Fans of Michael Jackson in the Pittsburgh area may be interested in the civil wrongful death lawsuit that is currently getting underway in a courtroom on the opposite coast. Earlier this week the trial on the wrongful death claim opened, complete with the musician’s songs being played while videos of the man and his family were shown in the courtroom.

Jackson died in 2009 after overdosing on the drug propofol that he reportedly used to sleep. At the time of the superstar’s death, he was in rehearsals for a comeback tour. The doctor who reportedly administered the fatal dose of the drug is currently behind bars after he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in a criminal court. As is often the case when someone dies in a situation where another person’s negligence may be to blame, in addition to the criminal case, this civil lawsuit was filed as well. His mother filed the claim against the promoter of the concert, AEG Live, most likely to benefit the deceased singer’s three children. One report puts the earnings that Jackson would have made had he lived, at a minimum of $1.5 billion. The lawsuit alleges that the concert promoter did not adequately investigate who Jackson had hired as his personal physician. This was particularly troubling as the promoter reportedly was aware of physical and emotional issues Jackson was having. Now that the trial has opened, the next step is testimony from witnesses. The jury will use that evidence to reach a conclusion in the matter. We will be providing relevant updates on the case as they become available.

Source: New Pittsburgh Courier, “Jurors set to get roadmap of Jackson civil trial,” Anthony McCartney, April 30, 2013