A thought-provoking new Netflix documentary, “Take Care of Maya,” sheds light on the deeply contested lawsuit surrounding Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Your Content has learned.
The film delves into the complex and tragic story of Maya Kowalski, a young girl who suffered from a mysterious illness and was sheltered at the hospital for three months.
The documentary raises important questions about the hospital’s actions and its alleged role in the devastating suicide of Maya’s mother, Beata Kowalski.
Maya’s journey began when she arrived at All Children’s Hospital at the age of 10, experiencing excruciating pain and unexplained vomiting.
While the diagnosis of her condition, known as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), is not disputed, nearly everything else surrounding her treatment and the subsequent removal from her family is fiercely debated in the ongoing legal battle.
Child protective investigators accused Beata Kowalski of medical abuse and “doctor shopping,” citing unconventional treatments such as a controversial ketamine coma therapy administered in Mexico, which is not legally recognized in the United States.
In response, the Kowalski family alleged that the hospital unlawfully prevented them from seeking treatment elsewhere.
Disturbing court records reveal that All Children’s employees conducted secret video surveillance of Maya for 48 hours and allowed inappropriate behavior by a risk management employee, who took unauthorized photos of the young girl after undressing her with a nurse.
As the Kowalski family’s four-year fight for justice continues, the upcoming jury trial scheduled for September could result in millions of dollars in damages against the hospital.
The judge presiding over the case has even ruled that punitive damages may be considered if the jury finds in favor of the family.
The intention behind seeking punitive damages is not only to compensate the family but also to discourage such actions from occurring in the future.
While All Children’s Hospital maintains that it provided proper medical care and acted in accordance with its obligations by reporting suspected abuse, the documentary challenges these claims.
Attorney Nick Whitney, representing the Kowalski family, argues that the hospital failed in its duty and seeks accountability for the pain and suffering endured by Maya and her loved ones.
Maya’s heartbreaking story has also brought attention to the role of the state in this ordeal.
The involvement of Catherine Bedy, a hospital social worker who allegedly photographed Maya against her will, has further highlighted the concerning actions surrounding the case.
Questions have also been raised about the state’s handling of the situation, as the child protective medical director for Pinellas, Sally Smith, was employed by Suncoast Center, a nonprofit contracted by the Florida Department of Health.
Smith and the nonprofit reached a settlement of $2.5 million with the Kowalski family, raising additional concerns about the overall handling of the case.
As the documentary uncovers more details about Maya’s journey and the legal battle unfolds, the Kowalski family’s attorney emphasizes the lasting impact of this traumatic experience on Maya and her relatives, who continue to grapple with post-traumatic stress disorder.
The attorney also questions the hospital’s contradictory stance of challenging Maya’s diagnosis while charging over $500,000 for her treatment.
The release of “Take Care of Maya” serves as a powerful reminder of the profound consequences of medical decisions and the need for accountability when dealing with vulnerable patients and their families, according to Tampa Bay Times.