Jury tags Grossman, Erickson with additional $22.17M in punitive damages

Thousand Oaks Acorn
June 4, 2026
A Van Nuys jury has ordered Rebecca Grossman to pay $21 million in punitive damages and Scott Erickson $1.17 million for their roles in the 2020 crash that killed two young brothers from Westlake Village. The civil verdict, reported by the Thousand Oaks Acorn, comes on top of last week’s compensatory award, sending a clear message about accountability in this heartbreaking case that has shaken our community.
For those of us in the 805, this tragedy hit close to home. The loss of those two boys on a quiet Westlake Village street is a wound that hasn’t healed. While no amount of money can bring them back, this jury’s decision underscores how seriously our courts take reckless conduct that endangers lives. It’s a somber reminder to cherish every moment with our loved ones.
This summary was written by AI based on the original article from Thousand Oaks Acorn.
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Thousand Oaks AcornPublished
June 4, 2026
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