Slidell, LA — A St. Tammany Parish jury has awarded a staggering $129 million in damages to the family of six-year-old Emma Savoie, who tragically lost her life after being struck by a car during a school-run club activity in 2022. The incident, which occurred at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, has ignited a serious conversation regarding traffic safety practices in school zones.
In an emotional account, Amy Savoie, Emma’s mother, described the award as a form of “validation.” She expressed relief that the jury recognized her daughter could not be blamed for the accident. The jury’s decision after a five-day trial awarded $50 million for emotional damages to Emma’s brother, Beau, and $29 million to Emma for the pain she suffered in her final moments.
Emma struggled for 29 minutes before succumbing to her injuries, according to Frank Swarr, the family’s attorney. The parents, Amy and Brent Savoie, were each awarded $25 million. Swarr highlighted that the $129 million figure set a new precedent in St. Tammany Parish for general damages, comprising pain and suffering among other factors. He also mentioned that the area’s juries rarely allocate such substantial sums.
The lawsuit, which did not include the Archdiocese of New Orleans due to its ongoing bankruptcy since 2020, named Our Lady of Lourdes and the school’s insurers as defendants. The case was filed approximately three months post-Emma’s death and originally lodged in the 19th Judicial District in Baton Rouge before moving to Covington’s 22nd Judicial District.
An important facet of the verdict was the acknowledgment of the school’s inadequate traffic safety measures, which the jury concluded led not only to Emma’s untimely death but also to her brother suffering severe emotional distress. The litigation detailed that the siblings were part of an after-school running club, which necessitated crossing busy traffic lanes.
Emma was attempting to catch up with Beau, her older brother, when she was struck by the vehicle. Prior incidents had indicated the peril of the area, with several “near misses” involving other students, which the lawsuit cited as evidence of the school’s failure to secure a safe environment.
The school declined to comment on the case. However, Sarah McDonald, communication director for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, expressed deep regret over the incident. In a statement, she emphasized the community’s continued support for the Savoie family, offering love, prayers, and pastoral aid to assist their healing process.
Following Emma’s death, the Savoie family initiated the Emma Bell Foundation, advocating for enhanced safety protocols in schools. They also spearheaded a “Safe Path To School” day in Slidell and advocated for legislative changes aimed at improving traffic safety in Louisiana schools.
Highlighting the motivation behind her actions, Amy Savoie stated that her pursuit has always been about accountability and not financial gain. With any funds potentially received from the damages awarded, she hopes to further her advocacy efforts for better traffic safety in schools nationwide.
Swarr anticipates that the insurance companies’ legal team, which declined to comment, will likely appeal the verdict.
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