Days before Matthew Eappen lapsed into a fatal coma, his parents, Sunil and Deborah, had presented Louise Woodward with a new, "take it or leave" contract, in response to what they already regarded as her inadequate attention to their two children. Sunil Eappen had come home one evening to find Matthew lying unattended on the dining room floor and his brother Brendan watching a video while Louise was in the basement doing her personal laundry. He wrote down the terms of her employment:
"During the times you are responsible for the children (or child), you are considererd to be `on duty', " the contract said. "This time is to be used entirely for the well-being of the children and not for personal reasons. You will not be on the phone for periods greater than five minutes. You will not do your laundry. You will not be using the computer.
"You should be available one night per week where you will make dinner; we will be able to discuss any concerns or plans for the past or future week. "Your expected responsibilities include doing the children's laundry, changing the sheets once a week. Keeping their room tidy. Keeping the family room tidy; putting toys away, vacuuming. Emptying the diaper [nappy] pail as needed. You are also expected to contribute to the general upkeep of the house, e.g. putting dishes away after dinner, helping set table, emptying the dishwasher, etc." Although described as a "nanny", Louise Woodward should never have been seen as anything more than a glorified babysitter. She was being paid $115 a week (about £72), substantially below the Massachusetts minimum wage.