HARTFORD, Conn. — A woman disfigured by a friend’s chimpanzee in 2009 appealed Friday for permission to pursue a $150 million lawsuit against the state, saying officials knew the animal was a threat and did not take action.

In brief remarks to a legislative committee, Charla Nash said the money could help her pay medical bills and give her a chance at a comfortable life.

The 200-pound animal, known as Travis, attacked Nash on Feb. 16, 2009, when she went to the Stamford home of its owner, Sandra Herold, to help her friend and employer to lure the chimpanzee back inside. The animal went berserk and ripped off Nash’s nose, lips, eyelids and hands before being shot to death by a police officer.

“The state knew what was happening and failed to protect me,” Nash said.

Last year, State Claims Commissioner J. Paul Vance Jr. refused Nash’s request for permission to sue the state, but the General Assembly’s Judiciary Committee is considering a bill that would override that decision. The state generally is immune from lawsuits unless allowed by the commissioner.

Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen told lawmakers: “I am not here to diminish Ms. Nash’s suffering. The law does not support this claim.”

Nash resides at a convalescent center, where she is awaiting a second attempt at a hand transplant.

She reached a $4 million settlement in 2012 with the estate of Herold, who died in 2010. Nash’s attorneys say that will only cover a small portion of her medical costs.