The case against Conrad Murray, who was jailed in November over the star's 2009 death, is due to be heard in the French city of Orleans on April 11, lawyer Emmanuel Ludot said.
"It's similar to losing a childhood friend in a traffic accident." Ludot said.

The lawyer is acting for around 100 fans who are members of an association that calls itself the Michael Jackson Community.

He said that while each fan could be awarded damages of up to 10,000 euros ($12,520.35), they are only seeking a symbolic payout.

Jackson, aged 50 at the time of his death, had hired Murray at a salary of $US150,000 ($146,749.50) a month to look after him as he rehearsed for his planned This Is It comeback shows in London.

The star died on June 25, 2009 at his Los Angeles home of an overdose of anaesthetic propofol, taken to help him battle insomnia.

Murray was found guilty in November of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to the maximum four years in prison.

Michael Jackson fans in France are suing doctor Conrad Murray for the emotional damage they suffered following the pop star's death.

source: Yahoo