The family of a woman who was severely mauled by her friend's 14-year-old pet chimpanzee has filed a $50 million personal injury lawsuit on her behalf. Charla Nash remains in critical condition following the February 16 attack that left her without eyelids, lips, hands, and a nose.
The pet's owner, Sandra Herold, had asked Nash to help her bring Travis the chimp back into the house. Herold says she thinks Travis attacked the 55-year-old woman because she had changed her hairstyle.
The personal injury lawsuit accuses Herold of negligence, knowing Travis was aggravated when she invited Nash over, and of lacking the ability and strength needed to control the chimp, which was known for having occasionally "violent propensities." Attorneys for Nash say she will need extensive medical care following the attack that crushed numerous bones in her face and may have left her blind and with a traumatic brain injury.
A judge has approved a temporary retraining order barring Herold from selling or transferring her assets or those belonging to her late husband's estate. There are also reports that other parties may be sued for the chimp attack, such as the state of Connecticut, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the veterinarian who prescribed the mood-altering drug Xanax to the chimpanzee.
A biologist from the Department of Environmental Protection had reportedly cautioned the agency last October that the chimp could pose a threat. Travis has injured others in the past. In 1996, he bit a woman and in 1998, he bit a man.
Pet Chimpanzees
According to SavetheChimp.org, chimpanzees do not make good pets. They can become dangerous and destructive as they grow older. They also become much stronger (up to seven times more) than their human owners, which makes them harder to control. Chimps have been known to cause serious injuries.
If you or someone you love was seriously injured by someone else's bet, you may have grounds for filing an Orange County, personal injury claim or lawsuit against the owner, the pet's minder, or another negligent party.
Family of chimpanzee attack victim Charla Nash files suit against chimp's owner, LA Times, March 18, 2009
Family of Conn. chimp attack victim seeks $50 million, Boston.com/AP, March 17, 2009
Related Web Resources:
Chimps as Pets, the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada
Owner describes chimp's terrifying rampage, Today.com, February 18, 2009
