Melissa has hired an NYC-based law firm to represent her in a medical malpractice and wrongful death lawsuit against the clinic where her mother stopped breathing during a procedure.
- October 29, 2014
AceShowbiz -
Melissa Rivers has hired NYC-based law firm Gair, Gair, Conason, Steigman, Mackauf, Bloom & Rubinowitz to investigate the circumstances surrounding her mother Joan Rivers' death. Ben Runbinowitz, a managing partner at the law firm, said in a statement on Tuesday, October 28, "In order to fully determine the facts and circumstances surrounding the death of Joan Rivers, we confirm that our firm has been engaged by Melissa Rivers and her family."
Melissa's representative confirmed to E! Online that she's planning to file a multimillion-dollar medical malpractice and wrongful death lawsuit against Manhattan's Upper East Side clinic, Yorkville Endoscopy, the clinic where Joan suffered cardiac and respiratory arrest during a procedure in August, as well as all of the doctors who were involved in the procedure.
Last week, Melissa reportedly inherited the bulk of Joan's estate including $75 million in cash and her $35 million Upper East Side condo. Melissa's son, 13-year-old Cooper, will also receive an unknown inheritance from his late grandmother.
Earlier this month, Joan's cause of death was revealed by New York City Medical Examiner's Office. The medical examiner said the "Fashion Police" co-host died from low blood oxygen to the brain during a surgery that led to brain damage.
"The manner of death is therapeutic complication," the medical examiner concluded, "The classification of a death as a therapeutic complication means that the death resulted from a predictable complication of medical therapy."
Melissa tweeted her response to the findings, writing, "In response to NYC's Medical Examiner's report, we continue to be saddened by our tragic loss. No further comment at this time."
