Family may sue Hogan's son

The critically injured Marine's parents are still at odds over his guardianship.

By TAMARA EL-KHOURY, Times Staff Writer
Published October 11, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG - John Graziano's estranged parents agree that a civil lawsuit against the family of wrestler Hulk Hogan will be necessary to pay for their son's long-term care, their attorneys said Wednesday.

"I think that any guardian would file a civil suit; that goes without saying," said George Tragos, who represents Debra Graziano, John's mother.

John Graziano is a 22-year-old Marine who was critically injured Aug. 26 while riding in a Toyota Supra driven by Nick Bollea, 17, the famous wrestler's son.

The Bolleas' attorney, Morris "Sandy" Weinberg, said he couldn't comment on the case.

Last month, the family's high-profile Tampa attorney, Barry Cohen, withdrew from the case without explanation.

In court documents, medical professionals who have examined Graziano said he suffered severe head injuries and remains comatose. One doctor said Graziano, who is at Bayfront Medical Center, would likely spend the rest of his life in a nursing home.

On Wednesday, Debra and Edward Graziano and their attorneys were in Pinellas County court for a 9 a.m. hearing to discuss who should be named their son's guardian.

Pinellas Judge Lauren Laughlin granted a delay requested by Edward Graziano to give his recently-hired attorney, Steven Hearn, time to prepare. Hearn said he wanted to investigate allegations that Debra Graziano is receiving financial support from the Bolleas.

A new hearing date has not been set.

For now, Debra Graziano will continue to make medical decisions on her son's behalf as his temporary emergency guardian.

In an interview after the hearing, Hearn said Debra Graziano is not a good choice because she has received financial support from the Bollea family. After the accident, the Bolleas paid for her to stay in a hotel room, Hearn said. She now is staying in a condominium or town home in Clearwater provided by the Bolleas, he said.

Edward Graziano is staying at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg. Hearn said the Bollea family paid his hotel bill for a while but he is paying it now.

Because Debra Graziano has filed a domestic violence injunction against her husband, her lawyer, Tragos, wouldn't confirm where she is living.

Hearn said he is petitioning the judge to have a professional guardian take care of John's affairs. Edward Graziano is not applying for guardianship because he wants to keep the couple's marital issues separate from the care of their son, Hearn said.

"The guardian is supposed to be neutral and non-biased and should avoid the appearance of everything that might influence them," Hearn said.

He said his client is concerned whether Debra Graziano would pursue a civil suit against the Bolleas because she is receiving financial help from them.

But Tragos said the fear is unwarranted. He said a civil suit will be "aggressively prosecuted."