Chimp Mauling Victim's Family To Sue CT For $150 Million

The family of a woman who was severely mauled by a chimpanzee plans to sue Connecticut for $150 million. A lawyer for Charla Nash, who remains at the Cleveland Clinic after 200-pound chimp Travis chewed off her hands, nose, lips and eyelids, says, "We believe the evidence will show that the state, acting through the Department of Environmental Protection, failed to adequately address a serious public safety issue that resulted in tragic consequences for our client." (A DEP biologist had warned about Travis before the attack.) Connecticut's attorney general is reviewing the suit and told the Courant it was a "horrific tragedy" but the lawsuit "seems unprecedented in size." Nash's family is also suing Travis's owner for $50 million, but her lawyer is trying to limit her damages by calling it a worker's comp claim.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on November 5, 2009 2:51 PM

Comments [rss]

Moleroy

The lawsuit has no chance. Suing the State is not like suing an individual or company. The State must essentially admit guilt and give you permission to sue them. Yes they must give you permission. If not then you can only appeal it to the legislature. Do you think the Connecticut State Senate is going to give this lady $150 million? The State is also not liable for the same reason that most government agencies are immune from lawsuits; they do not make guarantees. When the Department of Environmental Protection starting monitoring exotic animals they did not do so with a decree to prevent all animal attacks. The attack also occured with a privately owned animal, on private property and the woman willingly went there. She should spend her effort by suing for a change in the laws.

inoyourider

Fuck these assholes looking for a payout.

IFFFF anyone should pay its the dumb bitch who owns the chimp.

How much is your family member's face worth?

"Oh, it's SOOOOO terrible, but pay me some money and everything will be all right again"

blackwhole

He was supposed to be a helper monkey - this isn't helping!

uptownnyc

I no longer have sympathy for this animal. I'm not referring to the chimp.

nicemarmot

Yeah, it's totally the state's fault. I mean, we all have friends stupid and cruel enough to keep chimps as a pet - it's just the government protecting us!