Not Guilty Doesn’t Mean Not Liable: Civil Lawsuits After Florida Boating Accidents
George Pino, one of the best-known real estate brokers in South Florida, was recently acquitted by a Florida jury of the criminal charges that were levied against him regarding a deadly boating accident in 2022. However, it’s an example that shows the difference between civil and criminal liability, which is very important for accident victims. The boating accident in Biscayne Bay led to the tragic death of a 17-year-old girl and also left another teenager seriously disabled.
What happened?
The incident took place on September 4, 2022, when Pino was maneuvering a 29-foot boat with his wife, daughter, and 11 of his daughter’s teenage friends.
The boat hit the fixed channel marker in Biscayne Bay close to Cutter Bank, according to the Miami Herald. As a result of the crash, all 14 individuals fell into the water. One teenage girl died, while the other sustained very serious head injuries, resulting in permanent quality-of-life changes.
Ultimately, Pino was accused of manslaughter and vessel homicide. Nevertheless, in June 2026, a jury in Miami-Dade absolved Pino of any criminal liability for those accidents.
Civil lawsuits produced significant settlements
An acquittal in a criminal case does not nullify the civil lawsuit that arises from a boating accident. According to the Miami Herald, there was a private settlement between Pino and the family of the injured teenager. The money will go to support her health care needs throughout her lifetime.
Criminal guilt and civil liability are different
In a criminal case, the objective is to establish if the government was able to prove that the accused committed a specific crime beyond a reasonable doubt. On the other hand, a personal injury or wrongful death claim usually aims to compensate the victims for any damages suffered due to wrongful acts of another party. A civil case has a lower burden of proof. As such, being acquitted does not prevent victims from initiating civil proceedings.
This issue is not limited to accidents at sea. In fact, a motorist may be acquitted of DUI or murder charges but can still find himself facing civil charges based on the same accident.
Compensation after a serious Florida boating accident
Boating accidents in Florida can lead to catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, drowning, and death. An injured party can file a claim for compensation for their hospitalization, ongoing medical treatment, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and many other aspects. In case of a deadly accident, survivors can make claims based on Florida’s wrongful death laws.
The case of Pino is a perfect example of why the injured party cannot take the outcome of the criminal trial for granted.
In case there is a serious accident in Florida, a civil investigation needs to be conducted.
Talk to a Jacksonville, FL, Boat Accident Injury Lawyer Today
Gillette Law represents the interests of those who have been seriously injured in a boating accident. Call our Jacksonville personal injury lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin investigating your case right away.
Source:
miamiherald.com/news/local/community/florida-keys/article288281305.html
