LA judge delays ruling on Joe Jackson’s bid to get son Michael’s medical records

LA judge delays ruling on Jackson medical files

LOS ANGELES — A judge has delayed a ruling on whether Michael Jackson’s father can obtain medical records related to the death of his superstar son.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff said Thursday he wants to further consider arguments raised by Joe Jackson’s attorney. He says he will issue a ruling next week.

Joe Jackson’s attorney Brian Oxman sought Michael Jackson’s medical records as part of an effort to obtain a monthly stipend for the Jackson family patriarch.

He says his client has a right to know more about his son’s death and the records could also determine how to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.

Jackson’s estate opposed releasing the records.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A judge is scheduled to decide whether Michael Jackson’s father should receive medical records related to his superstar son’s death.

Joe Jackson’s attorney issued a subpoena last month seeking all his son’s medical records from Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where Michael Jackson died on June 25.

His attorney, Brian Oxman, sought the files as part of an effort to obtain a monthly stipend for the Jackson family patriarch. He says his client has a right to know more about his son’s death and the records could also determine whether they pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.

Attorneys for Michael Jackson’s estate want the judge to quash the subpoenas and argue they violate privacy rights and are not relevant to the allowance request. If they win, they want Oxman and Joe Jackson to pay nearly $9,000 in legal fees.

Oxman says Joe Jackson will not attend Thursday’s hearing.