Medical Malpractice

Medical Malpractice or Drug Addiction?
There’s a Fine Line Between the Two and it’s Called Hollywood Blvd

We’ve seen it time and time again in Hollywood.  When fame, money and power hit all too suddenly, things can get a bit out of control.   There has been no shortage of drug-related deaths in Tinsel Town, even dating as far back as films themselves.  But in this day and age of corruption in the medical field, one has to beg the question, is it always as simple as drug addiction, or is there more to dig into?

Shocking still is the death of Michael Jackson, who died at the age of 50 just over a year ago.  His doctor, Conrad Murray, has long been accused of providing Jackson with an over-abundance of prescription drugs, including a potent anesthetic propofol, which eventually caused his fatal cardiac arrest.

Seven other doctors who cared for Jackson were free of wrongful death charges in late July 2010.  Murray, not one of the 7 being investigated, had previously pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter after allegedly providing Jackson with the deadly prescription cocktail.

Joe Jackson’s attorney, Brian Oxman, says about the verdict:

“I am very disappointed.  The misuse of medications by Michael Jackson in the last years of his life was excessive and to fail to bring that to the public is ignoring reality.”

Earlier this month the wrongful death suit against Murray was being thrown out due to lack of information provided by Joe Jackson about the clinics in which Murray supposedly practiced from.  Without sufficient information on location, a judge cannot determine if the Federal Court has jurisdiction.  Joe Jackson was given one week to correct the documentation or the case would be thrown out.  Murray’s lawyer Ed Chernoff has maintained the doctor’s innocence, saying he did not administer the fatal dose of propofol and that perhaps Jackson administered it to himself.  Anesthesia experts have said the possibility of Jackson administering the drug himself is highly unlikely.  If the trial continues, Murray could face a sentence of up to 4 years.

So one has to ask if this really is a case for a medical malpractice attorney or if Jackson would have found the drugs some other way, without the help of a doctor, leaving the brunt of the responsibility in his hands.

For More Jackson Info Please Visit: Michael Jackson News

Last month a jury awarded $11.5 million dollars in a Miami medical malpractice case to former  Dolphins player OJ McDuffie after a two and a half week trial.

McDuffie who was a wide receiver for the Miami team filed a suit against the team physician, John Uribe, who advised McDuffie that he could continue to play after he injured his big toe during the 1999 season as a result of a collision in a game against the New England Patriots. He was sent back in twice in that same game and the next day despite an MRI that revealed tendon damage, Uribe said McDuffie could keep playing and the toe would heal without incident. Whereas in 1998 McDuffie led the NFL in receptions and touchdowns, after his injury his performance deteriorated and by 2002 he was cut from the team and his contract was terminated three years early.  When McDuffie did get a second opinion after playing on the bad toe and suffering severe pain he learned that irreversible damage had been done to the nerve in his toe. The suit against Uribe is not the only one McDuffie has filed in relation to this injury.

According to the Miami Herald McDuffie has filed suits against other parties in relation to the injury that ended his career, most of which have settled outside of court.  David J. Neal writing for the Herald reports “some other suits related to the injury against other doctors and at least two hospitals have been resolved in the nearly eight years since the suits were filed in June 2002.”

Birth injuries like cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, and brachial plexus can have a huge impact on the course of a child’s life. With the help of many celebrities critical life changing injuries, such as the ones from birth are brought to the awareness of society.

Ricki Lake, like many other celebrities have used their voice and fame for a good cause. Celebrities will sometimes hold charitable events and help raise money for the numerous medical bills and issues dealing with cases similar to these.  Medical bills, and special needs for physically disabled children can be expensive.

Birth Injuries conditions are even more difficult specifically if your doctor’s negligence caused such an injury. When the life of a child is altered or endangered, it is important to remember that this is something they will need to cope with their whole lives.  Celebrities like Ricki Lake are real people and are willing to help; you too can help out and be a star by join a foundation to help others.

For help from a qualified birth injuries attorney

The Law Offices of Anastopoulo & Clore, LLC provide exceptional legal representation from a team of experienced attorneys and medical professionals. Contact our office for a free initial consultation to discuss whether your child’s birth injury is valid grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit or turn to our FAQ page about birth injury laws.

The recent tabloid phenomena surrounding “The Hills” reality star Heidi Montag’s most recent plastic surgeries is a major question of medical ethics.  The star had gone through an extreme makeover of more then $50,000 on her whole body resulting in 10 plastic surgery procedures in single day.

Some say this was the reality stars last cry for attention, but in the end many question the integrity of the doctor who agreed to perform the life threatening act. Post surgery in an interview with Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush, Heidi had claimed “I almost died after my procedure.”

Speculations say that she was given too much Demerol (a surgical pain medication) and this caused her to have shortness of breath, almost killing Heidi.  The doctors and nurses caring for her deny the claims and say she needs mental help. If something were to happen to Heidi Montag, who would have been at fault? This would be a legal question for louisville medical malpractice attorney like Whaley, Mory & McDonner to answer.

Now have recovered from surgery Heidi Montag is stepping out and telling her medical horror story.  It is quite obvious to tell in recent interviews that she has had a lot of work done; many say she now looks “fake” and is “very plastic looking”  while others close to her say that the 10 surgeries in one day were a bit overboard.

Will there be more surgeries to come, only time will tell.

Thousands of Michael Jackson news stories have surfaced this week.

Custody of Michael Jackson’s Children

Earlier in the week a judge granted child custody to Michael Jackson’s mom, Katherine Jackson. Jackson’s ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, who is the mother of two of his three children, is deciding whether or not she is going to pursue custody of Jackson’s children. Rowe received a delay on the custody issue from a judge. I saw on the cover of a well-known newspaper that she is seriously going to try to win custody.

Michael Jackson’s Will

Earlier in the week it was reported that Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson’s sister, was the executor of his estate. There will be a court hearing on Monday regarding the distribution of Jackson’s assets. Jackson purposely left Rowe out of his will. Supposedly the Jackson estate has loads of debt. I am sure Jackson’s family law attorney has his hands full with the custody battle and filing the will in probate.

Neverland Ranch – Michael Jackson’s Former Home

Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch was his pride and joy for many years until he was accused of molesting a boy there a few years ago. I caught some stunning photos of Neverland ranch the other day. It’s actual address is 5225 Figueroa Mountain Boulevard in Los Olivos, CA 93441. Neverland was saved from foreclosure last year, and five years ago was said to have been worth approximately $120 Million. However, there have been different values for the ranch in a variety of news articles. If you are looking to see what the local real estate is in Los Olivos, go to realtor.com to search for Los Olivos homes. I am sure the price of homes in Los Olivos have come down substantially.
Jackson’s Memorial Service and Burial

Jermaine Jackson said the other day that his brother update wanted to be buried at Neverland Ranch. However, California burial statutes say that burials can only be in cemeteries in California. They were going to have a memorial service on Thursday at Neverland Ranch but that was stopped. Instead, Jackson’s memorial service will be Tuesday at the Staples Center in California. I found a handy map in Google Maps for the Staples Center.

Did Michael Jackson’s Doctors mess up?

The answer to this question is maybe. The DEA is looking into fraudulent prescription meds that Jackson was taking at the time of his death. There were also cases of Jackson receiving meds under a few aliases. Wonder if there will be a case of wrongful death or medical malpractice?