Connecticut Woman Mauled By Chimpanzee Requests To Sue State

A Connecticut woman who was disfigured after being mauled by a friend's chimpanzee is claiming the state knew the chimpanzee was dangerous, and therefore she has the right to sue, the New York Daily News reported Friday.

Charla Nash, who underwent reconstructive surgery after the 2009 mauling, previously attempted to sue the state. But a Connecticut claims commissioner denied her request last year.

Now Nash, 60, says she has evidence the state knew the chimpanzee, Travis, was a treat. A Department of Environmental Protection memo states the chimp was "an accident waiting to happen," the Daily News reported.

Travis, who was raised from birth by Nash's friend, turned on Nash, tearing her face apart and ripping her hands off. Nash needed a face transplant after the mauling, which left her blind. She now has prosthetic eyes.

"I'm hoping that you can make a decision based on the information based (that) the state knew what was happening and failed to protect me," Nash said during a hearing before state politicians on Friday, the Daily News reported.

Nash also said her lawsuit would help prevent other people from being attacked.

"I feel like I'm locked up," Nash said in a recorded message, NBC Connecticut reported. "I feel like I'm in a cage."

The chimpanzee was eventually shot by a police officer after it tore open the door of a police car, the Daily News reported.

Reports from locals say Travis was seen as part of his owners' family and did not pose a threat. Travis loved ice cream, enjoyed baseball and could drive a car, the Daily News reported.

The chimp also took baths with his owner, Sandy Herold, who died in 2010. Nash received a $4 million settlement from Herold's estate in 2012.

Travis could have taken Xanax before he attacked Nash, investigators say.

Nash is seeking $150 million in damages in her lawsuit against the state.

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