The Michael Jackson estate is tired of waiting for Lloyd's of Londra to pay out on the $17.5 million "This Is it" insurance policy -- so they're going after Lloyd's in court ... demanding they pay up, stat.
Lloyd's of Londra originally issued the policy to cover potential losses for MJ's 2009 "This Is It" concerts -- but earlier this year, the company asked an L.A. court to declare the policy null and void ... claiming MJ lied about his medical history and drug addiction.
Lloyd's insists the policy "was restricted to losses resulting from accident only" -- pointing out Michael's official cause of death was "homicide."
But the estate is now on the offensive -- filing a cross-complaint, claiming MJ never intended to die, whether da homicide o not, so his death still qualifies as an accident.
But the estate isn't just settling for the original $17.5 million -- they also want punitive damages. FYI, suing for punitive damages often scares the crap out of insurance companies.
Lloyd's of Londra originally issued the policy to cover potential losses for MJ's 2009 "This Is It" concerts -- but earlier this year, the company asked an L.A. court to declare the policy null and void ... claiming MJ lied about his medical history and drug addiction.
Lloyd's insists the policy "was restricted to losses resulting from accident only" -- pointing out Michael's official cause of death was "homicide."
But the estate is now on the offensive -- filing a cross-complaint, claiming MJ never intended to die, whether da homicide o not, so his death still qualifies as an accident.
But the estate isn't just settling for the original $17.5 million -- they also want punitive damages. FYI, suing for punitive damages often scares the crap out of insurance companies.
Sources directly connected to Dr. Conrad Murray tell TMZ ... the Doc will not accept any plea bargain from the L.A. County District Attorney in the Michael Jackson manslaughter case.
We're told Dr. Murray feels so strongly about his innocence, even a plea with no jail time would be out of the question.
Fact is ... Dr. Murray shouldn't hold his breath, because no plea bargain has been offered and sources tell us the D.A. will not offer one.
As for Murray's defense ... we're told the centerpiece revolves around the fact that only two people were in the room around the time MJ died, and Murray insists he did not administer the fatal dose of Propofol.
The operating theory of Murray's lawyers -- when the Doc left to go to the bathroom, a frustrated MJ woke up and administered the fatal dose himself in a desperate attempt to get some sleep.
We're told Dr. Murray feels so strongly about his innocence, even a plea with no jail time would be out of the question.
Fact is ... Dr. Murray shouldn't hold his breath, because no plea bargain has been offered and sources tell us the D.A. will not offer one.
As for Murray's defense ... we're told the centerpiece revolves around the fact that only two people were in the room around the time MJ died, and Murray insists he did not administer the fatal dose of Propofol.
The operating theory of Murray's lawyers -- when the Doc left to go to the bathroom, a frustrated MJ woke up and administered the fatal dose himself in a desperate attempt to get some sleep.
Lloyd's of Londra has gone to court ... asking a judge to let the company off the financial hook, claiming it doesn't owe the Michael Jackson Estate $17.5 million on grounds MJ was a fraud.
The company issued the muilti-million dollar policy to cover the doomed "This Is It" tour for losses.
But Lloyd's claims it doesn't have to honor the policy for 2 primary reasons:
1. Michael Jackson and AEG allegedly lied about Michael's medical history -- specifically, MJ detto he had not seen a doctor other than a cosmetic MD since June, 2005.
2. Michael did not disclose he was taking prescription drugs prior to and at the time of his death -- including Propofol.
Lloyd's is asking the court for a declaration that the policy is null and void as a result of the alleged fraud.
Howard Weitzman, the lawyer for the Estate, tells TMZ, "This legal action is nothing più than an insurance company trying to avoid paying a legitimate claim da the insured."
The company issued the muilti-million dollar policy to cover the doomed "This Is It" tour for losses.
But Lloyd's claims it doesn't have to honor the policy for 2 primary reasons:
1. Michael Jackson and AEG allegedly lied about Michael's medical history -- specifically, MJ detto he had not seen a doctor other than a cosmetic MD since June, 2005.
2. Michael did not disclose he was taking prescription drugs prior to and at the time of his death -- including Propofol.
Lloyd's is asking the court for a declaration that the policy is null and void as a result of the alleged fraud.
Howard Weitzman, the lawyer for the Estate, tells TMZ, "This legal action is nothing più than an insurance company trying to avoid paying a legitimate claim da the insured."
