Judge leans toward letting Jackson suit continue

In this April 27, 2011 file photo, Katherine Jackson poses for a portrait in Calabasas, Calif. A Los Angeles judge indicated Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, that she is inclined to allow a lawsuit by Katherine Jackson against concert giant AEG Live to go to trial on a single claim. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, File)

Photo by Associated Press /Chattanooga Times Free Press.

ANTHONY McCARTNEY

LOS ANGELES — A judge says she is inclined to allow a lawsuit by Michael Jackson’s mother against a concert promoter she claims is responsible for her son’s death to go to trial on a single claim.

Superior Court Judge Yvette Palazuelos issued a tentative ruling Monday stating that a jury should decide whether concert giant AEG negligently hired the doctor convicted of involuntary manslaughter for the singer’s 2009 death.

Palazuelos’ tentative decision calls for the dismissal of other claims that could hold AEG liable for Jackson’s death. It is unclear when the ruling will become finalized and it could change.

AEG had sought a complete dismissal of the case, arguing that former cardiologist Conrad Murray wasn’t an AEG employee, but was acting as Jackson’s personal physician.