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Medical Malpractice: Joan Rivers Death Investigation Reveals Errors

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Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C.

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Written/Reviewed By:

Barry S. Kantrowitz, Esq.

Last Updated: Jul 23, 2026

Read Time: 2 mins

Aside from death, surgical errors and medical malpractice can lead to a lifetime of pain and suffering, as well as the loss of enjoyment of life.

Whenever you have a procedure performed, you would expect that your health care provider and physician would do as much as possible to keep you out of harm’s way by following all safety protocols. Unfortunately, this does not always occur.

In a case generating major attention, CNN is reporting that the clinic that treated comedian Joan Rivers prior to her death made many serious mistakes before she died.

A report issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) described major issues the clinic committed, including the failure to monitor Rivers’, failing to record her weight prior to sedation, failing to document the usage of Propofol and the failure to get her consent for all items performed.

Additionally, it was reported that the health care providers failed to obey cell phone policies. CNN reported that a photograph was taken of a surgeon and Rivers while she was under sedation.

Rivers died on September 4, a week after an appointment at New York City’s Yorkville Endoscopy clinic, which was reportedly performing a routine throat procedure.

Should I talk to an Attorney If I’m Injured by my Health Care Provider?

If you are ever injured by a health care provider or doctor, you should contact our personal injury attorneys immediately. Facilities have a duty to protect patients. Mistakes can lead to infection, disfigurement, disability and even the wrongful death of a patient.

Let Barry S. Kantrowitz help you with his expertise as a successful personal injury lawyer. Call us toll free at (866) 971-0927 or fill out the form on our website to schedule a consultation.

Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. – Injury Lawyers

KGG’s Corner: ‘Never events’ are preventable accidents that occur during medical procedures, such as surgery on the wrong site.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/10/showbiz/joan-rivers-death/index.html

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 22 days ago
 
 
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 86 days ago
 
 
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 89 days ago
 
 
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   Mike Sakmann 
 95 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I sought legal advice regarding an employment matter and had an excellent experience working with Sam Smith, Esq. at KGG Law. Sam was thorough, attentive, and took the time to listen carefully to my concerns before providing clear, thoughtful guidance. I appreciated the professionalism and care shown throughout the process, and I would confidently recommend KGG Law to anyone in need of legal assistance.
  
 
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 101 days ago
 
 
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 137 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate Carballo is a dedicated, passionate, and creative attorney whom I had the pleasure to lecture with at a state trial lawyer's conference. Kate's lecture demonstrated how she uses her innovative and "out-of-the-box thinking" to achieve outstanding results for her injured clients. That Kate is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a civil trial attorney is a testament to her skills, experience and commitment to excellence.
  
 
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 144 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Was referred to KGG law by a friend and could not have asked for better legal representation. They walked me through every step of the process after my accident and began every call with “ how are you feeling” which was just one example of how much they care about their clients. They handled my case very efficiently, professionally and courteously. My attorney Kate Carballo was a rock star! So clearly experienced, she consistently made me feel at ease with the process. Highly recommend
  
 
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 147 days ago
 
 
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Medical Malpractice: Joan Rivers Death Investigation Reveals Errors

Should I talk to an Attorney If I’m Injured by my Health Care Provider?

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