In a landmark lawsuit against a New Hampshire state-run youth detention center, attorneys representing David Meehan are seeking a hearing after the jury foreperson expressed concern that the awarded amount of $38 million could be significantly reduced to $475,000. Meehan had alleged that the state's negligence resulted in his repeated rape, beatings, and solitary confinement during his teenage years at the Youth Development Center in Manchester.

The jury, unaware of the cap, awarded $18 million in compensatory damages and $20 million in enhanced damages to Meehan on Friday. However, the attorney general's office stated that the award would be reduced under a state law that limits claimants against the state to a maximum of $475,000 per incident.

According to the request filed on Saturday, the jury foreperson apologized to attorney Rus Rilee, expressing devastation upon learning about the potential reduction in the award. The jurors were unaware of the per-incident basis for settlement amounts but acknowledged one incident of abuse without specifying if it encompassed all of Meehan's allegations.

Attorneys Rilee and David Vicinanzo requested a hearing on Monday after consulting with outside counsel experienced in post-trial matters. Rilee, who received the jury foreperson's email on Saturday, had not responded at the time of filing the request.

Meehan, now 42, reported the abuse to the police in 2017 and filed the lawsuit against the state three years later. The trial, which lasted four weeks, marked the first lawsuit to be filed and the first to go to trial regarding the allegations of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse spanning six decades at the Youth Development Center in Manchester.

Throughout the trial, Meehan's attorneys accused the state of fostering a culture of abuse characterized by widespread brutality, corruption, and a code of silence. They presented over a dozen witnesses, including former staff members who faced resistance and threats when attempting to address or investigate concerns. Additionally, a former resident testified about being gang-raped in a stairwell, and a teacher claimed to have observed suspicious bruises on Meehan and multiple other boys.

On the other hand, the state argued that it should not be held liable for the actions of rogue employees and contended that Meehan had waited too long to bring the lawsuit. The defense called witnesses, including Meehan's father, who suggested his son had a reputation for untruthfulness. A long-time youth center principal testified that she had observed no signs of abuse over her four-decade career, and a psychiatrist diagnosed Meehan with bipolar disorder rather than the post-traumatic stress disorder claimed by Meehan's side.

During cross-examination, the state's attorneys painted Meehan as a violent child who continued to engage in disruptive behavior at the youth center. They also characterized him as a delusional adult who exaggerated or fabricated details to seek financial gain. This unique dynamic arose from the attorney general's office simultaneously defending the state against civil lawsuits and prosecuting alleged perpetrators in criminal cases related to the Youth Development Center.

As the quest for justice continues, Meehan's case has shed light on the extent of abuse endured by former residents. To date, 11 former state employees have been arrested, and over 1,100 former residents of the Youth Development Center have filed lawsuits alleging abuse of a physical, sexual, and emotional nature spanning six decades.

The outcome of the requested hearing will determine the final award received by David Meehan and could have broader implications for other victims seeking compensation for their suffering.