In 2009, the firm represented the family of Michael J. Woods, a Warwick resident and brother of noted actor James Woods, in a medical negligence case against Kent Hospital. Michael J. Woods had presented to Kent Hospital with signs and symptoms of a heart attack, yet failed to receive appropriate care. He passed away at the hospital while awaiting treatment.
Local television news, and some national outlets, covered the trial closely. After weeks of testimony, Kent Hospital agreed to settle the claims and issued an apology to James Woods about his brother’s death. This allowed a comprehensive settlement, which required that Kent Hospital establish a special patient safety institute to study and implement improvements in patient care.
The establishment of the Michael J. Woods Institute to Improve Medical Care was a required condition of this remarkable settlement. Now three years old, the Institute shows how medical malpractice trials and lawsuits have a direct positive effect on patient safety and quality of care. The trial lawyers at Decof & Decof recognize that the ultimate goal of such claims is to prevent such harm from occurring in the future.
While we cannot guarantee or predict such results in other cases, the firm is very proud of our accomplishments in the Woods case, and dedicated to helping our clients achieve similar satisfaction and positive results.