Judge Upholds $38 Million Verdict in New Hampshire Youth Detention Center Abuse Case
In a groundbreaking decision, Judge Andrew Schulman has refused to discard the $38 million verdict in a trial concerning the New Hampshire Youth Development Center. The case, brought by David Meehan, alleged repeated physical and sexual abuse at the facility in the 1990s.
The jury sided with Meehan earlier this month, awarding him $18 million in compensatory damages and $20 million in enhanced damages. The state, however, is seeking to drastically reduce the award, arguing that Meehan waited too long to sue and failed to prove negligence on the part of the state.
Judge Schulman swiftly denied the state’s motion, ruling that Meehan’s claims were timely and that the state had breached its duty of care with respect to staff training, supervision, and discipline. Schulman stated that the facility’s leadership either knew and didn’t care or didn’t care to learn the truth about the abuse occurring at the center.
The case has brought to light a culture of abuse at the facility, with over 1,100 former residents coming forward with allegations spanning six decades. Meehan’s lawsuit was the first to go to trial, shedding light on the pervasive brutality and corruption within the system.
As the legal battle continues, Meehan’s lawyers are fighting to maintain the $38 million verdict, arguing that the jury misunderstood a crucial question on the verdict form. A hearing is scheduled for June 24 to address the disputed verdict and determine the next steps in this landmark case.