Landmark Lawsuit Over Abuse At NH Youth Detention Center

Plaintiff's attorney Rus Rilee speaks to media after a $38 million ruling was awarded to David Meehan in the youth center abuse trial at Rockingham County Superior Court in Brentwood, N.H., Friday, Ma

Attorneys for a New Hampshire man who won a significant lawsuit over abuse at a state-run youth detention center are seeking a hearing after concerns arose that the awarded $38 million could be drastically reduced. The jury foreperson expressed dismay that the amount might be slashed to $475,000 due to a state law capping claimants' recovery against the state.

The lawsuit was brought by David Meehan, who alleged that the state's negligence led to him being subjected to repeated rape, beatings, and solitary confinement during his time at the Youth Development Center in Manchester. The jury awarded $18 million in compensatory damages and $20 million in enhanced damages to Meehan.

However, the attorney general's office indicated that the award would likely be reduced to $475,000 per incident, as per the state law. The jury foreperson, upon learning of this, expressed regret over not being informed of the cap and stated that the outcome might have been different had they known.

Meehan's attorneys have requested a hearing to address this issue. The lawsuit, which was the first to go to trial among several filed by former residents of the Youth Development Center, shed light on allegations of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse spanning decades.

Jury foreperson dismayed over possible reduction to $475,000 due to state law cap.

Attorneys seek hearing to address potential reduction in $38 million award.

Meehan alleged repeated abuse at Youth Development Center in Manchester.

During the trial, Meehan's legal team accused the state of fostering a culture of abuse characterized by brutality, corruption, and a code of silence. Witnesses, including former staffers and residents, testified to the pervasive mistreatment at the facility.

In response, the state argued that it was not responsible for the actions of individual employees and questioned the timing of Meehan's lawsuit. Witnesses for the defense portrayed Meehan as a troubled individual prone to exaggeration and untruthfulness.

The case has brought attention to the broader issue of abuse at the Youth Development Center, with multiple former residents coming forward with similar allegations. The outcome of the hearing requested by Meehan's attorneys will determine the final amount of compensation he receives in this landmark lawsuit.