Scott Erickson challenges $176m award to boys’ family after fatal crash

Scott Erickson, a former World Series-winning pitcher, and socialite Rebecca Grossman have been ordered to pay $176 million in compensatory damages for the deaths of two young brothers killed in a 2020 car crash in Los Angeles. Erickson is now appealing the judgment, arguing the award is excessive and threatening to demand a new trial if the victims' parents refuse to accept a lower amount. The case has attracted significant attention due to the vastly different legal outcomes: Grossman was convicted and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison, whilst Erickson's criminal charges were dismissed.

Mark (11) and Jacob (8) Iskander were struck by Grossman's white Mercedes SUV at a pedestrian crossing in Westlake Village, Los Angeles, in September 2020, whilst Erickson was racing her in his black Mercedes after both had been drinking margaritas at a bar. A civil jury found them both liable, ordering $88 million each in compensatory damages plus additional punitive damages. However, Grossman subsequently negotiated a secret settlement to pay only $14 million instead of her $88 million share, leaving Erickson liable for approximately $75 million despite having no criminal conviction related to the crash.