Jury Awards $18 Million in Bryan Stow Beating, Find Dodgers Libel for Majority of Settlement

A Los Angeles jury ruled that the Dodgers, not former owner Frank McCourt, are liable for life-threatening injuries San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow suffered more than three years ago.

Wednesday's verdict awards Stow $18 million, with the Dodgers on the hook for about $15 million. The remainder will be divided among Stow's attackers, Marvin Norwood and Louie Sanchez.

The Stow family and attorney Tom Girardi asked for double the settlement amount, citing an estimated $37 million in medical costs. Stow is wheelchair bound for the rest of his life as a result of the beating.

"He did get some money to help the future and that's what we wanted- we wanted help," Dave Stow, Bryan's father, said following the ruling. "He's not going to be 100 percent, maybe for a long time, maybe never. What he gets is got to help him through, and that's what he needs."

Lawyers for Stow argued the team, and more specifically McCourt, failed to prove adequate security for Dodger Stadium patrons. McCourt, who sold the ball club for a record $2 billion in March 2012, was absolved of all charges.

Defense attorney Dana Fox contested security was stronger than ever on Opening Day 2011, redirecting responsibly to the individuals involved. He referred to Stow's blood-alcohol level of .18 -- more than twice the legal limit for driving- and witness testimony accusing Stow of yelling in the parking lot.

The Dodgers "did have a plan but somewhere along the line that plan broke. And it needed to be fixed," Juror Carlos Munoz told the Associated Press. "Hopefully we helped to fix it...If you're going to own a stadium, do it right."

Los Angeles police increased their security after the attack. In addition to strictly enforcing a two-year-old ban on drinking alcohol in the stadium's parking lot, patrols were added and undercover officers donned rival teams' jerseys.

Stow was wheeled into court near the trial's end, positioned directly in front of the jurors. Fox reminded them of their promise to not let sympathy influence a decision.

After nine days of deliberations, and an announced deadlock last week, jurors compensated Stow for economic losses and pain and suffering.

Last February, Norwood and Sanchez pleaded guilty to charges of assault and mayhem. Both received credit for time served.

Norwood, already a convicted felon, was sentenced to four years in prison but could have been released following the verdict. During his arrest, authorities found several firearms in Norwood's attic. He faces federal charges and could serve up to 10 years  if found guilty.