Victims’ Settlement Fund for New Hampshire Youth Development Center Assaults

The Deadline to File YDC Claims is Approaching – Don’t Miss the Deadline!

Last year, Governor Sununu enacted legislation that established a relief fund worth $100 million. The purpose of this fund is to provide compensation to numerous individuals who experienced distressing incidents of sexual and physical abuse during their childhood while being held at various institutions including the Youth Development Center (YDC), Sununu Youth Services Center (SYSC), State Industrial School, Philbrook School, and Tobey Special Education School.

Compassionate Legal Assistance for Victims of Trauma

Douglas, Leonard & Garvey, P.C. is committed to providing our clients results, not promises. We pride ourselves on the high degree of personalized attention and care that we give to our clients. We are here to support you, help you achieve your goals through the legal tools available, and protect your interests as we guide you through complex legal matters.

Victims hoping to file a claim for compensation should seek the assistance of a personal injury attorney to ensure proper handling of their claim so that they can obtain the greatest amount of compensation that they are entitled to under law. For example, through the efforts and dedication of attorney Chuck Douglas, our firm was the first to settle a claim for $1.5 million, which is the maximum compensation allowed under the YDC Claims Fund. This outcome met our client's goal within a confidential and non-public forum, and in a short amount of time.

If you or a loved one has experienced abuse at the Youth Detention Center, the deadline for filing YDC Claims is approaching! Contact Douglas, Leonard & Garvey, P.C. for a free and confidential consultation by completing the form provided below or calling (603) 288-1403 today.

Who Can File a Claim?

If you were sexually or physically abused by employees or staff while you were detained at YDC, you can file a claim for compensation. Additionally, if you were sexually or physically abused by another person at the direction of employees or staff while you were detained at YDC, you can file a claim for compensation.

How Much Compensation Will I Receive?

Those who experienced sexual abuse can be compensated up to $1,500,000, and those who experienced physical abuse can be compensated up to $150,000.

What is the Filing Process for the YDC Fund?

You can file a claim for compensation on or before December 31, 2024. Multiple documents must be completed and properly filed to submit a claim for compensation. If your attorney and the state cannot agree on a negotiated amount of compensation, you can have a hearing before the claims administrator.

Should I File a Lawsuit in Court or File Claim with the YDC Fund?

Both processes have advantages, and choosing the best process for you depends upon your personal goals for resolving your case.

Many victims who have time to wait for compensation may decide to pursue individual lawsuits and await a jury trial. Court cases are usually public, can take many years to be resolved, and the verdict and compensation awarded is usually decided by a jury of your peers. Additionally, the compensation awarded could be more or less than the compensation limits offered through the YDC Claims Fund.

Victims who prefer to resolve their case and receive compensation faster may decide to file a Claim with the YDC Claims Fund. All filed claims are confidential.

Working with an experienced attorney who can review the details of your case is the best way to decide how to handle your claim.

Thoughtful and Measured Representation

At Douglas, Leonard & Garvey, P.C., we are dedicated to helping victims of abuse as they seek justice and compensation. Our team of attorneys and staff are ready to support you and fight for justice. If you or someone you love experienced abuse at YDC, contact our experienced attorneys right away.

Our experienced attorneys at Douglas, Leonard & Garvey have secured $1.5 million for several clients. The deadline for filing YDC Claims is nearing, so reach out by using the form below or call (603) 288-1403 for a free and confidential consultation today.