“Take Care of Maya” Family Sues Attorneys Over Alleged Misuse of $42 Million Recovery
SARASOTA, Fla.—The family at the center of the Netflix documentary “Take Care of Maya” has filed a lawsuit against their former trial attorneys, accusing them of professional malpractice and misappropriation of funds following a multi-million-dollar legal victory.
The Kowalskis rose to national attention after winning a lawsuit against Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, claiming the hospital had mistreated their daughter, Maya Kowalski, and contributed to her mother’s death by suicide. Maya, who suffers from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), was allegedly held in the hospital for extended periods under conditions the family described as abusive.
After a jury awarded the family more than $250 million in 2023, the amount was later reduced to $213.5 million. In 2025, a Florida appeals court struck down the judgment entirely and remanded the case for retrial, leaving the family to grapple with both legal and financial fallout.
Lawsuit Against Former Attorneys
The Kowalskis now allege that their previous attorneys, the married couple Greg and Jennifer Anderson of GlennAnderson Law, mismanaged and misappropriated funds during and after the trial. The 32-page complaint, reviewed by Court TV, makes several serious claims:
- Excessive fees: The Kowalskis allege that the attorneys charged fees beyond the limits imposed by the Florida Bar Association without court approval.
- Misuse of recovery funds: After a jury awarded their original settlement, the attorneys allegedly directed the family to take out a $42 million loan and used portions of those funds for personal expenses.
- Extravagant spending: According to the complaint, some of the loan money was allegedly used by the Andersons to purchase luxury items, including multi-million-dollar homes, yachts, and private jet hours.
The complaint quotes emails in which Greg Anderson acknowledged the fee discrepancies but claimed the difference had been “escrowed” in trust accounts. Despite assurances, the Kowalskis allege that millions were diverted for personal use rather than being held safely or used to cover litigation-related costs.
Alleged Financial Mismanagement
The lawsuit details how approximately $30 million from the loan was allocated to the Kowalskis’ investment account, while the remaining funds were reportedly diverted to the attorneys and related parties. Specific allegations include:
- $4 million pledged as collateral for a bank loan, used to fund personal purchases by the Andersons.
- $827,840 spent on the mortgage of a vacation home in Idaho.
- $150,000 charged to American Express cards in the attorneys’ names.
- $25,000 paid to a yacht brokerage for a Freemason boat and additional expenses on private aviation.
The family claims they have defaulted on the $42 million loan, accruing 16% interest, exacerbating their financial difficulties amid ongoing legal uncertainty.
Statements From Attorneys
In response, Jennifer Anderson issued a statement denying wrongdoing:
“We categorically deny any allegations of wrongdoing and are truly saddened and stunned, as anyone with a sense of understanding of what this eight-year litigation took to assist the Kowalskis, personally, from our own family. We will continue to abide by the Court’s decisions in these matters. We hope that there will be a fair resolution as soon as possible.”
Broader Context
The case highlights several challenges in high-stakes civil litigation:
- Oversight of attorney fees: Florida Bar Association rules limit contingency fees and require court approval for large settlements. Allegations of excessive fees and misuse of client funds raise serious professional and ethical concerns.
- Financial complexity in multi-million-dollar lawsuits: When awards involve loans, trusts, and third-party financing, the risk of mismanagement increases.
- Emotional stakes: For the Kowalskis, the litigation involved both their daughter’s suffering and the tragic loss of her mother, intensifying scrutiny on how recovered funds were handled.
Looking Ahead
The Kowalski family lawsuit against GlennAnderson Law is ongoing, and courts will now evaluate whether malpractice occurred and if misappropriated funds must be returned. Legal observers note that the case could set a precedent for how attorneys handle contingency fee arrangements and post-verdict fund management, particularly in high-profile civil rights or medical malpractice cases.
Conclusion
The “Take Care of Maya” family’s lawsuit against their former attorneys underscores the complex intersection of legal, financial, and ethical responsibility in high-profile cases. While the original battle against Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital captured national attention, the allegations against GlennAnderson Law now place the spotlight on how recovered funds are managed and protected.
⚖️ Should attorneys handling multi-million-dollar settlements face stricter oversight to prevent alleged misappropriation, or is the responsibility primarily on clients to monitor their funds? How can courts ensure justice and accountability when disputes arise after victory in civil litigation?
