Maya Kowalski's settlement included $211 million in compensatory damages and $2.5 million in interest. The family sued Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital for medical abuse and emotional harm.

Maya's settlement came after her family sued Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital over several serious allegations. What followed was a courtroom battle involving claims of medical abuse, family separation, and a mother’s tragic death.

In 2016, 10-year-old Maya Kowalski was admitted to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in Florida. She had been diagnosed with a rare pain condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Her mother, Beata, had been managing the illness using doctor-approved treatments, including ketamine infusions.

However, hospital staff doubted the diagnosis, suspecting that Beata was exaggerating or causing Maya’s symptoms. Doctors reported the family to child welfare officials, believing Maya was a victim of medical abuse. This report triggered a series of decisions that would change the family's life forever.

After the hospital reported suspected medical abuse, Maya was placed under state custody. She remained at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital for 87 days. During this time, she was not allowed to see or hug her mother.

Phone calls were limited and closely monitored. Beata fought to be reunited with her daughter but was blocked at every turn. The separation took a heavy toll on the family's mental health, and on January 8, 2017, Beata Kowalski took her life at home. She left behind a note stating:

I'm sorry, but I no longer can take the pain of being away from Maya and being treated like a criminal. I cannot watch my daughter suffer in pain and keep getting worse while my hands are tied...It's been 3 months today of Maya not being home! I love you all.

Beata’s death became central to the family’s wrongful death claim against Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.

The Kowalski family accused the hospital of multiple serious violations, including:

They claimed that the hospital ignored Maya’s CRPS diagnosis and dismissed records from outside doctors. Instead, the staff suspected Beata of making up symptoms and pushed for state custody. While Maya was being held, her parents were denied visits and phone calls.

The family claimed that the restrictions were done without due process or medical justification. During Maya’s testimony, she recorded that the hospital neither believed in her nor allowed her to bid her mom goodbye. The lawsuit argued the hospital's actions caused lasting trauma and led to Beata’s death.

In November 2023, a six-member jury found the hospital liable on multiple counts. These included false imprisonment, medical negligence, battery, and emotional distress. They awarded the Kowalski family $261 million, $211 million in compensatory damages and $50 million in punitive damages.

In January 2024, the judge upheld $211 million in compensatory damages but removed the punitive amount. He added $2.5 million in interest, setting the final judgment at $213.5 million. In his final ruling, the judge wrote:

The jury’s findings were not the result of emotion or prejudice, but of clear and convincing evidence.

The ruling became one of the largest of its kind against a pediatric hospital in U.S. history.

After the final judgment and damages awarded, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital released a statement expressing sympathy for the Kowalski family but disagreed with the verdict. The hospital maintained that its staff acted in good faith and followed Florida’s mandatory reporting laws.

They argued that doctors are legally required to report suspected abuse in kids. A spokesperson confirmed that the hospital would appeal the decision, stating:

We will pursue the appeals process for as long as necessary to reach a final, just conclusion for the physicians, nurses, and staff .

As of mid-2025, the appeal process is ongoing.

In 2023, Maya Kowalski’s case was featured in the Netflix documentary Take Care of Maya. The film follows the family's journey from Maya's initial hospitalisation through Beata’s death and the legal battle that followed. It included home videos, court footage, and interviews with Maya and her father.

During an interview after the film’s release, Maya stated:

This documentary isn’t just our story — it’s what happened.

The documentary sparked public outrage and renewed debates around hospital power and parental rights.

FAQs about Maya Kowalski's settlement

Wrapping up

Maya Kowalski's settlement now totals $213.5 million, following the court’s decision to uphold $211 million in compensatory damages and add $2.5 million in interest. Although the $50 million punitive damages were removed, the final judgment remains one of the largest in a medical-related civil case. The hospital has indicated it will file an appeal, and the legal process may continue.

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Source: TUKO.co.ke