Michael Jackson's father Joseph Jackson is suing Dr. Conrad Murray for Los Angeles wrongful death. Also named as plaintiffs in the civil lawsuit are Michael's father Katherine Jackson and his three children Paris, Prince, and Blanket Jackson. More defendants may be added later.
In his Los Angeles wrongful death lawsuit, Joe Jackson accuses Murray, Michael's personal physician at the time, of administering to the pop star a "polypharmacy" of drugs in the months prior to the singer's death. He also claims that Murray withheld key information from EMTs and doctors that had tried to save his son's life.
Joe contends that not only did Murray fail to tell the medical workers that he had given Michael propofol, but also that the doctor had attempted to "clean up the scene" before the EMTs arrived. Even though California law mandates that doctors document the medical care provided to a patient, Murray is accused of not keeping records on the singer.
Michael, known as the King of Pop, died on June 25, 2009 at the age of 50 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his Holmby Hills residence. According to his autopsy report, the pop star died from "acute propofol intoxication." The report also noted that "the standard care for administering this drug was not met" and that the equipment recommended for patient monitoring, resuscitation, and precision dosing" were not present.
Earlier this year, Murray was charged with involuntary manslaughter in Michael's death. Prosecutors have accused Murray of administering a deadly cocktail of anesthetics and painkillers to Michael in the hours leading up to his death. Murray has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, Murray faces a maximum four years in prison.
Wrongful Death as a Result of Medical Malpractice
Medical mistakes can prove fatal for a patient. Doctors and other medical providers can be held liable for Los Angeles medical malpractice if their carelessness, recklessness, or failure to at least provide a patient with the standard of care contributed to a patient's Los Angeles personal injuries or wrongful death.
Joe Jackson's Wrongful Death Lawsuit, TMZ, June 25, 2010
Michael Jackson's father files wrongful death suit, AP/Google, June 25, 2010
Michael Jackson's Doctor, Conrad Murray, Charged in Singer's Death, ABC News, February 8, 2010
Related Web Resources:
Michael Jackson dead at 50 after cardiac arrest, CNN, June 25, 2009
Michael Jackson Biography, Biography
