A Los Angeles County jury has awarded $176 million in damages in a civil case connected to a 2020 Westlake Village crash that killed two young brothers. The verdict found socialite Rebecca Grossman and former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Scott Erickson negligent in the deaths of 11-year-old Mark Iskander and 8-year-old Jacob Iskander.
The jury also concluded that both defendants acted with malice, a finding that moves the case into a separate phase to determine potential punitive damages.
Verdict
The civil jury reached its decision on Wednesday after hearing arguments in a case filed by the Iskander family. The award includes compensation for the parents, Nancy and Karim Iskander, and their surviving son, Zachary.
Jurors determined that Grossman and Erickson were responsible for the circumstances that led to the fatal collision, which occurred in September 2020 in Westlake Village, California.
The malice finding allows the court to consider additional punitive damages beyond the initial $176 million award.
Crash
The case stems from a pedestrian collision at a marked crosswalk on Triunfo Canyon Road. According to the plaintiffs, the two boys were crossing the street when they were struck by a vehicle driven by Grossman.
The family’s legal team argued that Grossman’s vehicle was traveling at approximately 80 mph in a 45 mph zone at the time of impact. The lawsuit also alleged that Grossman and Erickson had been drinking before the incident and were engaged in a street race.
Erickson’s vehicle was also referenced in testimony as part of the sequence of events leading up to the collision.
Legal Case
The civil lawsuit was originally filed in January 2021 by the victims’ parents and surviving sibling. It alleged negligence, wrongful death, and reckless conduct.
The plaintiffs argued that the defendants’ driving behavior directly caused the deaths of the two children and that excessive speed and impairment were contributing factors.
A third defendant, Dr. Peter Grossman, Rebecca Grossman’s husband, was also named in the case due to ownership of the vehicle involved in the crash.
Defense Position
During the civil trial, defense attorneys disputed claims of street racing and impairment. Grossman’s attorney, Esther Holm, argued that her client was not racing and was traveling significantly slower than alleged by the plaintiffs.
The defense stated that Grossman was driving approximately 52 mph and became distracted moments before the collision when she saw the children’s mother attempting to avoid Erickson’s vehicle.
Erickson’s legal team also challenged the characterization of events presented by the plaintiffs.
Criminal Case Context
Rebecca Grossman is currently serving a 15-year-to-life prison sentence after being convicted in a separate criminal trial. She was found guilty of two counts of second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, and hit-and-run driving.
Her conviction was upheld by California’s Second District Court of Appeal in March, keeping her prison sentence in place.
The civil case operates independently of the criminal proceedings and focuses on financial damages and liability rather than incarceration.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 29, 2020 | Fatal Westlake Village collision occurs |
| January 2021 | Civil lawsuit filed by Iskander family |
| 2023–2024 | Criminal trial and conviction proceedings conclude |
| March (appeal ruling) | Conviction upheld on appeal |
| Wednesday (recent verdict) | Jury awards $176 million in civil damages |
Context
Civil wrongful death cases often proceed separately from criminal trials, using a lower standard of proof to determine liability and financial damages. In this case, the jury’s finding of negligence and malice reflects its conclusion about responsibility in the events leading to the crash.
Malice findings in civil court can significantly increase potential financial penalties, as they open the door to punitive damages intended to punish particularly reckless or harmful conduct.
The case has drawn sustained public attention due to the severity of the crash, the ages of the victims, and the involvement of high-profile defendants.
The $176 million civil verdict marks a significant development in the long-running legal proceedings tied to the 2020 Westlake Village crash. With the jury finding both negligence and malice, the court will now consider whether additional punitive damages should be imposed. The civil ruling adds another layer to a case that has already resulted in a criminal conviction and ongoing legal consequences for those involved.
FAQs
What did the jury decide?
They found negligence and awarded $176 million in damages.
Who was involved in the case?
Rebecca Grossman and Scott Erickson were named defendants.
What was the crash about?
A 2020 collision that killed two young boys in Westlake Village.
What does malice mean here?
It allows consideration of punitive damages in civil court.
Is there a criminal case too?
Yes, Grossman is serving a 15-to-life prison sentence.
