Family of Chris Cornell Sues Doctor for Medical Negligence
December 4, 2018
In May 2017, singer Chris Cornell took his own life in his hotel room after performing at a concert in Detroit. While the singer had a history of drug abuse, Cornell’s family believes that he was prescribed a dangerous mix of prescription opioids and anxiety medication. The lawsuit also claims that the doctor who prescribed the medications did not follow up with him or monitor potential side effects. According to Cornell’s wife, it was the combination of prescription medications taken over an extended period that led the singer to take his own life.
The lawsuit alleges that Cornell’s doctor negligently prescribed the highly addictive opioid, Oxycodone, and well as Lorazepam and other mind-altering drugs for the singer, even though he had a documented history of drug abuse. The suit also alleges that the doctor allowed non-physician staff to write prescriptions and failed to follow up with Cornell after he started taking the medications to see if he was experiencing any negative reactions or potentially dangerous side effects. Unfortunately, the cocktail of medications had affected Cornell’s judgment and caused him to become impulsive and reckless. According to the lawsuit, he was unable to control this behavior, which ultimately cost him his life.
No Signs of Suicidal Behavior
The night he ended his life, Cornell had performed with his band, Audioslave, at a concert in Detroit. In the two weeks leading up to his death, he cancelled two flights to avoid flying during inclement weather. On one occasion, he rented a car and drove for over seven hours rather than risk flying in bad weather. One source commented that this is not typical behavior of someone who wants to end their life. While many rock stars have the reputation for leading a life of excess, including overindulging in drugs and alcohol, this was not Cornell’s lifestyle, according to his wife. It may have been in his younger days, but at 52 years old, he was enjoying his life as a successful musician and a man who was devoted to his wife and family.
When prescribing opioid medications, and other drugs that can have serious side effects, physicians have a responsibility to monitor patients and stop the medication if there are any physical or behavioral issues. Physicians should avoid prescribing opioid medications to patients with a history of addiction, due to the highly addictive nature of these medications.
Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Medical Negligence
If you or someone you know was given a prescription for an opioid painkiller, which resulted in dangerous side effects or a dependency on the medication, you are urged to contact the Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. Overprescribing is a major problem, and too many physicians continue to prescribe these highly addictive medications without properly monitoring the patient. We will review your medical records and determine whether your physician was negligent in any way. Our experienced legal team will secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent medical malpractice victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
