The Case of Joan Rivers: How a Legendary Comedian’s Family Sought Justice for Her Death Due to a New York City Clinic’s Alleged Medical Malpractice

Although legendary New York City comedian Joan Rivers sadly passed away on September 4, 2014, her memory certainly lives on for many New York City residents. At 81 years old, Joan Rivers’ death shook the nation, but it also caused Rivers’ family members to question the circumstances surrounding her death, and the doctors who treated her at the New York City clinic where she passed away. Their suspicions would later lead to a medical malpractice lawsuit, and a widely-publicized settlement of that lawsuit in 2016. But what exactly led up to Joan Rivers death, and how did Joan Rivers’ family seek justice against the New York City medical clinic that they believed caused it? We discuss the facts of this high-profile New York City medical malpractice case here.

 Voice Changes Lead New York City Entertainment Legend to Seek Medical Treatment 

According to national news reports, comedian and personality Joan Rivers initially sought treatment at the Yorkville Endoscopy Clinic in Manhattan (the clinic that would ultimately become the defendant in a medical malpractice lawsuit for its role in her death) for “voice changes”, and for stomach reflux. During a procedure at the clinic, Rivers suffered a laryngospasm, which is a spasm of the vocal cords that causes difficulties in breathing, and she died after her body was not able to take in enough oxygen. Rivers’ heart failed to pump blood to her brain, and her brain, ultimately, “shut down.”

A Family Brings a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit after Entertainment Pioneer Dies at Clinic

After Joan Rivers’ death at the Yorkville Endoscopy Clinic, certain close members of her family had questions surrounding her passing. They believe that the Manhattan clinic performed medical procedures on Rivers that led to Rivers’ death without first obtaining her consent. Accordingly, Rivers’ family members brought a medical malpractice lawsuit in New York civil court, seeking justice for her death against the medical clinic that they believe was responsible.

Settlement Accepted by Joan Rivers’ Family in Medical Malpractice Case

At the end of the day, in 2016, the family members who brought the medical malpractice lawsuit for the death of Joan Rivers settled their case against the clinic that they allege was responsible. The details of the settlement are confidential, and have not been released to the public, so the amount is unknown. Of the settlement of her mother’s case, Melissa Rivers stated, “In choosing to accept this settlement, I am able to put the legal aspects of my mother’s death behind me and ensure that those culpable for her death have accepted responsibility for their actions quickly and without equivocation.” She also followed-up by adding, ““Moving forward, my focus will be to ensure that no one ever has to go through what my mother, Cooper and I went through and I will work towards ensuring higher safety standards in out-patient surgical clinics.”

If you or a loved one were injured by a doctor, medical professional, or medical hospital or clinic in New York City, do not hesitate to speak with an experienced New York City medical malpractice lawyer about your rights under New York Laws. Call the law offices of Michael Gunzburg, P.C., and speak to an experienced New York City medical malpractice lawyer about your case now.

Source:

edition.cnn.com/2016/05/13/health/joan-rivers-death-settlement/index.html