A California judge is considering reducing the $12.9 million awarded to a former housekeeper who was attacked by a dog outside Chris Brown’s Los Angeles mansion in 2020. A jury previously awarded Maria Avila $12.9 million in damages for injuries she suffered during the attack, but Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Huey P. Cotton has proposed cutting the award by nearly 40%, or more than $5 million.
The Chris Brown dog attack lawsuit has been ongoing since Avila filed her claim. Avila’s attorney is pushing back, arguing that her injuries are serious and permanent. She cited testimony from Avila’s surgeon, who said the attack caused nerve damage that affected movement in her wrist, fingers, and face and made everyday activities more difficult.
Avila’s attorney asked the judge to reduce the award to no less than $11 million if he decides a cut is necessary. Judge Cotton indicated he was still leaning toward a larger reduction and said the case could be retried if the proposed amount is not accepted. Brown was not present at the hearing. The judge has not yet issued a final ruling.
