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Michael Jackson 'wrongful death' case set to open in LA Michael Jackson's doctor 'was not vetted', his mother says
(about 4 hours later)
A wrongful death lawsuit brought by the relatives of singer Michael Jackson against his concert promoter is set to open in a small court in Los Angeles. A lawyer for Michael Jackson's mother says the pop star's promoters failed properly to vet the doctor convicted of causing his death from a drug overdose, as a wrongful death lawsuit opens.
Jackson's mother Katherine Jackson and his three children say the firm did not properly investigate the doctor found guilty over Jackson's death in 2009. Katherine Jackson and his three children say AEG Live should be held liable for Jackson's death in 2009.
AEG Live say they did nothing wrong and could not have foreseen Jackson's death on the eve of his comeback tour. The promoters say they did no wrong and could not have foreseen Jackson's death on the eve of his comeback tour.
Millions of dollars could be at stake in the case, which may last 90 days. Millions of dollars are at stake in the case, which could last up to 90 days.
Jurors, who are to be paid $15 (£10) each day, are due to hear from lawyers on both sides before testimony in the civil trial begins. Brian Panish, who represents Jackson's relatives, told a court in Los Angeles that AEG Live was the only party that maintains it was unaware of Jackson's addiction to prescription drugs.
'Ultimate price'
"Over the years Michael's family and people who knew him believed he had a problem with prescription medication," Mr Panish told a jury of six men and six women.
"His stirring voice, his musical genius, his creativity and his generosity and his huge heart was extinguished forever," he said, adding that jurors would have to decide who was responsible for the star's death.
A lawyer for AEG Live was due to make comments later on Monday.
The case, which is expected to focus on the last months of Jackson's life, his financial history and his overall health, could feature testimony from his children.The case, which is expected to focus on the last months of Jackson's life, his financial history and his overall health, could feature testimony from his children.
It is also reported that stars such as singer Diana Ross, director Spike Lee and music producer Quincy Jones may take the stand.It is also reported that stars such as singer Diana Ross, director Spike Lee and music producer Quincy Jones may take the stand.
The trial is expected to focus on Conrad Murray, the former cardiologist who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 for administering a combination of sedatives and the anaesthetic propofol that allegedly killed Jackson. The trial is expected to focus on Conrad Murray, the former cardiologist who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 for administering a combination of sedatives and the anaesthetic propofol that killed Jackson.
Murray is in prison, appealing his conviction.Murray is in prison, appealing his conviction.
He agreed to work as Jackson's personal physician for $150,000 a month during the This Is It concert series, but Jackson died before the tour began.He agreed to work as Jackson's personal physician for $150,000 a month during the This Is It concert series, but Jackson died before the tour began.
AEG Live is expected to argue that Jackson had selected Murray to be his personal doctor, and that Murray was not officially an AEG employee. AEG Live is expected to argue that Jackson had selected Murray to be his personal doctor, and that Murray was not officially an AEG Live employee.
But his family are expected to argue the concert promoters put pressure on Murray to get Jackson ready for the gruelling tour schedule despite the pop icon's fragile health.But his family are expected to argue the concert promoters put pressure on Murray to get Jackson ready for the gruelling tour schedule despite the pop icon's fragile health.
Famous members of Jackson's family, including his sister Janet, are also expected to attend the trial.Famous members of Jackson's family, including his sister Janet, are also expected to attend the trial.