Opening Statements Begin in Malpractice Lawsuit Against Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
Lawyers representing both the Kowalski family and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital were in court to present their respective sides in a case that alleges malpractice. The case revolves around the story of Maya Kowalski and her family, which was featured in the Netflix documentary “Take Care of Maya.”
Background
- The documentary, released in June, recounts the family’s traumatic experience after Maya was taken away from her family due to accusations of child abuse and Munchausen syndrome by proxy.
- Last week’s jury selection process was conducted privately to minimize jury tainting, given the widespread coverage of the documentary.
Opening Statements
- Maya Kowalski, accompanied by her father Jack and brother Kyle, became emotional as the family’s lawyer described the events leading up to her mother’s suicide.
- The Kowalski Family’s Attorney, Greg Anderson, stated that the hospital staff wrongfully accused Beata and Jack Kowalski of child abuse and attempted to show that Maya had a mental disorder.
- Anderson further claimed that Maya was falsely imprisoned and denied communication with her family and the outside world. He described how she was subjected to a 42-hour confinement in a room with an inaccessible commode to prove her ability to walk.
Defense Perspective
- Howard Hunter, attorney for Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, argued that the hospital was not trying to imprison Maya but rather stabilize her and arrange for appropriate treatment.
- Hunter highlighted concerns about the use of ketamine, an anesthetic and hallucinogen, which can have serious side effects if not monitored properly.
- The defense also mentioned that Mrs. Kowalski’s request for an Intrathecal pain pump was advised against by multiple doctors, including Dr. Kilpatrick.
The Kowalski Family’s Ordeal
- The family’s story began in October 2016 when Maya, suffering from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, was receiving ketamine treatment.
- The lawsuit alleges that hospital staff accused Beata Kowalski of child abuse and Munchausen syndrome by proxy, despite medical reports supporting Maya’s diagnosis and treatment.
- Maya was separated from her family for three months, during which her mother tragically took her own life.
Settlement and Hospital Statement
- In December 2021, Dr. Sallie Smith, who escalated the investigation that triggered the family’s ordeal, reached a $2.5 million settlement with the family.
- Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital emphasized its commitment to patient safety and privacy, stating that their responsibility is always to the child’s well-being. They explained that they are required by law to report suspected abuse or neglect to the Department of Children and Families (DCF), which then investigates and makes decisions in the best interest of the child.
Conclusion
- The malpractice lawsuit is expected to last for a couple of weeks, with the Kowalski family seeking $220 million in damages.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential healthcare services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines.
- SDG 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
- SDG 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 3.8: Proportion of population with large household expenditures on health as a share of total household expenditure or income.
- Indicator for SDG 5.2: Number of women and girls subjected to violence.
- Indicator for SDG 10.2: Proportion of people who feel safe walking alone around the area they live.
- Indicator for SDG 16.3: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized mechanisms.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential healthcare services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines. | Proportion of population with large household expenditures on health as a share of total household expenditure or income. |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres. | Number of women and girls subjected to violence. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | Proportion of people who feel safe walking alone around the area they live. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. | Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized mechanisms. |
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Source: wtsp.com
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