© 2005 WorldNetDaily.com

The family of a fatal heart attack victim announced plans to sue Michael Jackson and a hospital, claiming the pop star's alleged special treatment at the facility contributed to her death.

Relatives say Manuela Gomez Ruiz, a 74-year-old grandmother, was moved from the primary trauma room at Marian Medical Center in Santa Maria, Calif., to make way for Jackson, who was admitted complaining of flu-like symptoms, reports ABC News.

Ruiz, who had suffered a massive heart attack was moved to a smaller room nearby. During the transition, she was taken off IVs and a machine ventilator and her breathing was assisted manually by hand pump.

Family members maintain Ruiz's heart was functioning at just 30 percent and other organs were failing at the time.

Meanwhile, according to hospital records, Jackson, 46, told emergency room staff he had severe abdominal pain. The initial emergency room report indicated he had a below-normal body temperature of 96.9 and tears in his eyes, but he could go home anytime.

Maria Elena Ortiz told ABC she complained to hospital staff about her mother being moved upon Jackson's arrival.

"Why does she have to be moved if he's coming in for a stomach flu?" she said. "I said, 'My mother just had a heart attack and I think it's more critical than a stomach flu.' They didn't say anything."

The family claims Jackson's arrival at the hospital created chaos and distracted staff. Ruiz suffered two more heart attacks before she died later that day, according to the news agency.

Jury selection in the singer's child molestation case had to be temporarily postponed during his hospital stay.

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