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The family of the Cuban Juan Ricardo Hernández, who died after being punched by the Mexican actor Pablo Lyle, has filed a civil lawsuit against the performer, seeking a multimillion-dollar compensation.
This legal action is taking place while Lyle is serving a prison sentence for the tragic death of the Cuban, which occurred in March 2019 following an unfortunate road rage incident.
The civil lawsuit for damages and losses
According to the network Univision -citing the program "Despierta América" as its source- the son of Juan Ricardo Hernández filed the lawsuit in early 2024 in a Florida court.
The family is seeking financial compensation ranging from one to five million dollars for damages resulting from the death of the Cuban.
The compensation would cover funeral expenses, psychological care, and the loss of income for his wife.
The first court hearing took place in June 2024, but Lyle's lawyers did not show up, which forced the hearing to be postponed.
More recently, the lawyer for the deceased's son also withdrew from the case, leaving the situation in limbo.
A new hearing has been rescheduled for July 31.
The continuity of the process will depend on the family finding a new legal representative and on whether they can demonstrate to the court both the existence of the claimed damages and Lyle's financial capacity to respond economically.
The actor is said to be bankrupt
This last point is crucial, as the actor is in a state of bankruptcy.
"Everyone who knows Pablo is wondering where the money is going to come from, as he is completely broke with all the expenses from lawyers and the six years he has been out of work," stated a close source quoted by TVNotas.
Additionally, there is a possibility that if Pablo Lyle generates income in the future through an autobiography or a biographical series—projects he may already be developing—the earnings from those works could be seized to cover potential compensation.
"If the book or the bio-series is released, it could be that the family of Juan Ricardo Hernández requests that, when that happens, the profits be seized," added the source.
The criminal case: What happened and the sentencing of Pablo Lyle
On March 31, 2019, Pablo Lyle was involved in a traffic altercation in Miami along with his brother-in-law, who was driving a car.
After an argument with Juan Ricardo Hernández, a 63-year-old of Cuban descent, Lyle got out of the vehicle and punched him in the face.
The man fell to the ground unconscious and was hospitalized. Four days later, he passed away as a result of the blow.
The actor was initially arrested but regained his freedom after paying bail.
During the legal process, house arrest was imposed, and subsequently, a lengthy trial began.
In October 2022, Lyle was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, and in February 2023 he received a five-year prison sentence, eight years of probation, 100 hours of community service, and the requirement to complete an anger management course.
Since then, the actor has been serving a sentence in a low-security state prison in Florida.
Some media have speculated about a possible early release for good behavior around 2026 or 2027.
In the meantime, Pablo Lyle is trying to find ways to improve his financial situation.
According to TVNotas, he has begun writing an autobiography from prison, motivated by financial necessity. A series based on his life is also being developed, with the aim of raising funds.
"Pablo has not been inactive at all in prison. In addition to studying law to try to help himself legally and avoid spending so much on lawyers, he has been writing his autobiography," said a close acquaintance.
Although these initiatives could provide some economic relief, they could also be leveraged by the plaintiffs to demand a garnishment of profits if the court rules in their favor.
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