American R&B artist Chris Brown has been ordered to $13 million in damages to his former housekeeper, following dog attack that left her with serious injuries.
The jury found in favor of Maria Avila, who was attacked by a Caucasian shepherd owned by Chris while she was emptying rubbish at his house in Tarzana, California.
The ruling presented this week, states that Chris and his company, Black Pyramid LLC, will have to pay her for negligence. During the trial, the jury indicated that he failed to call the emergency services or attend to Avila himself, as Chris fled the scene following the attack.
Before the trial, Chris admitted some culpability but he disputed the extent of Avila’s injuries and argued that she was partially at fault for the incident.
Avila’s legal team argued that Chris failed to provide a safe working environment, and the court agreed awarding compensation that reflects both medical costs and emotional suffering. Avila told the court she was left with severe injuries on her face and left arm.
Chris Brown stated the dog was purchased and looked by his security guards to help protect the house from break-ins.
The court also ordered $885,000 to be awarded to Avila’s sister, who was also working when the attack occurred and also Avila’s husband was awarded $50,000.
Chris Brown career has often been mired in controversy, as he is scheduled to face another trial in the UK in October over alleged attack on music producer at a nightclub in 2023.