The family of Charla Nash is suing the owner of the infamous chimp that savagely attacked her for millions.

Nash was mauled in February by Sandra Herold?s chimpanzee Travis. She lost her hands, nose, lips and eyelids in the attack, as well as suffering brain damage. The amount the lawsuit asks for has not been specified, but attorneys say this easily justifies a $50 million verdict.

"This was a tragedy that did not have to happen," says attorney Charles Willinger.

The lawsuit accuses Herold of negligence and recklessness for owning the chimp, as well as claiming the owner lacked the necessary qualifications to subdue the animal in the event of an attack. A judge has issued a temporary freeze on Herold's assets until the case is heard April 13.

Nash remains in critical condition at the Cleveland Clinic and could ultimately lose her eyesight.

For more with the attorney for Charla Nash's family, go to Channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.

AP wires contributed to this report.

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