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Dr. Robert Koblin, the former doctor of Chris Cornell, has responded to a malpractice lawsuit filed by the late rocker’s family.

On Friday, it was revealed that Vicky Cornell is suing Dr. Robert Koblin for “negligently and repeatedly prescribing dangerous mind-altering controlled substances” to her late husband.

Claiming that these substances “impaired cognition, clouded his judgment, and caused him to engage in dangerous impulsive behaviors that he was unable to control”, Vicky Cornell alleges that this prescription led to unstable behaviour that eventually cost Chris Cornell his life.

The lawsuit in particular focuses on the anti-anxiety drug Lorazepam (also known as Ativan), which supposedly “increases the risk of suicide in addiction-prone individuals by impairing judgment and rational thinking”.

While Coroner’s investigations initially ruled Cornell’s death a suicide, toxicology results showed the presence of Ativan, barbiturates, caffeine, naloxone, and a decongestant.

However, a new statement from the lawyer of Dr. Robert Koblin (via Alt Press) claims that the medications prescribed to Cornell were perfectly appropriate.

“Dr. Koblin is a competent and conscientious doctor who enjoyed an excellent physician/patient relationship with Mr. Cornell and other members of his family,” attorney James Kjar explained.

“The experts I have consulted with believe Dr. Koblin’s treatment was within the standard of care in this community and were not a substantial factor in causing Mr. Cornell to commit suicide.”

Notably, Vicky Cornell expressed doubt in regards to her husband’s cause of death soon after it occurred, a sentiment that was echoed in the recent lawsuit.

“At the time of his death, Mr. Cornell had everything to live for and was planning a future of recordings, performances and continued work as a charitable activist,” the lawsuit read.

This lawsuit comes just one month after a life-size statue of Chris Cornell was unveiled in his hometown of Seattle.

If you or somebody you care for needs help or information about depression, suicide, anxiety, or mental health issues, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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