Slidell, Louisiana – A St. Tammany County jury has awarded $129 million in damages to the family of a 6-year-old girl, Emma Savoie, who was tragically struck and killed by a car in 2022 near her school, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, during an after-school running activity.
The incident, which has reverberated throughout the community, occurred as Emma tried to catch up with her older brother Beau, 9, during the run when she crossed the street and was hit. The legal proceedings wrapped up last Friday with a verdict that highlights significant concerns about traffic safety around schools.
The five-day trial concluded with Emma being posthumously awarded $29 million for her suffering post-accident. Additionally, her brother Beau received $50 million for his emotional distress, while their parents, Amy and Brent Savoie, were awarded $25 million each.
Legal counsel for the Savoie family, Frank Swarr, described the jury’s award as unprecedented in its magnitude for general damages in the U.S. He emphasized that the verdict served as a stark reminder about the need for diligent traffic safety measures in school zones.
The lawsuit originally filed against Our Lady of Lourdes and its insurance company in February 2022, pointed to inadequate traffic safety measures at the school which, according to the lawsuit, contributed directly to the fatal accident and the resulting emotional impact on Emma’s family.
Following the verdict, the Archdiocese of New Orleans, which oversees the school but was not named in the lawsuit, expressed their condolences. In a statement, they acknowledged the deep loss felt by the Savoie family and extended their pastoral support to aid their healing.
Addressing her catalyzed advocacy for better traffic safety, Amy Savoie spoke about using the resources from the settlement to push for improved traffic management in school areas across Louisiana and the nation, emphasizing the importance of accountability and responsibility over financial compensation. “The money has never been a factor for me. It’s always been about accountability and responsibility,” Amy said during an interview.
Additionally, in Emma’s honor, the Savoie family established the Emma Bell Foundation, which has been actively campaigning for enhanced traffic regulations around schools to prevent similar tragedies.
Despite the significant financial judgment, Swarr anticipates that the school and its insurance company might appeal the ruling, possibly extending the legal battle.
While the compensation can’t reverse the tragedy, the verdict symbolizes a clear message on the societal value placed on child safety and the responsibilities of educational institutions to protect their students. As communities and legal entities digest the implications of this record-setting verdict, the broader conversation about safety around schools is likely to intensify, aiming to prevent such heartbreak in the future.
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