A Van Nuys jury has delivered a $176 million verdict against Rebecca Grossman and Scott Erickson, holding them responsible for the 2020 Westlake Village crash that tragically killed brothers Mark and Jacob Iskander. The verdict, reached on June 3, follows a civil case brought by the boys’ parents, Nancy and Karim Iskander, who filed a wrongful-death lawsuit in 2021.
Grossman, a former Hidden Hills resident, was driving a Mercedes-Benz SUV that struck the boys in a marked crosswalk. She was convicted of murder and other charges in February 2024 and is currently serving a 15-year to life sentence in state prison. Erickson, a retired Major League Baseball pitcher, was charged with misdemeanor reckless driving and resolved his case by recording a public service announcement.
The jury found both Grossman and Erickson equally liable for compensatory damages to the Iskander family. The damages include $59 million for the loss of 11-year-old Mark, $48 million for the loss of 8-year-old Jacob, $35 million for the serious emotional distress suffered by Nancy Iskander, and $34 million for the distress suffered by her surviving son, Zachary. Nancy and Zachary, who was 5 at the time, witnessed the incident and narrowly avoided being hit by Erickson’s speeding vehicle before Grossman’s SUV struck the brothers.
Potential for Punitive Damages
The jury’s finding that the defendants acted with malice or oppression opens the possibility for the Iskander family to recover punitive damages, which are intended to punish wrongful conduct and deter similar behavior. This will be determined in a second phase of the trial.
During the trial, it was revealed that Grossman and Erickson, who were in an extramarital relationship, had consumed alcohol and were racing at speeds exceeding the 45 mph limit when the crash occurred. Erickson was also found to have deceived authorities about his involvement, which contributed to the jury’s decision to hold him liable for fraud.
Grossman’s defense argued that the roadway and intersection were in a dangerous condition, but this claim was rejected by the jury. The City of Westlake Village was not found responsible for the crash.
Attorney Brian Panish, representing the Iskander family, urged the jury to award significant damages, emphasizing the community’s stance against reckless driving and the impact of the boys’ deaths. The jury’s decision required the agreement of at least nine of the twelve jurors, and they were unanimous on all but a few points regarding the amounts awarded.
Original reporting: Thousand Oaks Acorn — read the source article.
