Chris Cornell’s family accuses doctor of medical malpractice

Many Louisiana residents are likely aware that pharmaceutical drugs are all classified in different ways. Many drugs are controlled to help prevent overdosing and abuse of the drugs, requiring strict prescribing rules. Following 52-year-old Chris Cornell’s death in 2017, his family filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against his physician for negligently prescribing controlled drugs to the singer.

In 2017, Chris Cornell’s family received the shocking news that he had taken his own life. Following an investigation and toxicology reports, controlled substances were found in his system, including a drug called Ativan. Although Cornell had a history of addiction with other substances, Cornell’s physician had prescribed Ativan, which is often addictive and considered to be mind-altering.

According to records, the physician had prescribed approximately 940 doses in less than two years. Despite hundreds of doses, the lawsuit has accused the physician of never performing a clinical exam, lab work or any follow-up exams. Cornell’s wife does not believe that he would have intentionally committed suicide without the use of the drugs. The attorneys for the physician have denied any accusations that the physician’s care was less than standard.

When medical malpractice occurs, it is often the patient and family members who suffer the consequences. Patients may suffer injuries, the need for more medical care, change in their quality of life and/or death. Some victims of malpractice may wish to discuss their circumstances with a Louisiana attorney. Some patients and/or family members may be able to obtain financial compensation for their suffering and financial losses.