Full Breakdown
Civil Jury Awards $176 Million in Wrongful-Death Verdict Over 2020 Westlake Village Crash
6/6/2026, 11:35:49 PM
The Verdict and Its Foundations
A Los Angeles County civil jury found Rebecca Grossman, 62, and former MLB pitcher Scott Erickson, 58, negligent and acting with malice in the September 29 2020 collision that killed brothers Mark (11) and Jacob Iskander (8). The jurors awarded the Iskander family $176 million in combined wrongful-death and emotional-distress damages and opened a punitive-damages phase to determine additional penalties.
Background to the Tragedy
The brothers were crossing Triunfo Canyon Road in Westlake Village when Grossman’s Mercedes SUV struck them at high speed. Grossman, a socialite and co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation, was later convicted in February 2024 of two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter and a hit-and-run, receiving a 15-year-to-life sentence. Erickson, a former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher, faced no criminal charges but was found civilly liable.
Key Parties
- Rebecca Grossman – Driver, socialite, ex-spouse of plastic surgeon Dr. Peter Grossman.
- Scott Erickson – Former Dodgers pitcher, driving a separate AMG Mercedes ahead of Grossman.
- Nancy and Karim Iskander – Parents of the victims; their surviving son is Zachary Iskander.
- Peter Grossman – Husband of Rebecca, alleged to have complex trusts and cryptocurrency holdings.
- Brian Panish – Plaintiffs’ attorney, representing the Iskander family.
- Esther Holm – Defense counsel for Rebecca Grossman.
- Jeff Braun – Erickson’s attorney.
Timeline of Legal Proceedings
- Sept 29 2020 – Fatal crash.
- Feb 23 2024 – Grossman convicted of murder and manslaughter.
- June 2024 – Grossman sentenced to 15 years-to-life.
- Apr 2026 – Civil trial begins.
- June 4 2026 – Jury delivers $176 million verdict; malice finding triggers punitive-damages phase.
Financial Stakes and Asset Scrutiny
The jury’s award includes $59 million for Mark’s wrongful death, $48 million for Jacob’s, $35 million for Nancy’s emotional distress, and $34 million for Zachary’s suffering. Erickson testified his net assets total roughly $9,000 in cash, a $13,000 monthly MLB pension, $242,000 in a retirement account, and $200,000 equity in a Las Vegas condo. Plaintiffs alleged undisclosed withdrawals, a $237,000 crypto transaction, and a “billion-dollar” investment. Grossman’s defense argued that her income has been negligible since her 2024 conviction and that asset concealment claims are irrelevant to punitive liability.
Official Findings & Responses
The jury concluded both defendants acted “in concert” and with malice, satisfying the legal threshold for punitive damages. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office noted the verdict reinforces accountability for reckless driving. Grossman’s counsel, Esther Holm, emphasized that the punitive-damage question “should not hinge on the family’s wealth.” Erickson’s attorney, Jeff Braun, reiterated that his client’s vehicle “made no contact with the children.”
Criticism & Opposition
Plaintiffs’ lawyer Brian Panish argued the conduct was “a high-speed game of chicken” and demanded a punitive award exceeding $430 million, stating, “It’s not an accident when you speed, drink, and drive impaired.” Defense teams countered that visibility was obstructed by trees and signage, and that Grossman was distracted rather than intoxicated.
Conflicting Accounts & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact speed: the Los Angeles Times cites 73 mph, the New York Times notes an acceleration to 81 mph, and other reports reference “about 80 mph.” Asset disclosures remain disputed; plaintiffs allege hidden trusts and cryptocurrency wallets, while Grossman’s attorneys claim no relevant income. The punitive-damage amount remains undecided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I feel terrible about what happened. I feel really bad about my actions and some of the terrible behavior I did,” — Scott Erickson, former pitcher.
- “My wife was involved in the accident ... I don’t particularly care for the word ‘kills.’” — Peter Grossman, surgeon.
- “When you race on our streets, and you drink and drive, you will be held accountable,” — Julie Cohen, family friend.
- “It’s not an accident when you speed, and you drink, and you drive impaired.” — Brian Panish, plaintiffs’ attorney.
Implications & Next Steps
The punitive-damage phase, slated for later June 2026, will determine whether additional sums are imposed to punish the defendants and deter similar conduct. Both parties have indicated intent to appeal the verdict’s components, suggesting prolonged litigation that could shape future civil liability standards for reckless driving and asset-concealment defenses.
