By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
LOS ANGELES — A California jury has awarded nearly $14 million to a former housekeeper who sued R&B singer Chris Brown after she was seriously injured in a dog attack at his home in 2020.
The verdict awards approximately $12.9 million to Maria Avila, who alleged she was mauled by one of Brown’s dogs while working at the singer’s residence. The jury also awarded $885,000 to Avila’s sister for emotional distress and $50,000 to Avila’s husband.
Avila claimed the attack left her with permanent injuries, severe disfigurement, and mobility issues that prevented her from returning to work. She also alleged Brown left the property after the incident without providing assistance.
During the trial, Brown acknowledged he was at home when the attack occurred but testified that he was shocked by Avila’s injuries and feared the situation would attract intense media attention. He said his manager advised him to leave the scene.
Brown also testified that he had previously warned Avila and her sister that the approximately 200-pound Caucasian shepherd used to help secure the property was not friendly. Avila and her sister disputed that claim, arguing that language barriers prevented them from understanding any such warning.
Following the verdict, attorneys representing Avila said they were grateful the jury found in their client’s favor after years of litigation.
Brown has not publicly commented on the judgment.
The verdict concludes a legal battle that lasted more than five years and stems from one of several high-profile civil cases involving the Grammy-winning singer. It is not immediately known whether Brown plans to appeal the decision.