Vanessa Bryant, NBA star Kobe’s wife settled her case with the Los Angeles County related to sharing images of the 2020 helicopter crash case. Her husband, 13-year-old daughter Gianna Bryant, and seven others lost their lives in the crash.
Vanessa Bryant settles case for $28.5 million
NBA star Kobe Bryant’s wife Venessa stelled her case for $28.85 million. The crash photos were shared by the deputies among LA County fire and sheriff departments. Additionally, the spouses of the employees and a bar attender where a deputy was sitting also saw them. During the 11-day-long trial, Venessa Bryant testified that the sharing of images added to her grief. She also expressed her panic attacks regarding some photos being out there. The settlement amount includes a $15 million award from the jury following a federal court trial in August 2022.
Kobe, his daughter, and others were flying to a youth basketball game. However, their helicopter crashed in Los Angeles’ Calabasas hill area. A total of nine people who were aboard the helicopter died in the crash. Venessa Bryant’s co-plaintiff, Chris Chester also received $19.95 million through the settlement. Chester’s wife and daughter were also among them.
More on the settlement
Los Angeles County lead lawyer, Mira Hashmall agreed with the settlement, calling it ‘fair and reasonable. According to Hashmall, it “resolves all outstanding issues related to pending legal claims in state court, future claims by the Bryant children, and other costs, with each party responsible for its respective attorneys’ fees”.
“Today marks the successful culmination of Mrs. Bryant’s courageous battle to hold accountable those who engaged in this grotesque conduct. She fought for her husband, her daughter, and all those in the community whose deceased families were treated with similar disrespect. We hope her victory at trial and this settlement will put an end to this practice,” stated Luis Li, her lawyer.