Los Angeles jury orders $22M in punitive damages from California socialite and ex-Dodger
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- A Los Angeles jury ordered socialite Rebecca Grossman to pay $21 million in punitive damages and former Dodgers pitcher Scott Erickson $1.17 million, related to a 2020 hit-and-run that killed two young brothers.
- This punitive damages ruling adds to a previous $176 million awarded for wrongful death and emotional distress against Grossman and Erickson.
- Grossman was previously convicted and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for second-degree murder and related charges in a separate criminal trial.
- The crash occurred after Grossman and Erickson, who were dating, allegedly drove recklessly after drinking, with Grossman driving 73 mph in a 45 mph zone when striking the boys in a crosswalk.
- Erickson’s attorney noted Erickson’s vehicle did not hit the children, while Grossman’s attorney denied intoxication claims, stating Grossman was distracted by the boys’ mother’s actions.