California Jury Orders Chris Brown to Pay $13 Million in Damages
A California jury ruled in favor of Maria Avila, who was mauled by a security dog on Chris Brown’s property in December 2020. The incident occurred at Brown’s home in Los Angeles’ Tarzana neighborhood.
Avila Testifies Emotionally About the Attack
At the two-week trial, Avila gave an emotional testimony, describing her severe injuries to her arm and face, extensive scarring, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She said she will never be the same again.
Brown’s Account of the Incident
Brown testified as the first witness at the trial. He told jurors he heard the dog, Hades, growling outside and rushed downstairs to find Avila motionless on the ground. Brown locked up the dog, called out for help, and checked that Avila was breathing before leaving the property.
Disputed Extent of Injuries
Before the trial, Brown admitted negligence under California’s dog-bite statute in a court filing but disputed the extent of Avila’s injuries. He claimed she was partly at fault for going outside alone.