Chris Brown has reached a resolution in his long-running dog-mauling case.
The singer’s former housekeeper, Maria Avila, has agreed to accept a reduced $9.5 million award rather than face a new trial over damages.
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As reported, a jury originally awarded Avila $12.9 million in June for injuries she suffered during the December 2020 attack at Brown’s Tarzana home.
However, Judge Huey P. Cotton later deemed the award “excessive” and granted Brown a new trial on damages unless Avila agreed to the reduced amount.
The development follows Brown’s push for a new trial after the blockbuster verdict.
Avila’s attorney, Nancy Doumanian, filed a notice of acceptance on Thursday, writing:
“Maria Avila hereby unequivocally accepts and consents to the reduction of her damages award to $9,500,000 in accordance with the court’s September 29 order.”
The judge found there was insufficient evidence to support claims of extensive permanent nerve damage and also questioned the amount awarded for future pain and suffering.
He did, however, acknowledge evidence of ongoing pain and future emotional distress.
A separate $885,000 award to Avila’s sister, Patricia, remains intact. Patricia also worked at Brown’s home at the time of the attack.
Her attorney, Michael C. Murphy Jr., said:
“After more than five years of litigating against Chris Brown, we are thrilled that we were able to get justice for our client, Patricia.”
Brown admitted negligence under California’s dog-bite statute before trial, but continues to dispute the extent of Maria Avila’s injuries.
The case has now stretched beyond five years.
