The Boat Accident Claimed the Life of 17-Year-Old Luciana Fernandez
A recently filed lawsuit claims that George Pino had his normal faculties impaired by alcohol at the time of a deadly boat accident that killed 17-year-old Luciana Fernandez and injured nearly a dozen others. 5The crash occurred last Labor Day when the 29-foot vessel Pino was operating struck a channel marker in the Intercoastal Waterway.
The impact caused all 14 people to be ejected from the boat. The lawsuit alleges that George and Cecilia Pino purchased alcohol for the teens on the vessel. It also indicates that the husband and wife allowed the teenagers to consume the alcohol. As reported by The Real Deal, Katerina Puig, one of the teenagers on the boat, was permanently disabled as a result of the crash.
Pino and his wife work at State Street Realty. He is noted as being the President of the Doral-based brokerage firm, while his wife is listed as the Director of Public Relations. Lawyers for the Pinos reportedly filed a “limitation of liability” in an effort to limit their financial exposure related to the lawsuit.
Complaint for Damages
A complaint for damages filed by Puig’s family also named three paramedics, the volunteer fire department, and a helicopter company as defendants. The lawsuit states that the boat was owned and operated by George Pino at the time of the accident.
On September 4, 2022, Pino decided to take the boat he owned and operated out for his daughter’s birthday. Several of his daughter’s friends, including Puig, were invited to join on the outing. The lawsuit alleges that Pino purchased and consumed alcohol prior to the collision. It also indicates that he was traveling at a high rate of speed when the vessel collided with Marker 15 near Boca Chita Key.
Multiple Allegations of Negligence
It is further alleged that Pino refused a blood draw and/or breathalyzer at the scene in an effort to conceal his blood alcohol concentration. Pino is being accused of negligent operation of the vessel, such as failing to keep a proper lookout, driving at an unsafe speed, and providing alcohol to minors.
The vessel was also reportedly overloaded beyond its capacity due to the number of passengers. The civil lawsuit against Pino is based on negligence and negligent supervision. The Puig family believes that Pino breached the duty of care he owed to the passengers of the vessel, including their daughter.
If successful, damages in the lawsuit are expected to exceed $75,000. The family has asked for compensation related to their daughter’s medical bills, future treatment costs, loss of services, and loss of earning capacity. They have also sought damages related to loss of consortium and loss of companionship.
Contact Our Office to Learn More
At Mase Seitz Briggs, we represent individuals who have been injured in boating accidents throughout Miami, Florida. Our maritime lawyers know the devastation that boat accidents can cause. We are dedicated trial lawyers who are unafraid to take on even the most challenging cases. Contact our office today at (844) 627-3529 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.