E! Online reports that the deaths of both Brittany Murphy and Casey Johnson were preventable.
[Bauer Griffin Online]
The Los Angeles County coroner announced that 30-year-old Johnson’s death was caused by diabetic ketoacidosis, a condition caused when a diabetic does not have enough insulin in her system.
Translation: she wasn’t taking her meds.
As for Brittany Murphy, the coroner announced that the 32-year-old died from a combination of pneumonia and prescription drugs. Pneumonia was listed as the primary cause, but secondary factors were iron-deficiency anemia and multiple (prescription) drug intoxication.
Translation: she was self-medicating and should have gone to the doctor.
This news also makes any wrongful death lawsuit against Warner Bros. contemplated by Brittany’s husband or mother even weaker. The defense would jump all over the cause of death and convince a judge or jury that there is no causal link between her death and the studio, given that a doctor’s visit might have prevented the whole thing.
Insurance companies aren’t the only ones who deny claims based on pre-existing conditions.
[Bauer Griffin Online]
New developments about Brittany Murphy’s health may prove detrimental to any wrongful death case contemplated by her husband or mother. TMZ reports that Brittany “was suffering from severe anemia and other conditions and was under a doctor’s care” during the final months of her life.
If true, it could be difficult to successfully sue Warner Bros. for her death. Brittany’s family must prove a causal link between the company’s conduct and her death. If she had pre-existing conditions, the defense will (and should) use this to show that the causal link cannot be established.
The Daily Beastreports that Brittany Murphy’s widower, Simon Monjack, will sue Warner Bros. for wrongful death.
[Bauer Griffin Online]
Monjack and Brittany’s mother will allege that the actress “died of a heart attack from the stress caused by Warner Brother’s canceling of a contract just two weeks before she died.”
It’s a sad situation, but goooood luck. Losing a job is hardly cause for a wrongful death lawsuit. Try breach of contract, at best.
Note to Monjack: Proceed with caution if you are concerned about Brittany’s legacy. Any defense of this lawsuit necessarily will drag her name through the mud to prove that there were other causes of her death.
Brittany Murphy’s husband, Simon Monjack, and mother, Sharon Murphy, told Matt Lauer on Today that rumors about Brittany’s illegal and prescription drug abuse were false and ruined her career. They’re sticking to “natural causes” as the explanation for the young actress’ death.
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Posted by russell wetanson
