Chris Brown’s legal battle over a 2020 dog attack has taken another turn. A judge found that the $12.9 million damages award to Maria Avila was excessive. The ruling gives Avila a choice: accept a reduced award or return to court for a new trial limited to damages.
The judge found insufficient evidence supporting part of Maria Avila’s damages award
A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge ruled that the jury’s $12.9 million award to Avila was excessive, according to TMZ. The judge found “insufficient evidence of permanent nerve damage” to support part of the award and also questioned the amount granted for future pain and suffering. Brown will receive a new trial on damages if Avila does not accept the reduced $9.5 million award.
Avila sued Brown over a 2020 attack at his Tarzana home. She said a large dog attacked her while she was taking out the trash. Brown denied wrongdoing, but a jury found him liable and awarded Avila $12.9 million in damages after both sides testified at trial.
Brown later asked the court for a new trial. He argued, among other things, that jurors heard information about his past criminal case involving Rihanna that unfairly prejudiced them against him. The judge’s latest ruling does not grant Brown a complete retrial or overturn the jury’s liability finding. Instead, it gives Avila the option of accepting $9.5 million or proceeding to a new trial limited to damages.
The case centers on the December 2020 dog attack at Brown’s home. Avila’s lawsuit ultimately resulted in the $12.9 million jury award, but the judge has now conditionally reduced that amount. Her decision on whether to accept the $9.5 million award will determine whether the case returns to trial over damages.
