Lawyers Seek Changes in Youth Development Center Jury Award

A man who was awarded $38-million dollars after he sued the state for child abuse that occurred when he was at the former Youth Development Center wants a judge to make some changes.

Last month a Rockingham County jury sided with David Meehan and awarded him one of the largest civil jury verdicts in state history.

The state is arguing that the actual payout should be capped at $475,000 because the jury only listed one incident on the verdict form.

Meehan’s legal team is asking the judge to alter the number of incidents or grant a new jury trial.

During a hearing Monday, attorneys for both sides presented their cases.

Meehan’s attorney says the state is trying to minimize the level of abuse suffered by the plaintiff.

The judge is expected to reevaluate the case issues next month.