Barron Hilton must pay Fernando Tellez, a gas station attendant he struck in 2008, $3 million for pain and suffering and $1.9 million for lost earnings, medical expenses and punitive damages.
- July 16, 2011
AceShowbiz -
Barron Hilton has lost a civil lawsuit filed against him by his drunk driving victim. Fernando Tellez's attorney revealed on Friday, July 15 that the younger brother of socialite Paris Hilton must pay the former gas station attendant he struck with his car in 2008 $4.9 million in damages.
A civil judgment signed July 7 uncovered that the 21-year-old has been ordered by a jury to shell out $3 million for pain and suffering and $1.9 million for lost earnings, medical expenses and punitive damages. He also has to pay $225,000 in punitive damages and nearly $71,000 in interest.
About the ruling, a source close to Barron told TMZ, "We disagree with the jury." The source added, "Barron did not strike the attendant. Barron knows he did wrong. It happened 3 years ago and he's been incredibly responsible ever since."
Fernando sued Barron in 2009 for the injuries he suffered after the hotel heir struck him at a gas station on Pacific Coast Highway with his Mercedes Benz. His lawyer claimed that his client suffered "permanent disability" and has been forced to "undergo multiple surgeries and medical procedures".
Barron was arrested on suspicion of DUI after blowing a .14 on the same day he hit Fernando. Witnesses said that the hotel heir, who was 18 at the time, was involved in at least one other vehicle before pulling into the gas station where Fernando was working. He later pleaded no contest to the charge.
