Maya Kowalski, a 17-year-old girl, and her family have been awarded over $260 million in damages and punitive damages in a lawsuit against Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital (JHAC) in St. Petersburg. The lawsuit alleges that the actions of hospital staff ultimately led to Maya’s mother, Beata Kowalski, committing suicide in 2017. The case gained national attention after being featured in the documentary “Take Care of Maya.”
According to the complaint filed by Maya and her attorney, Greg Anderson, they accuse JHAC staff of sexual abuse. The jury found that the hospital wronged Maya’s family by accusing Beata of exhibiting signs of Munchausen syndrome by proxy and temporarily removing Maya from her parents’ custody. This occurred while Maya was hospitalized for a chronic neurological condition called complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
JHAC plans to appeal the jury’s decision, claiming that there were errors throughout the trial and deliberate conduct by the plaintiff’s counsel that misled the jury. Attorneys representing the hospital argue that they followed Florida’s mandatory reporting law in reporting suspected child abuse and fully complied with court orders and the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
Maya testified during the trial, describing the emotional distress caused by being separated from her parents and the limited visits she had with them. She broke down on the stand while discussing her mother’s suicide and the impact it had on her. The trial also included a recording of a 911 call made by Maya’s father, Jack Kowalski, informing the police about Beata’s suicide.
The defense presented emails written by Beata to herself, claiming they showed her mental instability at the time of Maya’s hospitalization. However, Maya’s father argued that the emails were an attempt to journal Maya’s experience during her coma.
During the trial, witnesses, including health care professionals at JHAC, maintained that Beata exhibited signs of Munchausen by proxy and that Maya’s perceived CRPS symptoms were being driven by her mother. Munchausen by proxy is a psychological disorder in which an abusive parent or caretaker fabricates or causes an illness in the person under their care.
The Kowalski family alleges that the power of the hospital system combined with the power of the state made them helpless in seeking appropriate help for their daughter. They also claim that the hospital billed their insurance company for CRPS treatments despite denying Maya’s condition.
This case brings attention to the issue of medical negligence and false imprisonment, highlighting the devastating consequences it can have on families. Maya’s victory in the lawsuit serves as a reminder of the importance of holding institutions accountable for their actions.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
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