A New Hampshire jury awarded $38 million to a man who exposed abuse allegations at the state’s youth detention center. David Meehan, who was beaten, raped, and held in solitary confinement as a teen, was awarded the largest jury award in a civil case in New Hampshire history. The state’s negligence allowed for these abuses to occur, leading to more than 1,100 former residents of the Youth Development Center in Manchester filing lawsuits alleging physical, sexual, and emotional abuse spanning six decades. Meehan’s lawsuit was the first to be filed and go to trial, resulting in a swift verdict after four weeks of testimony.
During the trial, jurors were instructed to award compensation that was “full, fair, and adequate” if they believed the state was responsible for Meehan’s injuries. The jury awarded $18 million in compensatory damages and $20 million in “enhanced” damages, reflecting the reckless indifference and abuse of power by the defendant. However, New Hampshire law caps damages against the state at $475,000 per incident, meaning that the final award will be significantly reduced. The issue will likely be settled by the state Supreme Court on appeal to determine the final amount owed to Meehan.
The state argued that it was not liable for the conduct of “rogue” employees and that Meehan waited too long to file a lawsuit. Defense attorneys claimed that Meehan’s case relied on speculation and conspiracy theories rather than concrete evidence. Witnesses, including Meehan’s father and former youth center staff, provided conflicting testimonies about allegations of abuse at the facility. Meehan’s attorneys accused the state of fostering a culture of abuse, corruption, and silence that allowed these abuses to continue unchecked.
Meehan himself testified about his experiences at the Youth Development Center, including being violently raped at age 15 and enduring ongoing torment from staff members. The state’s attorneys tried to undermine Meehan’s credibility by portraying him as a violent child and a delusional adult seeking financial gain. This dynamic, where the attorney general’s office defends the state against civil lawsuits and prosecutes suspected perpetrators in criminal cases, created a challenging environment for Meehan’s case. Despite these challenges, Meehan’s attorneys hailed the jury’s decision as a victory for survivors of abuse at the hands of state employees.
The outcome of Meehan’s case may have implications for the criminal cases, remaining lawsuits, and a settlement fund created by the state to address abuse claims. The settlement fund offers up to $1.5 million for claimants, with lawmakers expected to increase the limit to $2.5 million. The widespread allegations of abuse at the Youth Development Center have prompted a broader reckoning with the state’s role in allowing these abuses to occur. The verdict in Meehan’s case serves as a significant milestone in seeking justice for survivors of abuse and holding the state accountable for its negligence.
