Orange : Woman Sues Estranged Husband in Acid Attack

A woman who was burned over 60% of her body when her estranged husband allegedly doused her with nitric acid, filed a $10-million lawsuit against him Tuesday in Superior Court.

Valerie Chernoff Elbaum, 35, suffered second- and third-degree burns on her head, face, torso, hands and feet when she allegedly was attacked with the corrosive chemical during an argument last Sept. 18 with her husband, Joseph, 37.

The lawsuit said Joseph Elbaum assaulted and battered his wife intentionally and then left her unassisted. “He knew that this acid would injure (Valerie),” the suit said. “The assault and battery was done without justification . . . and done with the intent to injure (Valerie).”

Valerie Elbaum telephoned police on the 911 emergency line, but officers arriving at the Elbaums’ home on West Sierra Nevada Way in Orange had to kick open the front door so paramedics could get inside, police said at the time.

Acid fumes in the house were so strong that several officers later complained of nausea, a police spokesman said last September. Police said Joseph Elbaum had access to acid through his work as a jeweler.

Joseph Elbaum was arrested after the attack on suspicion of assault with a caustic chemical and is awaiting trial, according to the lawsuit. Attorneys for the Elbaums could not be reached for comment.