Joan Rivers’ daughter files medical malpractice lawsuit

Friday February 6, 2015

The nation mourned the loss of comedienne Joan Rivers last September, when she passed away from cardiac arrest at a New York hospital. Rivers, 81, had a procedure done on her vocal cords and throat on the Upper East Side of Manhattan at Yorkville Endoscopy a week before.

After an investigation by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the clinic is facing a revocation of its federal funding and accreditation if deficiencies are not corrected by March.

Joan Rivers’ daughter, Melissa, has filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the clinic. The suit claims that the clinic did not advise her mother about the possible treatment risks, and acted with reckless disregard for her mother’s safety and health.

According to a recent article at nypost.com, the anesthesiologist denies that she botched a chance to revive the elder Rivers. The lawsuit claims that the board-certified anesthesiologist didn’t request or demand a crash cart when Joan’s heart beat fell, as did the level of oxygen — below 90 percent. The anesthesiologist denies those allegations, saying that there was already a crash cart in the room.

The lawsuit was filed in the state supreme court in New York. It seeks an unspecified amount of punitive and compensatory damages.

Medical malpractice lawsuits, whether in Connecticut or in the border state of New York, are often complex and time-consuming. An experienced personal injury attorney can discuss the circumstances of your lost loved one to determine if you have a valid claim for medical malpractice. Negligent doctors and other health care providers must be held accountable.

Source: CNBC, “New York clinic that treated comic Joan Rivers sued over her death” Jan. 26, 2015

Get in Touch

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation

At Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, L.L.C., we handle all cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not get paid unless and until you receive a settlement or a jury award.

Schedule a free, confidential consultation with a skilled Connecticut personal injury lawyer today.

News & insights
Brain Injury Awareness Month: March 2023
News

Brain Injury Awareness Month: March 2023

16

March
2023

Dram Shop Laws in Connecticut
ArticlesInsights

Dram Shop Laws in Connecticut

28

February
2023

The Leading Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents
Articles

The Leading Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents

20

February
2023

Upcoming Bipartisan Congressional Bills Focused on Protecting Children Online
News

Upcoming Bipartisan Congressional Bills Focused on Protecting Children Online

20

February
2023

KJSR Files Suit Against Meta Platforms Inc., Snap Inc.
News

KJSR Files Suit Against Meta Platforms Inc., Snap Inc.

6

February
2023

Wrong Way Accidents: What They Are and How They Occur
Insights

Wrong Way Accidents: What They Are and How They Occur

23

January
2023

Crosswalk Laws in Connecticut
Articles

Crosswalk Laws in Connecticut

6

January
2023

How Long Do You Have To File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?
Articles

How Long Do You Have To File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?

5

December
2022

Where Does Liability Fall in a Scaffolding Accident?
Articles

Where Does Liability Fall in a Scaffolding Accident?

23

November
2022

The Leading Causes of Intersection Accidents
Articles

The Leading Causes of Intersection Accidents

18

November
2022