Now that Conrad Murray has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, the Jackson family is focusing its efforts on civil liability. Reports indicate that the family has filed wrongful death lawsuits against both Murray and AEG Live, LLC, the entertainment firm responsible for Jackson's "This Is It Tour."

When an individual dies as the result of another's negligent or wrongful conduct, the surviving family members may bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible parties. A wrongful death action can arise in any type of personal injury action, including car accidents, work related accidents and medical malpractice. To determine whether you may be able to bring a wrongful death claim, it is important to speak to an experienced Elk Grove wrongful death attorney.

Here, the family asserts two claims. First, that Dr. Murray was negligent in causing Michael Jackson's death by administering propofol on an outpatient basis. A jury only needs to find that there was a 50% probability that Murray was negligent to determine Murray was at fault and liable for damages. Under California law, his conviction in the criminal case may be used as "conclusive proof" of responsibility.

Although Murray may be found partially liable for Jackson's death, sources indicate that it is likely that the Jackson family will seek recovery of damages from AEG, rather than Murray. California is a comparative law state, which means that each liable party may be responsible for a portion of damages based on their fault. Allegations of negligence against AEG include that the entertainment company put excessive pressure on Jackson to perform and this pressure allegedly pushed Jackson toward Murray and the nightly propofol use. Additionally, the complaint alleges that AEG had a legal duty not to put Jackson in harm's way. Contracting with Murray allegedly breached this duty.

For more information about wrongful death cases or if you or your family has lost a loved one due to the careless or reckless conduct of another, please contact a compassionate, dedicated Elk Grove wrongful death lawyer and personal injury lawyer at Sette Law Office for a confidential consultation.