The Florida appeals court has reversed the $200 million jury verdict in the Maya Kowalski case, a legal battle that has drawn national attention and sparked debate about hospital liability and child abuse reporting laws.
Florida Appeals Court Decision in Maya Kowalski Case
On October 29, 2025, the Florida 2nd District Court of Appeal issued an opinion overturning the previous jury award against Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg. The case, which originated in Sarasota County Government, involved allegations of negligence and medical malpractice following the hospital’s treatment of Maya Kowalski in 2016.
According to the official appeals court opinion, the trial court made multiple errors, including a misinterpretation of Florida’s immunity statutes that protect individuals and institutions reporting suspected child abuse. The court stated, “The trial court’s erroneous interpretation and application of section 39.203(1)(a), Florida Statutes (2016), and the immunity afforded thereunder, as well as the trial court’s erroneous denial of JHACH’s motions for directed verdicts and JHACH’s motion for a new trial require reversal of the final judgment.”
Background: Maya Kowalski and the Hospital Negligence Lawsuit
The Maya Kowalski case began in 2016 when Maya, then age 10, was admitted to All Children’s Hospital with severe pain attributed to complex regional pain syndrome. Her mother, Beata Kowalski, a registered nurse, advocated for ketamine treatment, a medication that can cause hallucinations in some patients, according to court records and news reports.
Concerns about Maya’s care led hospital staff to report suspected child abuse, triggering intervention by Child Protective Services Florida. The situation escalated, and in 2017, Beata Kowalski died by suicide. The family subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging negligence, false imprisonment, battery, and other claims against the hospital. Similar to other high-profile cases, such as when a family filed a wrongful death lawsuit over a Florida FHP chase fatality, these incidents have prompted public debate about accountability and the legal responsibilities of institutions.
Original Jury Verdict and Damages
In 2023, a Sarasota County jury found in favor of the Kowalski family, awarding $211 million in compensatory damages and $50 million in punitive damages. The trial judge later reduced the total to $213 million. The verdict raised significant questions about the responsibilities of health care providers, the rights of parents, and the protections available to mandatory reporters under Florida law.
Appeals Court Ruling and Legal Reasoning
The Florida 2nd District Court of Appeal found that the trial court allowed a too-narrow interpretation of immunity for those who report suspected child abuse. According to the appellate judges, the trial court should have granted a directed verdict for the hospital on certain claims.
The court’s opinion stated, “The final judgment in favor of the Kowalskis is reversed. On remand, only the IIED (intentional infliction of emotional distress) claim brought on behalf of Maya and the remaining false imprisonment, battery, and medical negligence claims may be retried.”
Judges also noted that Jack Kowalski, Maya’s father, presented no evidence of injury from alleged fraudulent billing. The appeals court’s decision means that only some claims will proceed to a new trial, while the largest damages award has been vacated. Cases involving medical negligence and tragic outcomes, such as when a family filed a wrongful death lawsuit after a truck driver was killed in a chase, further illustrate the complexities of liability in Florida courts.
Response from Hospital and Legal Representatives
An attorney for Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, Ethen Shapiro of Hill Ward Henderson, described the reversal as “resounding.” In a public statement, Shapiro emphasized the importance of protecting mandatory reporters of child abuse, stating, “This opinion sends a clear and vital message to mandatory reporters in Florida and across the country that their duty to report suspicions of child abuse and, critically, their good faith participation in child protection activities remain protected.”
He added, “We look forward to vigorously defending our doctors, nurses, and staff in a fair trial on the few remaining claims after rigorous and proper application of immunity.”
Implications for Hospital Liability and Mandatory Reporting
The Maya Kowalski case has highlighted the challenges faced by hospitals and health care providers when balancing child safety concerns with parental rights. The appeals court’s decision clarifies the scope of legal immunity for mandatory reporters under Florida law, which has implications for future medical malpractice and negligence cases involving suspected child abuse. In fact, some Port St. Lucie families are hopeful for a repeal of Florida’s ‘free kill’ law, which could further impact how liability is determined in similar cases.
According to official sources, the court’s opinion reinforces that hospitals acting in good faith to protect children are shielded from certain types of liability. However, claims involving intentional infliction of emotional distress and other specific allegations may still proceed to trial.
Public Attention and Media Coverage
The case received international attention, in part due to a widely viewed Netflix documentary. The documentary and subsequent media coverage fueled public debate about the responsibilities of hospitals, the rights of families, and the legal protections for those involved in child welfare cases.
Officials reported that the appeals court’s decision is based on legal interpretation and the facts presented at trial, not on media narratives. Details may be updated as the case moves forward and further proceedings are scheduled.
- Location: St. Petersburg, Florida (All Children’s Hospital)
- Court: Florida 2nd District Court of Appeal
- Case: Maya Kowalski v. Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
- Original Jury Award: $211 million (reduced to $213 million by judge)
For the full text of the appellate opinion, see the official court document. Details may be updated as investigation continues. All information above is according to the Florida 2nd District Court of Appeal and official legal filings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Appeals Court Maya Kowalski Case
What was the Florida appeals court decision in the Maya Kowalski case?
The Florida 2nd District Court of Appeal reversed the $200 million jury verdict against Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. The court found errors in the trial court’s interpretation of immunity laws for those reporting suspected child abuse.
How much money was originally awarded to the Kowalski family?
The original jury awarded $211 million in compensatory damages and $50 million in punitive damages, later reduced to $213 million by the trial judge. This award has now been overturned by the appeals court.
Are there still claims remaining in the Maya Kowalski lawsuit?
Yes, the appeals court ruled that only certain claims, including intentional infliction of emotional distress, false imprisonment, battery, and medical negligence, may be retried. The largest damages award was vacated.
Can you explain why the appeals court reversed the verdict?
The appeals court found that the trial court misapplied Florida’s immunity statutes, which protect those who report suspected child abuse. The court said the hospital should have been granted a directed verdict on some claims.
Where are official details about the Maya Kowalski case available?
Official details and the full appellate opinion are available from the Florida 2nd District Court of Appeal. Updates may be provided as the case continues through the legal process.
Port St Lucie Talks
