Chris Brown's former housekeeper accepts $9.5 million in dog attack case

Maria Avila, the former housekeeper mauled by singer Chris Brown's dog in 2020, has agreed to accept $9.5 million rather than face a new trial over damages.

The agreement finalises a reduction ordered by Los Angeles County Judge Huey P. Cotton. Avila's lawyer, Nancy Doumanian, filed a notice stating that Avila "unequivocally accepts the reduction of damages to $9,500,000," according to Rolling Stone.

A jury had awarded Avila $12.9 million after a two-week trial in June. The award covered negligence, emotional distress and medical expenses against Brown and his company Black Pyramid.

Judge Cotton ruled that the $12.9 million figure was not supported by the evidence and called it excessive. He issued a conditional order. Brown would be entitled to a new trial on damages alone if Avila rejected the lower figure.

Avila's legal team had asked the court for a smaller cut, to $11 million. The filing cited a serious radial nerve injury that impaired movement in her wrist and fingers and affected daily activities.

The attack happened on 12 December 2020 at Brown's home in Tarzana, in the San Fernando Valley. Avila said she had gone outside to empty a vacuum bag when the security dog pounced without warning.

The dog was named Hades. It was described in court as a massive Caucasian Shepherd, also known as a Central Asian Ovcharka.

Avila suffered severe arm and face injuries. She had extensive scarring and facial lacerations that required dozens of stitches. She was also diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Both Brown and Avila testified during the trial in Van Nuys, Los Angeles. Before the trial began, Brown admitted negligence under California's dog-bite statute, which holds owners liable when their dog bites someone.

Brown told jurors he found Avila face down and motionless. He said he locked up the dog, called to his security guard to summon help, and checked that she was breathing.

He acknowledged he did not personally call 911. He said he feared a recording would be leaked to the media. He left the property before paramedics arrived. He said his manager suggested it.

He also confirmed he never asked his security team to preserve home surveillance video from the incident. During earlier testimony, he admitted he never touched Avila, offered her water or provided comfort while she lay injured.

With the notice of acceptance filed, the $9.5 million award stands in favour of Avila. It removes the need for further court action on the amount of damages.