Verdict Reached in Civil Trial for Rebecca Grossman and Scott Erickson: Punitive Damages Awarded in Tragic 2020 Crash
Los Angeles jurors have made a decision in the punitive phase of a civil trial involving Rebecca Grossman, co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation, and former Dodger Scott Erickson. The trial stemmed from a tragic 2020 crash that resulted in the deaths of two young boys from Westlake Village. Grossman, who was previously convicted of killing the boys after hitting them with her Mercedes SUV at high speed, was found liable in a recent civil trial. While Erickson was not charged with murder or manslaughter in connection to the crash, he was deemed negligent in the boys' deaths. The jury's verdict ordered Grossman to pay $21 million to the Iskander family and Erickson to pay $1.17 million.
Last week, the Iskander family was awarded $176 million in compensatory damages by the jury. The decision to consider punitive damages was made due to the perceived malice in the actions of Grossman and Erickson on the night of the tragic incident. The civil lawsuit was initiated by the Iskander family in 2021, alleging that Grossman and Erickson had consumed alcohol together before recklessly driving down Triunfo Canyon Road and striking the two boys in a crosswalk.
Attorney Brian Panish, representing the Iskander family, emphasized the irreparable impact of the boys' deaths in his closing argument, stating that their lives would never be the same. He criticized Erickson and Grossman, suggesting that they shared similar traits. However, the defense attorneys for Grossman and Erickson refuted the allegations of drunken racing at the time of the collision.
Initially, the Iskander family's lawyer had requested $20 million in punitive damages from Grossman and $1 million from Erickson. Grossman, who was previously convicted of second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, and hit-and-run driving, is currently serving a 15-year to life sentence in prison. The Second District Court of Appeal upheld her criminal conviction in March.
Prosecutors in Grossman's criminal trial argued that she had been drinking with Erickson before the crash and was driving at a speed of 70 mph in a 45-mph zone. Following the collision with Mark and Jacob at a marked crosswalk, Grossman allegedly continued driving until her vehicle became disabled further down the road.
In conclusion, the recent verdict in the civil trial holds Grossman and Erickson accountable for their roles in the tragic 2020 crash that claimed the lives of two young boys. The substantial punitive damages awarded to the Iskander family reflect the jury's determination of malice in the defendants' actions. The legal proceedings have brought some measure of justice to the grieving family and serve as a reminder of the consequences of reckless behavior on the road.