Los Angeles jury awards $22 million in punitive damages in 2020 hit-and-run case
A jury ordered socialite Rebecca Grossman to pay $21 million and former pitcher Scott Erickson $1.17 million in punitive damages, adding to a $176 million wrongful-death judgment for the parents of two boys killed in a 2020 crash.
A Los Angeles jury on Wednesday added $22 million in punitive damages to a previously awarded $176 million wrongful-death and emotional-distress judgment in a civil lawsuit over a 2020 hit-and-run collision that killed brothers Mark, 11, and Jacob, 8. The punitive awards require California socialite Rebecca Grossman to pay $21 million and former Dodgers pitcher Scott Erickson to pay $1.17 million.
The verdict follows a criminal conviction that sentenced Grossman to 15 years to life for second-degree murder, gross vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run driving. Grossman, a co-founder of a burn-care charity, and Erickson were found negligent after a civil trial that began in April.
"This verdict sends a clear message that everyone must be held accountable when their selfish actions put innocent lives at risk," said Brian Panish, attorney for the Iskander family.
Erickson’s lawyer, Jeff Braun, said his client respects the decision and expressed condolences to the family.
"In the coming days, we will review the verdict with our client and discuss the appropriate path forward," Braun said.
The crash occurred on Sept. 29, 2020, in Westlake Village, where Grossman was alleged to have been traveling 73 mph in a 45-mph zone and struck the boys crossing a street. Prosecutors said both drivers had been drinking margaritas and were dating at the time. Grossman’s attorney, Esther Holm, denied intoxication and said Grossman was distracted by the mother’s reaction. Erickson’s attorney emphasized that Erickson’s vehicle did not contact the children.