A retrial over damages in Chris Brown’s dog attack case is officially off the table. Former housekeeper Maria Avila has agreed to accept a reduced $9.5 million award instead of returning to court and risking a new jury determining her compensation. The decision comes just days after a Los Angeles judge slashed millions from the original $12.9 million verdict Avila had secured.
The court offered Avila the option after determining that there was insufficient evidence to support certain aspects of the initial damages calculation, particularly allegations of permanent nerve damage and the amount awarded for future pain and suffering. According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Avila has now agreed to the lower settlement amount.
The revised $9.5 million award consists of $3.85 million for past non-economic damages, $5.4 million for future non-economic losses, and an additional $250,000 designated for future medical expenses. Brown had previously sought a new trial on the damages unless Avila accepted the reduced amount, maintaining that the original award was excessive.
Avila sustained her injuries in December 2020 while working at Brown’s home in Tarzana. She claimed that his Caucasian shepherd attacked her while she was outdoors, causing injuries to her face, arm, and leg. Earlier this year, a jury found Brown and his company liable, awarding Avila $12.9 million. Her sister, Patricia, was also awarded $885,000, while Maria’s husband received $50,000.
By accepting the reduced award, Avila retains a substantial financial judgment while avoiding another trial focused exclusively on determining damages.
