In the Netflix documentary “Take Care of Maya,” the Maya Kowalski won their civil jury against Florida’s Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.
The jury rendered a verdict finding the St. Petersburg-based hospital accountable for, among other things, unjust imprisonment, battery, and involvement in the suicide of Maya Kowalski’s mother, which occurred when she was 10 years old.
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A separate jury deliberated late Thursday and awarded the Kowalski family approximately $50 million in punitive damages and $211 million in compensatory damages, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Maya had undergone treatment and a diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome prior to her family’s visit to All Children’s Hospital approximately seven years ago. The Times reports that physicians were “sceptical of the diagnosis and instead reported Beata Kowalski, Maya’s mother, for suspected medical child abuse via the state abuse hotline.”
After an investigation by child protection, Maya was separated from her family and detained at the hospital. In the end, Beata committed suicide three months after being estranged from her daughter.
The hospital was accused of various offences by the Kowalski family, including negligent infliction of emotional distress, false imprisonment, battery, and medical negligence resulting in the demise of Beata Maya.
Announcement of Verdict by Jury:
As the verdict was announced on Thursday, Maya, her father, Jack, and sibling, Kyle, reportedly cried and embraced one another, as reported by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Maya stated in public remarks subsequent to the verdict, “I feel like I’ve received justice for the first time. Regrettably, that sentiment is not shared by many individuals in this situation. I consider myself fortunate to have experienced that for myself, others, and my mother,” as reported by the Herald-Tribune.
Defence counsel for All Children’s Hospital, Howard Hunter, JD, of Hill Ward Henderson, stated in an email to MedPage Today, “We intend to file an appeal on the grounds of prejudicial and glaring errors committed by the plaintiff’s counsel during the trial, as well as intentional misconduct that misled the jury.”
“The evidence amply demonstrated that Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital complied fully with Department of Children and Families and court orders after reporting suspected child abuse in accordance with Florida’s mandatory reporting law.” “We are determined to defend the vitally important obligation of mandatory reporters to report suspected child abuse and protect the smallest and most vulnerable among us.”
He emphasized that all Florida reporters must report child abuse issues since the law and evidence favor us. Johns Hopkins Each Children’s Hospital doctor, nurse, and staff member saved and consoled Maya Kowalski.
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