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.

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Joe Jackson and his Los Angeles wrongful death attorney are planning on filing a lawsuit against Michael Jacksons Doctor, Conrad Murray. The lawsuit is claiming that a delay in calling 911 is what caused the world renowned artists death.

According to a lawyer for Joe Jackson, Michael was “long gone” by the time he arrived in the emergency room in spite of the UCLA doctors having been able to re-establish a heartbeat for a moment. According to Oxman, there are records indicating that Michael was “long gone” 20-40 minutes prior to the paramedics arriving. in a report by the prosecution, there was a statement from a witness saying that Dr. Murray ceased resuscitation efforts in order to collect propofol bottles.

A notice was sent to Dr. Conrad Murray according to Joe’s attorney, Brian Oxman informing him that a wrongful death lawsuit against him in the next 90 days is in plans. Attorney Oxman said the following:

“The bottom line is, had paramedics gotten there earlier and had they been called right away, chances are he could have been revived”.

Doctor Murray has already faced charges of involuntary manslaughter on the grounds of “acting without malice” and was free on a bail of $75,000 on the premise of “without due caution and circumspection”

In the interim, the California state medical board will be requesting that Dr. Murray be prevented from practicing medicine in California by a Judge.  California Attorney General Jerry Brown filed the documents stating that Murray “administered a lethal dose of propofol, as well as other drugs, to Michael Jackson.”

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The moment many people have been waiting for has finally arrived. The L.A. Police Department has closed its investigation of Michael Jackson’s death and the case will now go to the District Attorney within the next few weeks.

Since Jackson’s death on June 25, a widespread and extended investigation took place over the past six months with most fingers pointing at Dr. Conrad Murray, the last doctor to see Jackson alive. According to sources, enough evidence has built up against Murray and he will most likely be found responsible for Jackson’s death and will be criminally charged.

Following Jackson’s death, many people believed Murray was responsible for his passing by administering the singer a lethal mix of drugs including Propofol, a strong sedative used most commonly for anesthesia. It is said that Murray’s administration of the drug to Jackson – who was allegedly dependent on it – complicated the case because Murray did not break any laws while giving the Propofol to the singer.

Murray, however, may face involuntary manslaughter charges as a result of negligently prescribing a toxic mixture of drugs to Jackson. Murray, who has returned to his practice in Texas, will most likely be charged within the next couple of weeks.

JFK, Jr., the Sexiest Man

While most headlines are spouting stories of Michael Jackson, the tenth year anniversary of the death of John F. Kennedy, Jr. (JFK, Jr.) is not getting too much notice. JFK, Jr. was elected the Most Sexiest Man in 1988 at the age of 27 by People Magazine. Read some forgotten facts about JFK’s life and death, and why he gets my vote as the Sexiest Man alive or dead.

JFK, Jr., the Man with Many Talents

Born in November 1960, John F. Kennedy, Jr. was one of the most revered members of the Kennedy clan. John-John, as the press nicknamed him, was only three years old when his father, John F. Kennedy, died from the criminal act of murder at the hands of an assassin.

The values instilled in JFK, Jr. by his mother, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, became apparent as John grew up to be a conscientious lawyer, journalist, philanthropist, pilot, and elite member of NY society. JFK, Jr. was frequently seen on the streets of Manhattan riding his bike, rollerblading, or hailing a cab. In fact, he replaced his bike every few months because they were stolen so often. It may be a surprise to you that when JFK, Jr. was 13, he was mugged in Central Park and his bike was stolen.

JFK, Jr. was a law-abiding citizen, except for his pranks during his college days. His only arrest was for speeding in Connecticut (driving over 80 mph in a 55 mph speed zone).

JFK, Jr. Death – Did he cause his own wrongful death?

If John, Jr. was alive today, he would be 48 years old. His death on July 16, 1999 at a modest 38 was one of the most horrific and notable deaths in 1999, which is the same year Joe DiMaggio of the NY Yankees died.

On that fateful July 16, 1999 day, JFK, Jr., his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, 33, and her sister Lauren Gail Bessette, 35, took off from Essex County Airport in New Jersey. John and Carolyn were on their way to a wedding in Hyannis, MA, with a pit stop in Martha’s Vineyard to drop off Lauren Bessette. Stories circulating at the time reported that John, Jr. said he did not need help flying his Piper Saratoga II in the early evening hours. The plane crashed over the Atlantic Ocean, about seven and a half miles from Martha’s Vineyard. At first, people assumed JFK, Jr. died from foul play or a conspiracy. However, it was later stated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in a well-detailed report that the crash was determined to be due from spatial disorientation, a condition pilots may get which creates a sensory conflict and illusion when flying. According to the Federal Aviation Administration’s brochure on spatial disorientation in 2005, 5-10% of aviation accidents are due to spatial disorientation with 90% of these accidents resulting in fatalities.

Also noted in the NTSB report was the ankle injury and subsequent surgery JFK, Jr. sustained on June 1, 1999 while hang-gliding. According to an FAA medical doctor, a pilot with that type of injury should not have been flying so soon after the injury.

JFK, Jr.’s Estate Sued for Wrongful Death

Devastated by the loss of their two daughters, and probably like most families looking for non-economical damages for wrongful death, the Bessettes and their family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against JFK, Jr.’s estate. Like many wrongful death suits, the case was settled out of court to avoid a lengthy trial and what would be a publicity nightmare for the Kennedy family. Mum was the word on the settlement; however, a report by A&E in a biography of JFK, Jr. said the estate settled the case for $50 million.

Just like his father, John F. Kennedy, JFK, Jr. died way too young and had a bright and promising career. Seems like ten years passed in the blink of an eye.

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?