The seven-figure settlement was detailed in court papers filed in Los Angeles County by General Anesthesia Specialists, who were named as defendants in the suit filed by the Twister actor’s widow and two children, NBC News reported. The anaesthesia group was involved in the heart surgery Paxton underwent about two weeks before he died at the age of 61, according to the report. The group denied responsibility for Paxton’s death — and a lawyer for the outfit told NBC that the settlement, which is contingent on a judge’s sign-off, was a “business decision.”Paxton, who rose to fame in the 1980s and 90s as a character actor in Hollywood hits such as Titanic, Twister and Apollo 13, as well as the HBO series Big Love, died of a stroke 11 days after he underwent heart surgery, according to his death certificate, which was first published by TMZ.The suit filed by his family also names Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the surgeon who operated on the actor as defendants. “Bill Paxton and his family trusted the physicians and staff at this medical facility but instead Cedars-Sinai betrayed their trust,” the family’s lawyer, Bruce Broillet, said in a statement after the suit was filed in 2018. “The surgeon’s actions resulted in this tragic and preventable death,” he added.The suit claims the surgeon used “high risk and unconventional surgical approach” during the procedure, which ultimately led to Paxton’s death. The remaining defendants and Paxton’s family are scheduled to go to trial in September unless a settlement is reached beforehand, NBC reported.Paxton’s death certificate said he died of a stroke triggered by valve replacement surgery.At the time of his death, his family, including widow Louise Paxton, released a statement to media.“It is with heavy hearts we share the news that Bill Paxton has passed away due to complications from surgery. A loving husband and father, Bill began his career in Hollywood working on films in the art department and went on to have an illustrious career spanning four decades as a beloved and prolific actor and filmmaker. Bill’s passion for the arts was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth and tireless energy were undeniable. We ask to please respect the family’s wish for privacy as they mourn the loss of their adored husband and father.”This story originally appeared on New York Post and was reproduced with permission
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