The family's trial commenced on 11 September 2023.
The Kowalski's lawyers, AndersonGlenn LLP put forward a case for $55 million in compensation and $165 million (£130 million) in punitive damages against the hospital. Cathi Bedy, the social worker, has been named as well.
The accusations were "a host of wrongdoings, including medical malpractice, holding Maya against her will, dismissing the advice of her paediatricians, ignoring signs that her mother was on the verge of a breakdown and forbidding Maya access to her rosary and prayer documents," states The Herald-Tribune.
“I want justice for my mom,” Maya told People magazine.
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital denied the allegations, describing how it acted “reasonably and prudently” to treat a “difficult and challenging case”.
Last week, jurors found John Hopkins liable on all counts, including false imprisonment, battery, and intentionally inflicting emotional distress on both Maya and her mother. They were awarded damages of $211m (£173m) and $50m (£41m) in punitive damages.
In a statement, Howard Hunter, an attorney from Hill Ward Henderson who represented Johns Hopkins, stated the hospital's intention to appeal the verdict:
“The evidence clearly showed that Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital followed Florida’s mandatory reporting law in reporting suspected child abuse and, when those suspicions were confirmed by the district court, fully complied with Department of Children and Families (DCF) and court orders,” he said in a statement.
What is complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
Maya Kowalski experiences complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a rare condition that causes chronic and rehabilitating pain. According to the NHS, the cause of CRPS is “unknown”, but for many people, it can be the result of “the body reacting abnormally to an injury.”
There is currently no cure for CRPS, but there are several treatments that can address the symptoms, including physical rehabilitation, pain relief, and psychological support.
What is Munchausen by proxy syndrome?
Munchausen's syndrome by proxy, now known as fabricated or induced illness (FII), is a rare form of child abuse. According to the NHS, it happens when “a parent or carer exaggerates or deliberately causes symptoms of illness in the child.”
So, where is Maya Kowalski now?
Now 17 years old, Maya lives in Venice, Florida, with her dad Jack and brother Kyle.
Maya still suffers from CRPS. She told People magazine: "I do my best to push through. I've already missed a lot, so I want to make the most of life now."
Maya shared photos to her Instagram recently from the Tribeca Film Festival, which she attended with her boyfriend Jon Luc and where the documentary had its world premiere.
When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year.
You can call them free on 116 123 or email them at jo@samaritans.org. Whoever you are and whatever you’re facing, they won’t judge you or tell you what to do. They’re here to listen so you don’t have to face it alone.
If you are experiencing grief after a bereavement, there is support available at Bereavement UK and on the NHS website.
