Chimp Owner Seeks To Limit Mauled Woman’s Claim

Associated Press
Published: October 14, 2009

NEW HAVEN, Conn.
An attorney for the owner of a chimpanzee that mauled a Connecticut woman in February is arguing that the attack should be treated like a workers’ compensation claim.

Attorney Robert Golger says the victim was working as an employee of the chimp owner’s tow truck company at the time of the attack and therefore was a work-related incident. If successful, the strategy would severely limit monetary damages and insulate the owner from personal liability.

Charla Nash remains in stable condition at the Cleveland Clinic after the 200-pound chimpanzee named Travis ripped off her hands, nose, lips and eyelids. Nash’s family filed a $50 million lawsuit against his owner, Sandra Herold.

The Nash family’s attorney disagrees with the argument, but declined further comment.

For additional information, stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com—Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail .
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video

Reader Reactions

Voice your opinion by posting a comment.

Flag Comment Posted by grandmaw52 on October 15, 2009 at 8:37 am

The lady’s life is altered forever plastic surgery can’t fix this.

Flag Comment Posted by OmBass on October 15, 2009 at 7:55 am

“Well it’s not MY fault that my not-really-domesticated beast tore parts of your body off…“

Flag Comment Posted by Laura on October 15, 2009 at 7:13 am

This is unbelievable. The owner of the chimp called her friend(the victim) to come over and assist her with collecting up the escaped beast.Now she wishes to limit her liability? Wow,what a good friend she was.It gives new meaning to fair weather friends.

Flag Comment Posted by danise1014 on October 15, 2009 at 7:05 am

Workers’ Comp claim??? Give me a break. Was the chimp an employee also?

Flag Comment Posted by mjw357 on October 15, 2009 at 6:55 am

How is her being attacked by a chimp work-related? She worked for a towing company, not a zoo.

Flag Comment Posted by Big Rick on October 15, 2009 at 6:43 am

Give me a break, in my opinion the owner of the chimp was irresponsible and now he is trying to pass off his irresponsible behavior to the state BWC? These people have no shame. The victim was horribly and tragically maimed and rightfully seeking damages for a life that has been horribly altered.

Flag Comment Posted by Ben Dover on October 15, 2009 at 1:07 am

Now that is Horrific

Page 1 of 1