Ketamine Overdose Listed As Suspected Cause of Death For Hollywood Actor Matthew Perry

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (August 18, 2024) – Five people have been charged for the fatal drug overdose that killed Matthew Perry last year, including two doctors.

Two of the people arrested thus far were Dr. Salvador Plasencia and an alleged ketamine drug dealer identified as Jasveen Sangha. They have been charged with distributing ketamine to Matthew Perry in the weeks leading up to his death.

According to United States Attorney Martin Estrada, “These defendants cared more about profiting off of Mr. Perry than caring for his well-being.” The defendants face lengthy prison sentences if convicted of all the charges.

A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Los Angeles County Overdose Deaths

The use and abuse of ketamine has been increasingly involved in a number of overdose deaths in Los Angeles and across the United States. According to the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, “Although the misuse of ketamine constitutes a worldwide issue, ketamine is quickly taking its place as a therapeutic option in the management of several mental disorders. However, the use of ketamine and/or its analogues, as well as combinations with other drugs, can be fatal.” Ketamine must be used under the close care of medical professionals and has been used as a method of drug abuse treatment. There are several signs associated with a ketamine overdose.

  • Extreme drowsiness
  • Severe confusion
  • Irregular or rapid heartbeat
  • Seizures
  • Chest pain

Depending on the facts of any case, there could be numerous sources of liability for any instance where a person dies from a ketamine overdose. This could include doctors who prescribed the drug. Many doctors are more concerned with making money selling this drug than actually helping patients. A treatment center could also be liable for failing to properly care for a patient receiving the drug. There are a number of steps that should be taken after an overdose death.

  • Medical records related to the death should be preserved.
  • Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
  • The actions of medical professionals leading up to the death should be understood.
  • The person or office that supplied the drugs should be questioned.

Overdose deaths are largely preventable. They tend to involve situations where doctors fail to exercise proper judgment. This is particularly true when an overdose takes place in a medical setting. It is important that families understand that they do have rights if their loved one dies from an overdose. They may be able to seek some level of justice through a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.

Investigating Los Angeles County Overdose Deaths

We at the Sehat Law Firm were deeply concerned to hear about the tragic death of Matthew Perry. It is crucial that a full investigation be conducted. Steps need to be taken to ensure that doctors are not allowing vulnerable patients to abuse ketamine.

Do you need more information about an overdose death in a treatment center? Our team of personal injury attorneys is here for you. We are committed to making sure that victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (949) 825-5200.

 

 

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