New Hampshire Youth Center Abuse Case Reaches Critical Supreme Court Appeal

The New Hampshire Supreme Court is reviewing a disputed $38 million verdict in a landmark abuse case. The case involves David Meehan, a former resident of the state’s youth detention center. Justices heard oral arguments on the matter.

The state is appealing the massive jury award. It argues a sovereign immunity law should limit the payout. This legal battle will set a precedent for over 1,100 other pending lawsuits.

Court Grapples with Definition of “Incident” in Abuse Cap

Jurors awarded David Meehan $38 million last year. They found the state’s negligence allowed his repeated rape and beating as a teenager. The verdict form listed a single “incident” of PTSD.

Jurors were unaware of a state law capping payouts. The cap is $475,000 per incident. According to Reuters, some jurors later clarified they meant the PTSD resulted from over 100 abusive episodes. The state now argues its entire mismanagement of the facility was one single incident.

This definition has major financial consequences. A per-incident cap of $3.75 million would apply to all claimants if the state wins. This would severely limit total payouts to hundreds of other alleged victims.

Broader Implications for State Finances and Victim Compensation

The justices questioned the potential for statewide bankruptcy. Justice Patrick Donovan voiced this concern during arguments. A ruling for Meehan could open the state to enormous liability from other cases.

The state’s solicitor general argued justices must consider taxpayer money. He stated that removing the statutory cap would be an unauthorized appropriation of funds. Meehan’s attorneys countered that applying the cap violates constitutional rights to equal protection.

This case is the first to go to trial among many. Over 1,100 other lawsuits are currently on hold. The Supreme Court’s decision will directly impact the settlement fund established for all victims.

The New Hampshire Supreme Court’s ruling on the youth center abuse case will have profound consequences. It will determine financial justice for hundreds of alleged victims. The final decision is now in the hands of the state’s highest court.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the Youth Development Center case about?

It involves widespread allegations of physical and sexual abuse at a state-run youth detention center. David Meehan’s lawsuit was the first to go to trial, resulting in a $38 million verdict now under appeal.

How much money is the state trying to limit the verdict to?

The state is seeking to reduce the $38 million award to just $475,000. It cites a sovereign immunity law that caps damages per incident.

How many other people have filed similar lawsuits?

More than 1,100 other former residents have filed lawsuits alleging abuse. All of these cases are currently on hold pending the outcome of this Supreme Court appeal.

What was the criminal outcome of the abuse investigations?

The allegations sparked a major criminal investigation. It has led to multiple arrests, though one accused man was recently acquitted on some charges.

Why did the jurors write “one” on the verdict form?

Jurors indicated one incident of post-traumatic stress disorder. They later clarified this condition resulted from more than 100 separate episodes of abuse over time.