In a stunning decision, a Florida jury has granted the family of Maya Kowalski a staggering $211 million, asserting punitive damages against Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in the gripping trial that unfolded over nine intense weeks. The case revolved around alleged mistreatment of Maya, the young protagonist in the Netflix documentary “Take Care of Maya,” which tragically culminated in her mother, Beata Kowalski, taking her own life.
Hospital Held Liable on All Fronts
After 2½ days of deliberation, jurors unanimously found the hospital accountable for false imprisonment, battery, medical malpractice, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and fraudulent billing. The battery claims centered on the actions of hospital social worker Catherine Bedy, who, among other things, took photos of Maya before and after a dependency court hearing and provided comfort during a heartbreaking Christmas revelation.
Allegations of False Imprisonment
Maya’s family accused the hospital of falsely imprisoning the child during her initial days at the facility and for an additional two days in a video surveillance room after being removed from her parents’ custody. The Kowalskis are now pressing for punitive damages specifically related to false imprisonment and battery claims, launching the trial into a new phase.
Suicide and Hospital Treatment Link Established
The pivotal question in this emotionally charged trial was whether the hospital’s treatment during Maya’s three-month stay in 2016 contributed to her mother’s tragic suicide. Beata Kowalski brought 10-year-old Maya to All Children’s emergency room due to severe stomach pain, triggering concerns of medical child abuse. This led to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) intervening and eventually removing Maya from her parents’ custody.
Take Care of Maya Trial : Blame Game in Closing Arguments
All Children’s attorney Ethen Shapiro argued that the hospital couldn’t be held responsible for Beata Kowalski’s death, attributing her distress to the DCF shelter order. However, the Kowalskis’ attorney, Greg Anderson, countered, emphasizing that mistreatment of the family had occurred at the hospital and alleging an attempt to paint Beata as an enemy and Maya as a liar.
Take Care of Maya Trial : Medical Journey of Maya
Maya’s complex medical journey began in 2015 with severe pain and suspicions of conversion disorder. Despite professional diagnoses, her mother, Beata, sought alternative opinions and ultimately connected with Dr. Anthony Kirkpatrick, who diagnosed Maya with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Ketamine treatments followed, culminating in a traumatic stay at All Children’s.
Life After the Hospital
Maya, now 17, has not received ketamine treatments since leaving the hospital in January 2017, a week after her mother’s tragic demise. Although no longer reliant on a wheelchair, psychiatrists attested to her ongoing battle with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression stemming from the hospital ordeal and her mother’s suicide.
Take Care of Maya Trial : Legal Representation
The Kowalskis are represented by Gregory A. Anderson, Jennifer C. Anderson, Nicholas P. Whitney, Raymond T. Elligett Jr., and Amy S. Farrior. All Children’s Hospital is defended by C. Howard Hunter, Ethen Shapiro, David Hughes, Patricia Crauwels, and Chris W. Altenbernd.
