Posted On: April 9, 2009 by New York Personal Injury Attorney

Stamford Personal Injury Lawsuit Filed by Family of Woman Attacked by Chimp

The family of Charla Nash, a woman who was attacked and seriously injured by a chimpanzee, is seeking $50 million in damages against the chimp's owner, Sandra Herold, saying she was negligent and reckless. According to this CBS news report, the lawsuit states that Herold knew the 200-pound chimp was agitated when she asked Nash to come to her house on Feb. 16.

The 55-year-old Nash lost her hands, nose, lips and eyelids during the horrific mauling, which lasted about 12 minutes. The attack crushed several bones in her body. Nash may have also suffered brain damage and permanent loss of vision, the suit states. Doctors are looking into the possibility of a face transplant. The chimp was shot and killed by police.

If you or someone you love has been serious injured as a result of someone else's negligence – be it in an auto accident in New York or as a result of a dog or animal attack – you deserve to be compensated for your injuries, damages and loss.

Authorities are still thinking about whether to file criminal charges against Herold. The chimp had apparently bitten two other people before – once in 1996 and another time in 1998. Herold was also warned by a former animal control officer in 2003 that her pet's behavior was cause for concern.

It is critical that you consult with an knowledgeable and experienced New York personal injury attorney, who will remain on your side and fight for your legal rights. Please call Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP. to find out how we can help protect and uphold your rights.