The relatives of Juan Ricardo Hernández, a Cuban man who tragically died after being punched by Mexican actor Pablo Lyle, have filed a civil lawsuit against the actor, seeking significant financial compensation. This legal action takes place while Lyle is serving a prison sentence for Hernández's untimely death, which occurred in March 2019 due to a road rage incident gone wrong.
Seeking Damages and Compensation
According to Univision, citing "Despierta América", Hernández's son initiated the lawsuit in early 2024 in a Florida court. The family is demanding between one and five million dollars in damages, seeking to cover funeral expenses, psychological care, and the loss of income for Hernández's widow.
The first court hearing occurred in June 2024; however, it was postponed because Lyle's legal team failed to appear. More recently, the attorney representing Hernández's son also withdrew from the case, causing further delays. A new hearing is set for July 31. The continuation of this legal battle hinges on the family securing new legal representation and proving the alleged damages and Lyle's financial capacity to pay.
Financial Hardships of Pablo Lyle
A crucial aspect of this case is the actor's financial situation. Lyle is reportedly bankrupt. "Everyone who knows Pablo wonders where the money will come from, as he is completely broke due to legal expenses and six years without work," a source shared with TVNotas.
Moreover, if Lyle generates income in the future through projects like an autobiography or a biographical series, which are reportedly in development, those earnings might be subject to seizure to satisfy the compensation claim. "Should the book or series be released, Hernández's family might request the earnings be seized," the source noted.
The Criminal Case: Incident and Sentencing
On March 31, 2019, Pablo Lyle was involved in a traffic altercation in Miami while his brother-in-law was driving. Following a confrontation with 63-year-old Cuban-born Juan Ricardo Hernández, Lyle got out of the vehicle and punched Hernández in the face. The blow rendered Hernández unconscious, leading to his hospitalization and subsequent death four days later.
Initially arrested, Lyle was released on bail but placed under house arrest during the trial. In October 2022, he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter. His sentence, delivered in February 2023, included five years in prison, eight years of probation, 100 hours of community service, and mandatory anger management courses. Currently, Lyle is serving his sentence in a low-security state prison in Florida, with potential early release for good behavior speculated for 2026 or 2027.
Pursuing Financial Recovery
In the meantime, Lyle is exploring avenues to improve his financial standing. As reported by TVNotas, he has begun writing an autobiography while incarcerated, driven by financial necessity. There are also plans for a series based on his life, aiming to generate revenue.
"Pablo has not been idle in jail. Besides studying law to aid his legal situation and cut attorney costs, he has been working on his autobiography," a close acquaintance revealed. Although these ventures might provide some financial relief, they could also be targeted by the plaintiffs for potential earnings if the court rules in their favor.
Legal and Financial Challenges in the Pablo Lyle Case
What compensation is Juan Ricardo Hernández's family seeking?
The family is seeking between one and five million dollars in damages to cover funeral costs, psychological support, and lost income.
Why was Pablo Lyle unable to pay the compensation?
Pablo Lyle is reportedly bankrupt due to high legal fees and six years without employment, raising doubts about his ability to pay the demanded compensation.
What projects is Pablo Lyle working on to improve his financial situation?
Lyle is writing an autobiography and there are plans for a biographical series about his life, both intended to generate income.