Being one of the most heinous offenses, it is not surprising that the law places a premium on punishing those who abuse children. Adults often try to hide their crimes from authorities, making it much harder for victims to get justice. One of the worst cases of child abuse in New Hampshire occurred in the John H. Sununu Child Services Center, formerly known as the Youth Development Center (YDC).
A criminal probe of the YDC has been ongoing since 2019. Up to four hundred and fifty persons have filed lawsuits against the state for various allegations dating back to 1963 and 2018, and at least eleven former workers have been jailed. Several cases of abuse have been linked to the Youth Development Center (YDC), and the time has come for victims to seek redress.
- Can a Youth Development Center Abuse Victim File A Lawsuit?
- Who Is Qualified To Submit A Claim?
- How Can I file A Claim for Sexual Abuse at the YDC Facility?
- How Much Could I Receive in Compensation?
- Statute Of Limitations Legislation Regarding Child Sexual Assault
- Should I Use Individual Arbitration or YDC Fund Arbitration?
- Endnote
- Do You Need Affordable Pre Settlement Funding for YDC Sexual Abuse Claim? Call Us Today!
Can a Youth Development Center Abuse Victim File A Lawsuit?
When hundreds of victims suffered horrific sexual and physical attacks at the New Hampshire Youth Development Center (YDC) in Manchester, Governor Sununu signed a law creating a victims’ relief fund to compensate them. The federal government has put up $100,000,000 to help pay for victims of YDC employees who commit crimes.
Assault victims who have suffered physical abuse may be eligible for compensation of up to $150,000, while those who have suffered sexual assault may be eligible for compensation of up to $1.5 million. The victims of abuse at YDC now have a method to seek remedy, even if the statute of limitations may have long since passed. The statute of limitations is the period within which a lawsuit must be brought or the claim is permanently barred.
However, it will be up to victims to choose between submitting a claim to the fund and taking legal action within the time limit. At this time, it may be beneficial to consult with an experienced attorney. Victims who want to file a compensation claim may want to enlist the services of a personal injury attorney to make sure their case is handled appropriately.
To apply for free, call (877) 735-0016
Who Is Qualified To Submit A Claim?
The YDC fund provides financial assistance to victims of sexual or physical abuse who suffered at the hands of state employees while utilizing the YDC’s services. Former residents of the New Hampshire child detention center who sustained injuries or trauma while in custody are eligible to apply to a compensation fund established for this purpose.
How Can I file A Claim for Sexual Abuse at the YDC Facility?
The Claims Administrator for the YDC Fund will start releasing a public notice on November 1, 2022, advising claimants of all necessary data. Claims must be submitted on or after January 1, 2023. Submissions for reimbursement must be made within the two years commencing on January 1, 2024, and concluding on December 31, 2024. If you and the state are unable to settle on a negotiated amount, you can ask for a hearing before the claims assessor, but you have no legal recourse beyond that.
How Much Could I Receive in Compensation?
The YDC fund compensates victims based on the details of the abuse claim they submit. The trust separates accusations concerning sexual abuse from those involving physical abuse. The amount of compensation that can be sought by victims of sexual abuse is up to $1,500,000, while the amount that can be sought by victims of physical abuse is up to $150,000.
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Statute Of Limitations Legislation Regarding Child Sexual Assault
Every state has legislation known as a statute of limitations, which limits the amount of time a person who has survived sexual assault has to initiate a case to seek monetary compensation for injustice. In situations involving child sexual abuse, however, the standard two-year or three-year limits may not apply to an innocent sexual abuse survivor who was sexually attacked at a young age. This may be the case since the abuse occurred when the victim was a kid.
While lawmakers in many jurisdictions work to undo the damage done by too stringent statutes of limitations of the past—which effectively bar victims of crimes that occurred decades ago—the rules governing the statute of limitations frequently shift from year to year. These modifications make it possible for survivors of sexual assault to pursue legal redress for their bodily and psychological harm. A victim of sexual abuse may be entitled to monetary compensation for their pain and suffering, past and future lost wages, medical costs, mental health care costs, and other losses.
Should I Use Individual Arbitration or YDC Fund Arbitration?
Neither approach is flawless, so victims probably won’t find one that works in every situation. Many victims who can afford to wait for compensation may choose to do so. It can take years for legal challenges to be resolved, and the amount of compensation granted may be less than the caps established by the YDC Fund arbitration.
Many activists and former victims view the creation of the YDC fund as a positive development. The most efficient way to deal with a claim of this kind is to collaborate with a legal representative who can examine the details of your lawsuit and guide you on how to proceed.
Endnote
Sexual assault leaves scars that can cause emotional pain for years after the abuse has stopped. The voices of victims of all types of abuse, including sexual assault and sexual abuse of children, should be heard. These victims deserve to have their experiences validated. However, if you’re still awaiting your case to settle but you need money right now to get your life back on track, applying for a lawsuit loan might be right for you.
Do You Need Affordable Pre Settlement Funding for YDC Sexual Abuse Claim? Call Us Today!
High Rise Financial offers completely safe and non-recourse lawsuit loans to plaintiffs who have pending YDC sexual abuse claims or lawsuits. Contact us today at (866)-407-6404 to schedule an initial consultation. Our experienced lawsuit funding specialists will be happy to speak with you and discuss your settlement loan options.
Call or text (877) 735-0016 or fill out our form to apply today for free.