Connecticut chimp owner seeking to limit mauled woman’s claim to workers compensation

Chimp owner seeks to limit mauled woman’s claim

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 worker’s 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.