Housekeeper’s Dog Attack Case Against Chris Brown Set For Fresh Trial After Reduced Verdict Offered

Chris Brown is heading back to court over a dog attack on his housekeeper — unless she agrees to take a reduced payout.

A judge has ruled that the $12.9 million verdict against Brown was “excessive.” Instead of letting it stand, the judge gave Maria Avila a choice: she can either retry her claims against Brown or accept a reduced $9.5 million damages award. The order was filed Tuesday (Sept. 29).

The Attack at Brown’s Home

In June, a jury awarded Avila $12.9 million for injuries from a dog mauling at Brown’s Tarzana, Calif., home in 2020. The dog involved was a 200-pound Caucasian shepherd, a breed used as guard dogs at Russian prisons.

Brown testified during the trial that he specifically warned Avila not to go outside unaccompanied due to the unfriendly dog, Hades.

The Verdict’s Two Parts

The judge’s order keeps a separate $855,000 award to Avila’s sister, who was also working at the house during the 2020 attack. That part stays in place.

Avila claims Hades ripped off “large chunks of her skin,” causing long-term facial disfigurement, scarring, vision loss and nerve damage.

Why the Order Was Filed

The judge found that the jury’s award was excessive. The order states: “The court finds that the jury’s award to Maria Avila is excessive. The court elects to issue a conditional order granting a new trial, as to Maria Avila only, on the issue of damages unless Plaintiff consents to a reduction of the jury’s damages to $9.5 million.”

Judge Cotton also ruled Brown got a fair trial overall, rejecting his argument that jurors were biased over mention of his 2008 assault of Rihanna. The judge said there was “insufficient evidence of extensive permanent nerve damage,” but Avila should be compensated for emotional distress and “persistent pain.”

Brown’s Lawyers

Brown’s lawyers have previously moved to appeal the verdict. They did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Brown’s Current Situation

Brown is currently on the road with Usher for their co-headlining R&B Tour. A portion of his profits has been set aside for paying Avila’s judgment.

The Order’s Key Terms

The judge’s order is conditional. It grants a new trial on damages unless Avila consents to the reduction.

Here is what the order sets out:

• The jury’s award to Maria Avila is excessive.
• The court elects to issue a conditional order granting a new trial.
• The new trial applies only to the issue of damages.
• Plaintiff consent is required to avoid the new trial.
• The damages reduction is set at $9.5 million.

The Choice Ahead

Avila must now decide whether to spend more time in court or take the lower figure. The judge has made the path clear: retry or reduce.

The judge’s order puts Avila between a new trial and a reduced award, which leaves her bearing the cost of another proceeding. Neither side gets the verdict they wanted.

What Comes Next

The order is pending a decision by Avila. She has not said publicly what she plans to do.

1. Avila can retry her claims against Brown.
2. Avila can accept the reduced $9.5 million damages award.
3. The $855,000 award to her sister remains intact regardless of her decision.

Source material: “Chris Brown Will Get New Dog Attack Trial — Unless Housekeeper Accepts $9.5M Reduced Verdict,” Billboard.

Chris Brown · court ruling · dog attack · jury verdict · legal settlement