In a Stamford court Monday, lawyers for the woman attacked by a chimpanzee in February argued before a judge that her medical records should be sealed from public viewing.
The family of Charla Nash, who lost her hands, nose, lips and eyelids in the attack, has filed a $50 million lawsuit against the chimpanzee's owner Sandra Herald. The medical records and photographs in question would be evidence in that lawsuit.
?I must balance the needs of the public to know against the privacy issues of the moment,? Superior Court Judge Edward Karazin says.
The family?s attorney Charles Willinger says his primary reason for wanting the records sealed is the well-being of Nash?s 17-year-old daughter. ?[The] photographs are extremely graphic and not something that we think is psychologically healthy for her at this time.?
Herold's attorneys did not object to the request to seal the photos and records, and Karazin scheduled an April 27 hearing to discuss the request.
Those who want the records freely available say the public deserves access, especially since Nash's attorneys have not ruled out filing lawsuits against Stamford or the state of Connecticut.
Nash's attorneys also say they want Herald's assets frozen.
AP wire reports contributed to this article.