Graziano 'likely to spend the rest of his life in nursing home,' doctor says

A doctor treating John Graziano, who was injured in an Aug. 26 car wreck involving Hulk Hogan's son, said the young man will probably spend the rest of his life in a nursing home, according to court documents. A registered nurse hired by the court to examine Graziano wrote, "the treating physician does state that at best, this gentleman most probably will open his eyes on and off."

Graziano's mother, Debra Graziano, is petitioning the court to take over guardianship of her son, who is in critical condition at Bayfront Medical Center. Graziano, 22, a marine who served in Iraq, was the passenger in a yellow Toyota Supra driven by his friend, Nick Bollea, 17, the son of famous wrestler Hulk Hogan. According to court documents, Graziano was not wearing a seat belt.

"Well, that's one doctor's opinion, but it's not the full medical picture," said George Tragos, the lawyer representing Debra Graziano. Tragos said Monday that John's condition has improved and he now responds to stimuli.

--Tamara El-Khoury, Times staff writer