A Los Angeles jury has ordered Chris Brown to pay nearly $13 million to Maria Avila, a former housekeeper who was seriously injured by a dog on the singer's property in 2020. The decision targets Brown and his company, Black Pyramid LLC, who were found liable for negligence in this civil case.
The attack took place at his home in Tarzana.
The incident dates back to December 2020, at Chris Brown's property in Tarzana, California. Maria Avila was working there when she was attacked by Hades, a Caucasian Shepherd Dog used as a guard dog. The animal, described as weighing approximately 200 pounds, bit her while she was taking out the trash.
Serious injuries with lasting effects
Maria Avila stated that she suffered severe injuries to her face and arm. Her condition required extensive treatment, including stitches and skin grafts. She also mentioned lasting physical aftereffects, nerve pain, difficulty working, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Compensation also for his family
The jury awarded Maria Avila approximately $12,9 million. Her sister, Patricia Avila, who was also employed at the scene at the time of the incident, was awarded $885,000 for emotional distress. Maria Avila's husband, Oscar Olivo, was awarded $50,000.
Chris Brown was present during the incident.
Chris Brown was at his home at the time of the attack. During the trial, he admitted to seeing the victim seriously injured and explained that he left the scene before emergency services arrived, claiming he followed the advice of those around him to avoid media attention.
The defense disputed direct responsibility
The singer argued that the employees had been warned about the dogs' dangerous nature and that the animal was used for his personal safety, particularly in situations involving intrusive or threatening individuals. The jury did not find this argument sufficient to dismiss civil liability.
A heavy civil penalty
This decision stems from a civil verdict for negligence, not a criminal one. Nevertheless, it imposes a very significant financial penalty on Chris Brown in a case where the jury determined that the security measures surrounding the dog failed to prevent a serious attack on a domestic worker.
