A civil jury has reached a verdict in the case involving the 2020 deaths of 11-year-old Mark Iskander and 8-year-old Jacob Iskander, finding socialite Rebecca Grossman and former professional baseball player Scott Erickson negligent. The brothers were struck and killed in a Westlake Village crosswalk by a vehicle driven by Grossman.
The jury awarded $176 million in damages to the victims’ parents, Nancy and Karim Iskander, and their son, Zachary. The judgment also extends to Dr. Peter Grossman, the husband of Rebecca Grossman, as he was the owner of the vehicle involved and jurors determined he had granted his wife permission to drive it.
Legal Implications of the Verdict
Beyond the initial award, the jury determined that both Rebecca Grossman and Erickson acted with malice in the incident. This finding is significant as it could trigger a subsequent punitive damages phase of the trial, which may result in additional financial penalties for the defendants.
The lawsuit, originally filed in January 2021, alleged that Grossman and Erickson had consumed cocktails together on September 29, 2020, before engaging in a speed contest on Triunfo Canyon Road. Evidence indicated that Grossman struck the children while traveling at approximately 80 mph in a 45 mph zone.
Did You Know?
The $176 million judgment is not the only legal consequence resulting from this incident; Rebecca Grossman was previously convicted in a separate criminal trial on February 23, 2024, of two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, and one count of hit-and-run driving, resulting in a sentence of 15 years to life in prison.
Expert Insight:
The court’s finding of “malice” is a critical pivot point in this civil litigation. In legal proceedings of this nature, establishing malice often serves as the gateway to punitive damages, which are intended to punish defendants rather than simply compensate plaintiffs for losses. While the total financial impact remains to be seen, the inclusion of the vehicle owner as a defendant highlights the complex, multi-layered liability often present in high-stakes civil tort cases.
What Happens Next
Because the jury found that the defendants acted with malice, a punitive damages phase of the trial could follow, potentially increasing the total financial burden on the parties involved. It remains unclear how the current $176 million award will be divided among the three defendants, including Dr. Peter Grossman, as the court has yet to determine the specific allocation of these damages.
While Rebecca Grossman faces a lengthy prison sentence, Scott Erickson did not face criminal charges in relation to the collision. The civil outcome represents the latest, and potentially not final, chapter in the legal pursuit by the Iskander family following the 2020 tragedy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the defendants found liable in the civil suit?
The jury found Rebecca Grossman, former Dodger Scott Erickson, and Dr. Peter Grossman liable for negligence.
Why was Dr. Peter Grossman included as a defendant?
He was named in the lawsuit because he owned the vehicle that Rebecca Grossman was driving at the time of the collision, and the jury determined he had given her permission to use it.
What is the next potential step in the legal process?
Because the jury found that the defendants acted with malice, the case could move into a punitive damages phase, which may lead to additional financial penalties.
How does the intersection of criminal convictions and civil liability alter the path to justice for families affected by such tragedies?
