Have you ever wondered what happens when a hospital’s duty to protect conflicts with a family’s right to care for their child?
The Maya Kowalski casehas become a widely discussed legal matter involving medical decisions that changed the course of several lives.
Legal experts, healthcare professionals, and families nationwide have weighed in on this matter, with some viewing it as a necessary intervention while others see it as a system failure
The case continues to influence policies and procedures in hospitals, raising questions about where the line should be drawn in such complex situations
In this blog, I’ll show you the complete timeline of events, the legal battles that followed, and the current status of the Maya Kowalski settlement.
Who Is Maya Kowalski?
Maya Kowalski was born on September 11, 2005, in Venice, Florida. She is now 20 years old and currently lives with her father and brother.
Her story gained national attention after the 2023 Netflix documentary “Take Care of Maya”, covering her family’s legal fight with Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.
She continues to manage her chronic health conditions while actively speaking out for families facing similar medical and child welfare challenges across the entire country.
Her case has sparked important nationwide conversations about patient rights, hospital procedures, and how medical facilities should handle suspected child abuse cases in similar situations.
What Medical Condition Was Maya Treated For?
Maya was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a rare chronic pain disorder that causes severe discomfort and affects daily life significantly.
The condition began after Maya sprained her ankle in 2015. What seemed like a minor injury turned out to be far more serious over time.
Her symptoms included
→ Severe pain in her lower body
→ Swelling and extreme sensitivity
→ Limited mobility
Traditional treatments did not provide relief. Her family then pursued ketamine infusions as an alternative therapy. This treatment became central to the later controversy with the hospital.
Why Did the Case Escalate to Child Welfare Involvement?
In October 2016, Maya was admitted to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital for a severe CRPS flare-up that required immediate medical attention and specialized care.
Hospital staff became concerned when Maya’s mother, Beata, requested high-dose ketamine treatment for her daughter. They suspected Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a serious condition.
This is a disorder where a caregiver fabricates or causes illness in someone under their care. The hospital felt obligated to act on its concerns.
What happened next?
- The hospital reported suspected child abuse to the authorities.
- Florida’s Department of Children and Families launched a formal investigation.
- The court ordered immediate intervention to protect Maya.
- Maya was placed under state custody.
The hospital stated its actions were guided by internal medical assessments and reporting obligations.
What Happened During Maya’s Separation from Her Parents?
Maya remained in the hospital under state custody for 87 days, starting in October 2016, completely separated from her parents during this difficult time.
During this time,
- She had no contact with her parents
- The court shelter order prevented family visits
- Medical evaluations continued without parental input
Her health reportedly declined significantly without family support and presence. The prolonged separation deeply affected the family’s emotional stability and overall well-being.
Beata Kowalski, overwhelmed by the accusations and heartbreaking separation from her daughter, tragically died by suicide in January 2017 after months of legal battles.
Maya was finally reunited with her father in April 2017. A judge officially lifted the custody restrictions three months after her mother’s tragic death.
Why Was a Lawsuit Filed Against the Hospital?
The Kowalski family filed a lawsuit against Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in 2018, seeking justice for what they believed was wrongful treatment.
Their main allegations
→ The hospital kept Maya against her will and separated her from her family without valid reasons.
→ Staff ignored her confirmed CRPS diagnosis and refused to continue her established treatment plan.
→ Medical tests and treatments were performed on Maya without getting permission from her parents first.
→ These decisions caused serious mental and emotional harm to Maya and her entire family.
The family argued that the hospital made unfounded abuse accusations.
They claimed that staff prioritized protecting themselves from liability over providing proper patient care. The lawsuit linked these actions directly to Beata’s death.
What Was the Jury Verdict and Court Decision?
After a two-month trial in November 2023, the jury ruled in favor of the Kowalski family on multiple claims against the hospital.
The verdict breakdown
| Award Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Wrongful death (Beata) | $50 million |
| Compensatory damages | Additional funds for Maya and family |
| Total verdict | $213 million |
| With interest | $261 million |
The jury found Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital liable on multiple counts. The judge initially upheld the verdict without changing it.
This was one of the largest medical malpractice verdicts in recent Florida history. The decision validated the family’s claims about wrongful treatment.
What Is the Hospital’s Appeal and Current Legal Status?
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital appealed the verdict immediately after the trial ended, challenging the jury’s decision and seeking to overturn the massive award.
In October 2025, the Second District Court of Appeal reversed the original verdict in its entirety. The court ruled the hospital had immunity under Florida’s child abuse reporting laws.
Judges stated staff acted in good faith when reporting suspected abuse. The case was sent back for a new trial on claims not covered by immunity.
In November 2025, the Kowalski family requested a rehearing of the appeal decision, hoping to restore the original verdict in their favor.
In December 2025, mediation with their former attorneys failed to yield a resolution, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal battle.
As of January 2026, the case remains unresolved and is awaiting either a rehearing or retrial, with no further updates reported.
Wrapping It Up
The Maya Kowalski case illustrates how difficult outcomes can emerge during high-pressure medical and legal decision-making.
This legal battle has raised important questions about hospital protocols and family rights. It continues to influence how similar cases might be handled in the future.
While legal proceedings continue, the effects of this case reach well beyond those directly involved. It affects policies, procedures, and perspectives nationwide.
What are your thoughts on this case? How do you think hospitals should balance protecting children with respecting family rights?
Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Anyone Ever Recovered from CRPS?
People with early CRPS symptoms after injuries often recover. However, some develop lasting symptoms that can be severe and require ongoing treatment.
Who Is Maya Kowalski’s Attorney Now?
Nick Whitney is her current attorney. The family left their previous attorney, Greg Anderson, after eight years of representation together.
Why Was the Kowalski Case Overturned?
The court reversed the verdict because the jury saw irrelevant evidence. Judges ruled the hospital acted in good faith during child protection activities.
