Casey Kasem’s voice is familiar to millions as the host of the syndicated “American Top 40” radio show. His health failed, he suffered from dementia and died in 2014. Now Kasem is known for the lawsuits filed by family members accusing each other of wrongdoing.
Kasem’s final months are the subject of the latest round of legal action. According to the Los Angeles Times, a lawsuit filed in November by three of Kasem’s adult children from a prior marriage plus his brother claim that:
- Kasem’s widow, Jean Kasem, physically abused him, neglected his medical needs and hastened his death.
- Disputes over the plaintiffs’ ability to visit Kasem at a California hospital in 2013 snow balled into a multi-state legal fight to control his medical care.
- A security guard retained by the defendant at first prevented plaintiffs’ hospital visits and then he took notes of conversations when visits took place.
- Jean Kasem moved her husband numerous times between medical facilities, a Las Vegas hotel room and a bungalow in Washington state to keep his children and medical professionals away from him.
- Daughter Kerri Kasem eventually obtained control of her father’s care. As a result, he was admitted to a Washington hospital about two weeks prior to his death. Casey Kasem was diagnosed with urinary tract, wound and lung infections, septic shock and a deep ulcer in his back.
- This “grossly harmful mistreatment” caused the infections that led to his death at age 82.
- The defendant had her husband buried in an unmarked grave in Norway, a place where he had no known connections, to keep plaintiffs away from him even after his death.
Criminal charges of elder abuse or neglect were filed against Jean Kasem but the Los Angeles district attorney stated there was insufficient evidence to pursue the case. The plaintiffs are seeking $250,000 in damages for elder abuse and damages for wrongful death and infliction of emotional distress.
If you fear a family dispute may be developing over the medical care of a loved one or such a dispute has already created family dissension, we can help. Depending upon the circumstances, seeking the appointment of a guardian for your disabled family member may be appropriate.
If you need to protect your legal rights and the health of your loved ones, contact our office today to schedule a consult to learn how the law may apply and what can be done to resolve the issue.
