Chimp victim seeks to sue state for $150 million

updated 5:28 p.m. ET Nov. 4, 2009

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - The family of a Connecticut woman mauled and blinded by a chimpanzee is seeking to sue the state for $150 million.

Attorneys for Charla Nash's family filed a notice Wednesday with a state agency asking for permission to sue.

The 200-pound chimpanzee named Travis went berserk in February when his owner asked Nash to help lure him back into her house.

The animal ripped off Nash's hands, nose, lips and eyelids. She remains in stable condition at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

A Connecticut state biologist had warned state officials beforehand that Travis could seriously hurt someone.

A telephone message was left Wednesday with the Department of Environmental Protection.

Nash's family has also filed a $50 million lawsuit against chimp owner Sandra Herold.

More from msnbc.com Racist webcam? TheGrio's test says no View an interactive, HD panorama of N.Y.'s 30 Rock Scoop: No Tiger cub on way for Rachel Uchitel Census workers wanted, local roots preferred Cosmic Log: Decades of future science Answer Desk: Gold may be riskier than it seems Send your holiday pictures to troops

MORE FROM CRIME & COURTS

Crime & courts Section Front

Teen gets plea deal in Facebook sex scam 2 Wash. state police shot, suspect killed Teens plead not guilty in hate crime 'Necessity defense' in abortion killing rejected Insider theft a big problem for small charities Russia Web gang took millions from Citi: report Cops: ‘Balloon boy’ parents acted alone Despite more jobless, crime rates drop D.C. chief slams cop over gun at snowball fight Crime & courts Section Front   Add Crime & courts headlines to your news reader: