Chimp attack victim: Prays Conn. case will proceed

By Susan Haigh

Associated Press

Published: Friday, Aug. 10 2012 11:10 a.m. MDT

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Charla Nash, right, talks with attorney Bill Monaco before a hearing at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, Conn., Friday, Aug. 10, 2012. Nash who was mauled in a 2009 chimpanzee attack is attending a hearing to determine whether she may sue the state for $150 million in claimed damages.

Jessica Hill, Associated Press

Summary

The woman mauled by a chimpanzee three years ago says she hopes and prays a state official will ultimately grant her request to sue the state of Connecticut, which she holds responsible for not seizing the animal.

HARTFORD, Conn. — The woman mauled by a chimpanzee three years ago says she hopes and prays a state official will ultimately grant her request to sue the state of Connecticut, which she holds responsible for not seizing the animal.

Charla Nash attended a hearing Friday before the Claims Commissioner on a motion filed by the state to dismiss Nash's claim. She's seeking permission to sue the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for $150 million in damages.

Her attorney, Charles Willinger, says Nash is accruing millions of dollars in bills for everything from nursing home care to about 17 medications.

Nash, who underwent a face transplant in 2011, told reporters she hopes the commissioner "will give me my day in court." She says life is hard, but she's thankful to be alive.

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