Joan River's daughter files malpractice suit against NYC clinic

Late comedienne Joan Rivers' daughter, Melissa Rivers, filed a malpractice lawsuit on Monday against the New York City clinic where she had her last surgery that ultimately caused her death.

The lawsuit filed at the New York County Supreme Court alleges misconduct by the outpatient endoscopy facility and the physicians caring for Rivers during an August 28 procedure that the New York medical examiner said ultimately led to her death, according to the Associated Press.

Joan Rivers died September fourth after she stopped breathing during a procedure at Yorkville Endoscopy on Manhattan's Upper East Side. The lawsuit charges doctors performed unauthorized medical procedures and snapped a selfie as her vital signs were deteriorating.

According to a statement, Melissa Rivers said that filing the lawsuit was one of the most difficult decisions she had to make.

"What ultimately guided me was my unwavering belief that no family should ever have to go through what my mother, Cooper and I have been through," she said, referring to her son. "The level of medical mismanagement, incompetency, disrespect and outrageous behavior is shocking and frankly, almost incomprehensible."

"Not only did my mother deserve better, every patient deserves better. It is my goal to make sure that this kind of horrific medical treatment never happens to anyone again."

Meanwhile, a statement from Yorkville said it wasn't appropriate to comment on the lawsuit.

"The Rivers family has, as it has always had, our deepest sympathies and condolences," the statement said. "The 51 physicians, nurses and staff who currently work at Yorkville remain firmly committed to providing the highest quality of care to their patients."