Judge Orders New Trial for Chris Brown's Dog Attack Lawsuit Damages

A Los Angeles judge has conditionally granted singer Chris Brown a new trial concerning the $12.9 million in damages awarded to a former housekeeper, Maria Avila, who was attacked by his dog in December 2020. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Huey P. Cotton ruled that the jury award was excessive, citing insufficient evidence of extensive permanent nerve damage and the valuation of future pain and suffering.

The ruling, reviewed by the Daily Mail, states that a new trial on damages will be held unless Avila agrees to a reduced award of $9.5 million. Avila has until October 2 to accept the lesser amount or proceed with a new trial.

Brown had filed a motion for a new trial in August, arguing that legal errors, including the mention of his 2009 felony conviction for assaulting ex-Rihanna, materially affected the jury's damages findings. The initial $12.9 million award was issued in July.

Brown and his company were also ordered to pay Avila's sister, Patricia, $885,000 for emotional distress. Avila had initially sued for $90 million in 2021, testifying that the incident left her permanently changed.

According to court documents, Avila stated she was attacked by Brown's dog, Hades, at his Tarzana, California residence. She testified that the dog mauled her face and foot, causing damage to flesh and bone. Avila's daughter, Yoseline Espinoza, recounted receiving a panicked call from her aunt Patricia Avila immediately after the incident, stating her mother was having trouble breathing and passing out.

Brown testified that he left the scene before first responders arrived on the advice of his manager, citing his celebrity status and a desire to avoid a "circus" or "misleading story." He stated he drove around for several hours before returning home.

While Brown accepted partial liability, he argued that Avila's injuries were overstated. He claimed that Avila and her sister had disregarded warnings about the dogs' aggression and were instructed not to approach them without security. Brown also testified that Hades, a Central Asian Ovcharka, was acquired to secure the premises due to security concerns, including stalker-related incidents.

Brown stated he was alerted to the attack by the dog's growl and went downstairs to find his housekeeper injured. He said he checked to ensure she was breathing before securing the dogs and alerting security. He left the scene after being informed that medical help was en route. The dog, Hades, was eventually taken to Humboldt County, where it was euthanized by officials.