A California jury has ordered singer Chris Brown to pay nearly $13 million to a former housekeeper who was seriously injured in a dog attack at his home in late 2020. After a two-week civil trial, the jury awarded Maria Avila $12.9 million in damages for injuries sustained during the incident. Additionally, Avila’s sister, Patricia Avila, was granted $885,000 for emotional distress and economic losses, while Avila’s husband, Oscar Olivo, received $50,000 for loss of consortium.

According to the original complaint filed in July 2021 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, the attack took place on December 12, 2020, at Brown’s residence in the Tarzana neighborhood of Los Angeles. Maria Avila said she was performing housekeeping duties when a large dog, described as a Caucasian shepherd weighing over 200 pounds, suddenly attacked her while she was emptying the trash. The complaint detailed that the dog “viciously and brutally” mauled Avila, biting her face, arms, and other parts of her body, causing severe lacerations, fractures, and the loss of skin and nerve tissue.

During the trial, Avila’s attorney, Nancy Doumanian, emphasized that the case was about holding Brown accountable rather than targeting him for his celebrity status. “After hearing weeks of testimony and considering all of the evidence, the jury rejected the defense’s claim that our client was at fault and recognized the devastating and permanent consequences of this attack,” Doumanian said.

Chris Brown’s legal representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Brown testified that he did not own the dog involved in the attack, stating that his security team had purchased the animal. He said he had warned the Avila sisters—who primarily speak Spanish—not to go outside without permission, advising them in English that the dogs were unfriendly. Brown also testified that he refrained from calling emergency services immediately after the incident to avoid attracting media attention. According to reports, he left his home following instructions from his manager.

Patricia Avila, who witnessed the attack on her sister and occasionally worked alongside her, was awarded $750,000 for emotional distress and $135,000 for economic losses. Maria Avila’s husband received damages intended to compensate for loss of companionship. The dog involved in the attack was euthanized by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Animal Shelter approximately 11 days after the incident.

The verdict concludes a high-profile civil case stemming from a traumatic event in late 2020, highlighting issues related to liability and safety in private residences.