Brief
Los Angeles judge grants Chris Brown new trial on $12.9 million dog‑attack award
Judge Huey P. Cotton said the jury award was excessive, offering a reduced $9.5 million option or a new trial.
By Felo News Desk · Published
On Sept. 30, 2026, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge ruled that the $12.9 million jury award against R&B singer Chris Brown for a 2020 dog attack was excessive, granting the musician a new trial on the damages.
What happened
The attack occurred in December 2020 when housekeeper Maria Avila was in the backyard of Brown’s Tarzana home and was bitten by the singer’s Caucasian shepherd, sustaining injuries to her face, arm and leg. A civil jury in June 2026 awarded Brown $12.9 million in damages to Avila and separate sums to her sister Patricia Avila and Avila’s husband.
What the report adds
The court found “insufficient evidence” of permanent nerve damage and of the value of future pain and suffering, calling the award excessive. Judge Huey P. Cotton said Avila may accept a reduced $9.5 million award or face a new trial; she has until the following Tuesday to decide. The judge left the original $885,000 award to Patricia Avila unchanged.
What was said
The Los Angeles Times review of the ruling noted the judge’s language but did not include direct quotes from either party. Neither Brown’s nor Avila’s attorneys responded to requests for comment.
Key facts
- A Los Angeles Superior Court judge granted Chris Brown a new trial on the $12.9 million dog‑attack award. (latimes.com)
- The judge said the jury’s award to Maria Avila was excessive due to insufficient evidence of permanent nerve damage. (latimes.com)
- Avila can accept a reduced $9.5 million award or proceed to a new trial; she must decide by the following Tuesday. (latimes.com)
- The $885,000 award to Patricia Avila was left unchanged. (latimes.com)
Sources
- [1] latimes.com — originally reported as “Chris Brown might not need to pay housekeeper nearly $13 million for dog attack, court finds”
