By JOHN CHRISTOFFERSEN Associated Press Writer
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) - 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.2009-10-14 17:26:48 GMT
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I dont think this case should be treated as a "workers comp". Although she was at work when it happened, what in the world made the owner bring a chimp to a tow truck company? I'm pretty sure the chimp isn't an employee. It's pretty clear that this chimp isn't too friendly so why would the owner even bring it to a place full of people. I hope this woman gets every penny of that $50 million.
ReplyDeleteThis story is unbelievable. First, the business owner decides to bring a 200 lb. wild animal that she obviously can't control to work and subject her employees to it. Then, when the inevitible happens, she doesn't want to take responsibility for it--she wants her workers comp insurance to pay for it!?! This poor victim was literally ripped limb from limb. Maybe when the chimp starts towing cars it can qualify as a workers comp claim.
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