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American R&B star Chris Brown has been ordered to pay more than $13 million in damages after a jury ruled in favour of a former housekeeper who was severely injured in a dog attack at his California home.
The verdict followed a two-week trial in Los Angeles, where jurors found that the injuries sustained by the plaintiff, Maria Avila, were substantial and had permanently altered her life. The court awarded compensation after determining that the attack left her with devastating physical and emotional consequences.
The incident occurred in 2020 when Avila was attacked by Brown’s 200-pound Caucasian shepherd while carrying out her duties at the singer’s residence. According to evidence presented during the trial, the dog inflicted severe injuries that resulted in permanent facial disfigurement, extensive scarring, nerve damage and partial loss of vision.
Medical experts who testified during the proceedings explained that Avila underwent several reconstructive surgeries in an effort to repair the damage caused by the attack. One of the procedures involved skin grafts, where tissue was transferred from her abdomen to her forearm to help restore movement and function.
During her testimony, Avila addressed the court through a Spanish-to-English interpreter. She showed jurors the lasting effects of the attack, including visible scars extending from beneath her left eye across her forehead, as well as serious injuries to her forearm.
She also spoke about how the incident had transformed her daily life, explaining that she could no longer work as a housekeeper because her arm had not regained full strength. In addition to the physical injuries, she said she continues to battle post-traumatic stress disorder, leaving her unable to be around dogs without experiencing fear and emotional distress.
The jury also considered the impact the attack had on members of Avila’s family. Her sister, Patricia Avila, was awarded $885,000 for the emotional distress she experienced as a result of the incident, while her husband, Oscar Olivo, received $50,000 in damages.
A significant point of disagreement during the trial centred on Brown’s conduct immediately after the attack.
Lawyers representing Avila argued that instead of remaining at the scene to assist the injured housekeeper or contacting emergency services, the singer left the property while she remained seriously injured.
Brown’s legal team disputed that interpretation of events. They argued that the singer was deeply shaken after discovering Avila covered in blood and acted on the advice of his manager, who allegedly feared that the arrival of emergency responders would attract unwanted media attention to the property.
The defence further maintained that the dog was primarily kept as a security animal rather than as a family pet. Brown’s lawyers also suggested that Avila bore some responsibility for what happened during the incident.
However, that argument was challenged during the trial after two other housekeepers who worked at the property testified. According to their evidence, they had never been informed of any special warnings regarding the dog’s behaviour or any restrictions that would suggest it posed a heightened risk.
Their testimony appeared to weaken the defence’s claim that Avila had knowingly placed herself in danger or ignored instructions concerning the animal.
The jury ultimately sided with the plaintiff, concluding that the injuries she suffered and their long-term impact justified the substantial damages awarded.
The ruling represents one of the most significant civil judgments involving the singer in recent years and adds to the legal challenges that have followed him throughout his career.
Despite the court decision, Brown continues his professional commitments and is currently touring the United States alongside fellow R&B star Usher.
The judgment brings a lengthy legal battle closer to its conclusion while providing financial compensation to a woman whose life, according to the evidence presented in court, was permanently changed by the attack.
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