Background: A Legal Battle Born From Tragedy
The ruling overturns one of Florida’s largest civil verdicts — a $213 million award granted to Maya Kowalski and her family, who accused Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital (JHACH) of false imprisonment, medical negligence, and emotional distress.
The lawsuit stemmed from events in 2016, when then-10-year-old Maya was admitted to JHACH for severe pain related to a rare condition called complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Doctors at the hospital suspected her mother, Beata Kowalski, of medical child abuse, leading authorities to remove Maya from her family’s custody. Beata later died by suicide.
The jury’s blockbuster verdict in late 2023 became the centerpiece of Take Care of Maya, a documentary that sparked nationwide debate about parental rights, hospital power, and medical ethics.
Hospital’s Legal Team Claims Vindication
Following the reversal, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital hailed the decision as a vindication of its actions and adherence to state law.
“This ruling confirms that hospitals acting in good faith to protect children should not face ruinous liability,” attorneys for JHACH said in a statement.
The hospital was represented by Chris W. Altenbernd and Eleanor H. Sills of Banker Lopez Gassler PA, Derek M. Stikeleather and M. Peggy Chu of Goodell DeVries Leech & Dann LLP, and C. Howard Hunter, Ethen Shapiro, and David Hughes of Hill Ward Henderson.
