result, the floor and any substance that may have been on the floor could not be seen on the surveillance video. Target argued that even if there were a duty to retain additional footage, the Court would need to speculate on the value of such footage. The Plaintiff’s assertion that more footage would have revealed the source of the water was speculative, given the obscured view in the existing footage. Additionally, there was no indication in the surveillance video that any customers or Target employees observed a spill or substance on the floor preceding the incident. While Target employees did traverse the area shortly before the fall, an overlooked detail by the plaintiff was that subsequent guests also passed through the area, potentially creating the hazard after the employees’ inspection.

The Plaintiff failed to provide evidence regarding the creation of the hazard, its duration on the floor, whether any Target employee was aware of it, or any history of similar incidents in the area. Target’s motion for Summary Judgment was granted.

Areas Of Practice

General Liability Defense Litigation
Premises Liability

Bar & Court Admission

Florida Bar

Education

Graduate:
Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Board College of Law, Juris Doctor
Undergraduate:
University of Central Florida, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science/Pre- Law, Minor in Business Administration

Megan Pariti was born and raised in Boca Raton, Florida. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science/Pre- Law and a minor in Business Administration. After college, Megan attended Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Board College of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor cum laude.

Megan was admitted to the Florida Bar and joined the Vernis & Bowling Team soon after. She primarily works on liability defense cases.

When not practicing, Megan enjoys being active with her labrador retrievers and spending time with family and friends

Footer