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Chimpanzee Attack

Posted by: Judy Pippin
October 19, 2009
Topic: Worker's Compensation

Can a chimpanzee attack be a worker's compensation case? The attorney representing the owner of a chimpanzee who mauled a woman in February says that the mauled woman was actually an employee of the chimpanzee owner. Charla Nash was mauled in February by Travis, a chimpanzee owned by Sandra Harold. Nash's family has filed a $50 million lawsuit against Harold claiming negligence and the inability to control a "wild animal with violent propensities."

Harold is the owner of a towing company called "Desire Me Motors." The business is run out of her home, the site of the attack. Harold claims that Nash was an employee of this company. As an employee, Nash will only be entitled to payment of medical bills by Harold's insurance company, as well as a portion of her wages while she is unable to work. If Harold can prove that Nash was an employee, Harold will be protected from a civil suit that would entitle Nash to pain and suffering experienced as a result of the attack. This case is an excellent example of how worker's compensation cases shield employers from liability.


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