Actor James Woods sues hospital in RI over brother's 2006 death, case to go to trial Monday

By ERIC TUCKER , Associated Press

Last update: November 6, 2009 - 6:17 PM

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 the admissibility of statements of bereavement or mourning from Michael Woods's son, Peyton.

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

James Woods, who lived in Warwick growing up, 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 appeared in several of his brother's films, including "Rudy: The Rudy Giuliani Story," a 2003 TV movie. He twice ran unsuccessfully for mayor of Warwick and was also a coin dealer and appraiser and small businessman.