Slidell, LA — In a landmark ruling, the family of a 6-year-old girl killed by a car near her school was awarded $129 million in damages, shedding light on traffic safety responsibilities and the value of young lives in legal disputes. In 2022, Emma Savoie was tragically struck while participating in a school running group at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Slidell, Louisiana.
Emma and her 9-year-old brother, Beau, were active participants in their school’s running club. On the day of the tragedy, Emma was attempting to catch up to her brother across a two-lane traffic road when the accident occurred, detailed Frank Swarr, the family’s attorney.
The pain and trauma inflicted were recognized by the St. Tammany County jury which, after an intense five-day trial, awarded substantial damages. For the suffering endured by Emma before her death, $29 million was designated. Beau, deeply affected by witnessing the incident, was awarded $50 million for his mental distress. Their parents, Amy and Brent Savoie, received $25 million each.
Our Lady of Lourdes and its insurer faced a lawsuit initiating in February 2022, which was later deliberated in Covington’s 22nd Judicial District court. The jury’s decision resonated with Amy Savoie’s sentiments shared with NOLA.com, emphasizing that their young daughter should not bear responsibility for the accident.
The landmark $129 million sum was described by attorney Swarr as unprecedented in the nation for general damages. The jury faulted the school for inadequate traffic safety measures, a shortfall that led to both the fatal accident and severe psychological impact on Emma’s brother.
Expectations of an appeal by the school and its insurance provider are anticipated by Swarr. The Archdiocese of New Orleans, while not a defendant, oversees the parochial operations of Our Lady of Lourdes and expressed their ongoing prayers and support for the Savoie family, underscoring their commitment to aid in the family’s healing process.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Savoie family established the Emma Bell Foundation to advocate for enhanced traffic safety at Louisiana schools and beyond, striving to forge a legacy of safety from their profound loss. The foundation actively lobbies for state regulation to improve school traffic safety protocols.
Amy Savoie, in her advocacy, maintains that financial compensation was never the drive; rather, ensuring accountability and fostering responsibility remains her primary focus. Through their foundation and ongoing community engagement, the family aims to transform their grief into proactive change for student safety across the nation.
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