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.
