Chris Brown Ordered to Pay $12.9m to Housekeeper Mauled by His Dog

A California jury has ruled in favor of Maria Avila, a housekeeper who was severely injured in a 2020 dog attack at R&B star Chris Brown’s property, awarding her $12.9 million in damages. The incident occurred in Tarzana, California, when Avila was bitten by Hades, a Caucasian shepherd used as a guard dog on Brown’s premises. The verdict, delivered in a trial in Van Nuys, holds Brown financially responsible for the injuries sustained during the attack, which left Avila with life-altering physical and psychological consequences.

Avila testified that the attack resulted in extensive injuries to her arm and face, requiring multiple surgeries, including skin grafts from her abdomen to her arm, as well as dozens of sutures. She also reported ongoing post-traumatic stress disorder and nerve damage that has impaired her ability to work. The trial highlighted concerns over the presence of guard dogs on private property and the legal obligations of property owners to ensure the safety of workers. Brown’s legal team did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the ruling.

The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of liability in workplace injuries involving animals, particularly in high-profile settings. Avila’s legal team emphasized the need for accountability in maintaining safe working conditions, while Brown’s representatives previously argued that the dog was under control and that the incident was unforeseeable. The jury’s decision underscores the financial and legal ramifications for celebrities and property owners in cases involving severe harm to employees.