Actor Woods sues RI hospital in brother's death

Posted 11 8 2009 10:18PM

WARWICK, R.I. – Two-time Oscar-nominated actor James Woods has sued a Rhode Island hospital over the 2006 death of his younger brother.

Woods on Friday would not discuss the lawsuit in detail, but told The Associated Press he wants "justice" for his brother, Michael, who was 49 when he died at Kent Hospital in Warwick of what was believed to be a heart attack.

Woods, who is the executor of his brother's estate, claims his brother received negligent medical care. A spokesperson for the hospital did not return an e-mail seeking comment Friday. It was not immediately clear how much money or other damages Woods is seeking through the lawsuit.

A jury was selected this week and lawyers argued motions in court Friday, including one from the defense that sought to restrict statements of bereavement or mourning from Michael Woods's son, Peyton. The request was denied.

Opening statements are scheduled for Monday in Kent County Superior Court.

Woods, who grew up in Warwick, received Oscar nominations for his performances in "Ghosts of Mississippi" and "Salvador." Other credits include "Nixon," "Casino," "Any Given Sunday," and the CBS legal drama "Shark."

Lawyers for both sides declined to comment after court Friday.

Michael Woods was also an actor who twice ran unsuccessfully for mayor of Warwick. He was also a coin dealer and appraiser and small businessman.