“Take Care of Maya” Family Awarded Over $200 Million for Wrongful Death
This incident became the plotline of a Netflix documentary that reported the story of one family’s tragedy. The family brought their child into the hospital after she was suffering from excruciating pain. Maya was diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome, a rare disorder that is treated with ketamine. When the family brought their child into the ER, a social worker thought it was odd that the girl was being treated with high doses of ketamine. This is despite the fact that her doctor had ordered the high doses of ketamine to treat the patient’s complex regional pain syndrome.
The daughter was placed in the custody of the state of Florida and held against her will at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. She testified that she was pinned down and forced to take pictures in her underwear against her will. The hospital refused to believe that Maya was being properly treated despite the fact that her personal doctor had diagnosed her with complex regional pain syndrome.
As a result of the incident, Maya’s mother took her own life. The family sued the hospital for wrongful death related to the incident in a highly-publicized trial and recovered over $200 million in damages from the hospital, with punitive damages expected to be decided at a later date.
Allegations against the hospital
The family filed a lawsuit against the hospital alleging false imprisonment, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, medical negligence, and wrongful death. The trial lasted 8 weeks and began in September of 2023. The jury found that Johns Hopkins was liable on all counts that had been filed against them. The hospital was found liable for causing Maya’s mother undue emotional distress before her suicide and falsely imprisoning Maya against her will. Maya was also awarded damages for being forced to take pictures in her underwear against her will, without her parent’s consent, and without a court order. She was further awarded damages for being placed in a room with video surveillance and being forced to kiss, hug, and sit on a social worker’s lap against her will.
Suicide and wrongful death
Suicide lawsuits are very difficult to win. In this case, the mother believed that the only way the hospital would release her daughter was if she was no longer a factor in her life. The hospital was held liable by the Florida jury who listened to excruciating testimony concerning Maya’s treatment in the hospital and the impact that it had on their family. It hurt the hospital’s case that the child had been previously diagnosed with a rare disorder by another doctor. The hospital maintained that they were looking out for Maya’s best interests and providing the prevailing standard of care for the profession. A Florida jury didn’t buy it and now they’re out millions of dollars because of their conduct.
Talk to a Tampa, FL Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
The Tampa, FL wrongful death attorneys at The Matassini Law Firm represent the interests of grieving families who have lost a loved one due to negligence. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help.
