Judge considers reducing $12.9M Chris Brown dog attack award

A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge has indicated a tendency to significantly reduce a $12.9 million damages award granted to Maria Avila. The award stems from a 2020 dog attack that occurred at the California home of singer Chris Brown.

Judge Huey P. Cotton signaled during a recent hearing that he may cut the award by nearly 40 percent, a reduction of more than $5 million. Avila’s attorney, Nancy Doumanian, argued for a smaller reduction to $11 million, citing the severity and permanent nature of the injuries. The attorney noted that medical testimony indicated Avila suffered severe radial nerve damage, affecting her ability to perform daily tasks such as writing, typing, and personal care.

The original jury decision included damages for medical expenses and emotional distress. While the judge appeared unwilling to reconsider whether a reduction was warranted, he agreed to review arguments regarding how any reduction might be distributed across different damage categories. The judge presented the parties with the choice to either accept the tentative ruling or retry the case.