Chris Brown Ordered to Pay $12.9 Million After Jury Finds Him Negligent in Housekeeper Dog Attack Case
Chris Brown Ordered to Pay Nearly $13 Million After Jury Finds Him Negligent in Dog Attack Case
R&B singer Chris Brown has been ordered to pay nearly $13 million in damages after a Los Angeles jury found him negligent in connection with a 2020 dog attack that seriously injured his former housekeeper.
The civil verdict comes after years of legal proceedings stemming from an incident involving Brown's Caucasian shepherd, Hades, at his California home.
Jury Awards Nearly $13 Million to Former Housekeeper
On Tuesday, a Los Angeles jury ruled in favor of Maria Avila, awarding her $12.9 million in damages.
According to court testimony, Avila was attacked by Brown's approximately 200-pound Caucasian shepherd while taking out the trash at the singer's residence in 2020.
She alleged that Brown failed to properly restrain the dog, allowing it to roam freely around the property.
Although Avila initially sought $90 million in damages, the jury awarded a significantly smaller amount after considering the evidence presented during the trial.
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Housekeeper Says Attack Left Her Permanently Injured
During the trial, Avila testified that the attack left her with devastating physical and emotional injuries.
She told the court she suffered:
- Permanent facial scarring
- Severe injuries to her left arm
- Reduced mobility
- Long-term emotional trauma
According to her testimony, she was left covered in blood following the attack and continues to live with permanent disfigurement.
Chris Brown Denied Negligence
Brown denied responsibility for the incident.
His legal team argued that Avila provoked the dog and was responsible for her own injuries.
The singer also testified that Hades was a guard dog, not a household pet, and claimed he had previously warned housekeepers about the animal.
However, Avila and her sister disputed that claim, telling the court they never received such a warning. They also argued that language barriers would have made that conversation unlikely.
Brown Testified About the Aftermath
Brown testified that he discovered Avila lying injured after hearing the dog growling.
He admitted he did not personally call emergency services because he feared news of the incident would become public.
Instead, a member of his team contacted 911, while Brown left the property before first responders arrived after receiving advice from his manager.
Family Members Also Receive Damages
In addition to the award granted to Maria Avila, the jury awarded compensation to members of her family.
The verdict included:
- $885,000 to her sister, Patricia, for emotional distress.
- $50,000 to her husband, Oscar Olivo.
Attorney Welcomes Verdict
Following the verdict, Patricia's attorney, Michael C. Murphy Jr., welcomed the jury's decision after nearly five years of legal proceedings.
He said the family was relieved to finally receive justice after everything they endured as a result of the attack.
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Case Highlights Pet Owner Responsibility
The case underscores the legal responsibilities that property owners may face when dangerous animals cause serious injuries.
The jury ultimately concluded that Brown was negligent in the handling of the dog, leading to the substantial damages award in favor of the victims.
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