Jury Awards $176 Million in Fatal Hit-and-Run Case Involving Former Dodgers Pitcher

A Los Angeles jury has awarded $176 million to Nancy and Karim Iskander, the parents of two young brothers killed in a hit-and-run collision nearly six years ago. The jury found both Rebecca Grossman and Scott Erickson negligent in the deaths of 11-year-old Mark Iskander and 8-year-old Jacob Iskander.

Details of the Civil Award

The financial damages awarded on Wednesday were designated for wrongful death and emotional distress. While the total amount has been set, the trial judge will ultimately determine the specific amount each defendant is required to pay.

The civil trial, which began in April, follows a separate criminal proceeding. The jury is still deliberating on whether to award additional punitive damages to the Iskander parents, with court proceedings scheduled to resume Friday.

Did You Know? The collision occurred on Sept. 29, 2020, in Westlake Village, where evidence presented in court indicated Rebecca Grossman was driving 73 mph in a 45 mph zone.

The 2020 Collision

The incident took place on the evening of Sept. 29, 2020, in Westlake Village, located on the western edge of Los Angeles County. The brothers were struck in a crosswalk while walking with their mother.

Attorney Brian Panish argued that Grossman and Erickson, a former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher who was dating Grossman at the time, were driving recklessly after consuming margaritas. Panish stated that Erickson was driving ahead and narrowly missed the family before Grossman struck the children.

“This was a totally preventable collision,” Panish told the jury, noting that the children went for a walk and never returned home.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that this case highlights the significant distinction between criminal accountability and civil liability. While the criminal trial focused on punishment for the state’s laws, this civil award focuses on the financial and emotional restitution for the surviving family members.

defence Arguments and Criminal History

defence attorney Esther Holm denied that Grossman was intoxicated, arguing instead that her client was distracted. Holm claimed Grossman’s attention was diverted when she saw the boys’ mother dive out of the way of Erickson’s vehicle.

Meanwhile, Erickson’s attorney, Jeff Braun, described the deaths as a tragedy but maintained that Erickson’s vehicle made no contact with the children.

Rebecca Grossman, a co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation and wife of a prominent burn doctor, has already faced criminal consequences. In 2024, she was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison after being convicted of second-degree murder, gross vehicular manslaughter, and hit-and-run driving.

Potential Next Steps

The legal process for the Iskander family may continue as the jury decides on punitive damages. If granted, this could increase the total financial liability of the defendants.

the final distribution of the $176 million remains pending. The trial judge is likely to evaluate the degree of negligence for both Grossman and Erickson to determine how the payments are split between the two.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was found negligent in the deaths of the Iskander brothers?

The jury found both Rebecca Grossman and Scott Erickson, a former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher, negligent in the deaths of Mark and Jacob Iskander.

What was the speed of the vehicle at the time of the crash?

According to the Iskander family’s attorney, Rebecca Grossman was driving 73 mph in a zone where the posted speed limit was 45 mph.

What criminal charges was Rebecca Grossman convicted of?

Grossman was convicted of second-degree murder, gross vehicular manslaughter, and hit-and-run driving, resulting in a sentence of 15 years to life in prison.

How should the legal system balance punitive damages with compensatory awards in cases of extreme negligence?