Jury selection begins in Bryan Stow’s suit against Dodgers, McCourt

Sitting in a wheelchair in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom Tuesday, Bryan Stow slowly shook hands with his attorney. His buzz cut revealed a scar that stretched over his skull.

Beside him were family members, appearing for the first day of jury selection in the civil trial that accuses the Los Angeles Dodgers and former owner Frank McCourt of failing to provide proper security and lighting on the night Stow was beaten unconscious three years ago.

The lawsuit filed on behalf of the Giants fan and his two children contends that McCourt focused on funneling money into his lavish lifestyle while depleting the Dodgers of necessary funds.

According to the complaint, the lack of security coupled with inadequate lighting “presented a perfect opportunity to commit a variety of crimes. Unfortunately for Bryan Stow, this is exactly what happened.”

Stow, a paramedic from Santa Cruz, was wearing Giants gear when he attended opening day at Dodger Stadium on March 31, 2011. After being repeatedly taunted throughout the game, he was attacked in a parking lot. Placed in a medically induced coma, he had part of his skull removed to relieve pressure on his brain.

Marvin Norwood and Louie Sanchez, both of Rialto, pleaded guilty to the attack earlier this year.

Stow is only able to walk short distances and speak a few words at a time. His parents care for him, and his children live with his ex-wife. The suit seeks general and punitive damages, as well as reimbursement to those who donated to the Bryan Stow fund.

In February, Stow’s attorney Thomas Girardi said that the cost for Stow’s care had been more than $5 million and that an additional estimated $34 million would be needed to treat him through the remainder of his life.

Girardi said he believes a jury could be impaneled as early as Wednesday. Beforehand, attorneys will read through completed questionnaires that asked jurors to state their opinion on the Dodgers, Dodger Stadium and McCourt.

Potential jurors were also asked how many times they have attended a Dodgers or Giants game. Other questions included whether they know anyone who has been in a coma or diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury and if they have ever been in a physical altercation.

corina.knoll@latimes.com