Los Angeles County Judge Huey P. Cotton on Tuesday ruled the $12.9 million awarded to former housekeeper Maria Avila was excessive. Under the new order, Avila can either accept a reduced $9.5 million award or return to court for a new trial limited to damages. Her attorney has not said publicly what route she will take.
The ruling provides part of what Brown’s legal team sought in challenging the jury’s verdict in June. However, Cotton rejected Brown’s broader effort to have the case undone, finding that he received a fair trial and was not improperly prejudiced by jurors hearing a reference to his past assault of Rihanna. Cotton found that there was insufficient evidence to support the extent of permanent nerve damage presented during the trial, while still recognizing the ongoing pain and emotional distress Avila experienced following the attack.
Avila was working at Brown’s Tarzana home in December 2020 when his Caucasian shepherd, Hades, attacked her. During the trial, she testified that the attack caused severe injuries and lasting facial disfigurement. Meanwhile, Brown argued that he had warned Avila not to go outside alone because of the dog. Following the June trial, a jury awarded Avila $12.9 million in damages. Cotton’s latest order reduces that amount but does not erase the underlying judgment. The decision also leaves untouched a separate $855,000 award granted to Avila’s sister, who was also working at the home when the attack occurred.
The case has continued beyond the original verdict, with both sides pursuing legal and financial efforts. Brown’s attorneys have already moved to appeal the verdict, while Avila’s legal team has separately pursued Brown’s income to collect the judgment. A judge previously allowed money from Brown’s tour earnings to be directed toward satisfying what he owed.
For now, Avila has the next decision. If she accepts the $9.5 million reduction, the dispute over damages would move closer to resolution. If she rejects it, that portion of the case would return to court for another jury to determine the appropriate damages. The latest ruling therefore lowers the financial figure at the center of the case, while leaving the broader legal battle ongoing.
0 Comments