CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. — A Charleston County court has confirmed a $4.5 million judgment against former Charleston Battery owner, Eric Bernard Bowman, relating to two instances of vehicular assault in 2018. The lawsuit resolved with Bowman being held liable for significant compensatory and punitive damages.
In a detailed evaluation, the jury awarded the plaintiff, Wallace Blair Crosby, $1.8 million in actual damages for the injuries sustained during the incident. Additionally, Bowman faces $2.7 million in punitive damages, a reflection of the jury’s perception of the severity of his actions and intended as a deterrent against similar future conduct.
The court assessment underscored the gravity of Bowman’s behavior on the night of the accident, particularly spotlighting his decision to leave the scene, which later involved actions described by authorities as an attempt to conceal his involvement. After striking Crosby, Bowman reportedly covered his golf cart with a tarp at his residence, an act the court interpreted as an indication of his awareness and possible attempt at evading responsibility.
Documents from the court session reveal that the ratio of actual to punitive damages was deemed “reasonable” by judicial standards, suggesting a well-deliberated decision by the jury that closely followed the evidence presented during the trial.
The incident can be traced back to the early hours, around 12:50 a.m., when Bowman, allegedly attempting to dodge a $124 bill at Dunleavy’s Pub, was involved in an altercation that resulted in Crosby’s injuries. According to police reports, Bowman injured Crosby in a low-speed collision and exacerbated the situation by leaving before law enforcement arrived.
Responding officers and witnesses indicated that Bowman failed to provide aid or information at the scene, violating the typical procedures expected in traffic incidents. Crosby, who was left at the scene, sustained multiple injuries including abrasions and a sprained right shoulder and received immediate medical attention at East Cooper Medical Center.
This legal turmoil coincides with significant shifts in Bowman’s professional life. In October 2019, over a year after the incident, Bowman divested his ownership in the Charleston Battery, transferring control to HCFC LLC, a group headed by investor Rob Salvatore.
Legal analysts suggest that the size of the punitive damages in this case reflects not only the severity of the misconduct but also the perceived financial capacity of the defendant to absorb such a penalty without debilitating consequences. The concept behind punitive damages is not just to punish the wrongdoer but also to serve as a cautionary tale to deter others from similar misdemeanors.
This case has also sparked discussions among local businesses and public safety advocates about the need for stricter oversight on vehicle operation after hours and higher accountability for public figures in the community. As legal proceedings close this chapter, the repercussions of Bowman’s actions continue to resonate, underlining the broader implications of responsibility and public behavior.