$198.1M jury verdict against Grossman, Erickson possibly state's largest

A jury on Wednesday awarded $198.1 million against socialite Rebecca Grossman and former Dodgers pitcher Scott Erickson for their liability in the 2020 deaths of two young brothers struck in a Westlake Village crosswalk, in what appears to be the largest ever returned in a California traffic fatality case.

The Los Angeles County jury's combined $22.1 million punitive award adds to a $176 million compensatory verdict rendered last week, in which a 12-member panel unanimously found Grossman and Erickson jointly liable for the deaths of Mark and Jacob Iskander, ages 11 and 8.

Following a four-day punitive damages phase, jurors levied $21 million against Grossman and $1.1 million against Erickson, close to the amount suggested by lead plaintiffs' attorney Brian J. Panish.

The verdict came after jurors previously found both defendants acted with malice.

A Sacramento County jury awarded just over $161 million in a wrongful death case involving a big-rig driver who negligently parked on a highway shoulder, resulting in a fatal collision.

The Los Angeles County civil suit was filed by the boys' parents, Nancy and Karim, and surviving brother Zachary. The family claims Grossman and Erickson were drunk while racing in separate vehicles at high speeds through Westlake Village, culminating in Grossman's SUV striking and killing Mark and Jacob in a residential neighborhood crosswalk. Iskander et al. v. Grossman et al., 21STCV01600 (L.A. Super. Ct., filed Jan. 28, 2021).

The plaintiffs were represented by Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP founding partner Panish with attorneys Andrew Owen, Andrew Gianelli and Diana R. Panish, joined by Nick T. Movagar of M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers.

"This case was about choices - dangerous, reckless, and selfish choices that cost two young boys their lives," Panish said in a statement.

"The evidence showed exactly what happened: excessive speed, disregard for the rules of the road, and a complete failure to protect human life. The jury held both defendants accountable for the devastating consequences of those choices."

Grossman was represented at trial by Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP partner Esther P. Holm. Erickson was represented by McNeil Tropp & Braun LLP partner Jeff I. Braun.

In a statement, Braun said: "First and foremost, we want the Iskander family to know that our hearts are broken for them and the unimaginable loss they have suffered," Braun said. "No amount of money can ever compensate for such a profound loss. While we are disappointed with certain aspects of the outcome, we are grateful for the opportunity to have the case heard and decided by a jury."

"In the coming days," he added, "we will review the verdict with our client and discuss the appropriate path forward."

Holm did not respond to requests for comment by press deadline.

At trial, Grossman and Erickson argued the plaintiffs' claims were overstated and that the evidence did not prove they were intoxicated or racing at the time of the crash.

In 2024, Grossman was convicted of five felony counts in connection with the crash, including second-degree murder. Erickson, whose vehicle did not hit the boys, was not criminally prosecuted in the deaths after resolving a misdemeanor reckless-driving charge through a civil compromise that required him to participate in a safe-driving public service announcement.

The plaintiffs played portions of that video during the trial, and Panish argued the message was not a genuine expression of remorse but rather a self-serving effort that helped Erickson avoid criminal charges.

The plaintiffs' counsel argued that Grossman and her husband, who owned the SUV involved in the crash, never sincerely apologized to the Iskander family, showed little remorse for the deaths of Mark and Jacob, and spent years attempting to shield personal assets from potential judgment creditors.

"This verdict sends a clear message that everyone must be held accountable when their selfish actions put innocent lives at risk," Panish said.