James Woods - Woods Settles Hospital Lawsuit

Acclaimed actor JAMES WOODS has settled a lawsuit against the hospital where his brother died in 2006, with medical officials conceding mistakes were made.

The Casino star's younger sibling Michael passed away at the Kent Hospital in Rhode Island after reportedly suffering a heart attack, aged 49.

Woods, who is executor of his brother's estate, filed a wrongful death suit against the medical facility in early November (09), claiming doctors didn't do enough to save Michael.

A judge declared the case had been settled on Tuesday (01Dec09), with hospital representatives admitting mistakes had been made in Michael treatment. They also pledged to open an institute in the 49 year old's name and offered up $1.25 million (£780,000) which will be put towards reducing errors and improving treatment.

Woods made a tearful statement after the case was concluded, telling reporters he's relieved hospital officials finally apologised and he's grateful something positive has come of his brother's tragic death.

He says, "It was all I ever needed to see, one human being saying to another human being 'I’m sorry for your loss.' It makes it possible for me to go to my brother’s grave and ask if I’ve done the right thing.”