The King of Pop & When Medical Malpractice Crosses Into Criminal Liability

side note: The trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, the personal doctor caring for King of Pop Michael Jackson, was a high-profile case where a question of medical liability crossed over to a question of criminal negligence. Dr. Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

This case is interesting beyond its pop culture relevance because it begs the question, “When does negligent medical care crossover to criminal action?”

Also, in relation to MICRA, does the egregiousness of of Dr. Murray’s actions warrant piercing California’s $250,000 cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases?

A California jury convicted Michael Jackson’s doctor, Conrad Murray, of involuntary manslaughter for Murray’s role in Michael Jackson’s death.  (continue reading)