Maria Avila, Chris Brown’s former housekeeper, has agreed to accept a reduced $9.5 million judgment rather than retry her case against the singer. A jury originally awarded her $12.9 million in June for injuries she suffered when Brown’s 200-pound Caucasian shepherd, Hades, mauled her at his Tarzana home in 2020. Los Angeles County Judge Huey P. Cotton ruled the original verdict was too high, citing insufficient evidence of extensive permanent nerve damage, and offered Avila the choice between a retrial or the smaller sum. She chose the money.
Brown admitted some liability in the case but claimed he had warned Avila not to go outside alone. His lawyers have not said whether they still plan to appeal the reduced amount, leaving the possibility of more legal back-and-forth open.
Meanwhile, Brown is currently on tour with Usher, and some of those tour profits are reportedly earmarked to cover the judgment. It’s a story that blends celebrity drama, a frightening dog attack, and a multi-million-dollar legal outcome that keeps developing. What would you have done in Avila’s position: take the guaranteed $9.5 million or roll the dice on a retrial?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.