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.

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