Judge Declines To Hear Jackson's Wrongful Death Suit

Joe Jackson launched legal action against Jackson's personal physician Dr. Conrad Murray in August (10), accusing him of administering a fatal dose of anaesthetic Propofol, which led to the singer's death in June 2009.

Jackson alleges he was being supported by the Thriller hitmaker at the time of his passing - a claim which gives him the necessary legal standing to pursue a wrongful death suit.

He is said to be seeking damages between $10 million (GBP6.7 million) and $500 million (GBP333.3 million) for loss of support, emotional distress and "loss of comfort, aid, society and companionship".

At a federal court hearing on Monday (01Nov10), Jackson's attorney, Brian Oxman, agreed to dismiss a claim alleging the King of Pop's rights were violated under the Americans with Disabilities Act - prompting U.S. District Judge John F. Walter to rule the remaining issues needed to be handled in a state court.

Oxman said he would refile the case in Los Angeles Superior Court.

The federal judge also said he would not delay the case until after the January (11) criminal trial of Dr. Murray, who has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the Thriller hitmaker's June, 2009 death.