Overview
- The Los Angeles jury, which ruled Wednesday, awarded about $12.9 million to plaintiff Maria Avila plus $885,000 to her sister and $50,000 to Avila’s husband for negligence linked to the 2020 attack.
- Avila testified that a large Caucasian Ovcharka named Hades caused deep facial and arm wounds, required reconstructive surgery with skin grafts from her abdomen, and left her physically and psychologically unable to continue housekeeping.
- Brown’s defense said the dog was kept for security, accused Avila of provocation and said staff had been warned, but jurors were influenced by testimony that Brown left the scene and did not personally call 911.
- Avila originally sought $90 million in damages, and her attorneys argued the award reflects long-term medical needs and loss of earning capacity caused by the injuries.
- The verdict adds to Brown’s wider legal challenges and could be appealed while his public career continues to draw attention because of other pending cases and scheduled performances.