N.H. judge grants 29.6 million verdict in case of child abuse, confinement

Olivia Griffin, who was adopted from China, received a $29. 6 million judgment from a New Hampshire court after suing her adoptive parents for years of physical and psychological abuse. Griffin, 22, escaped confinement in 2018, where she was forced into labor and locked in a basement. The judge’s ruling is noted as one of the largest awards in New Hampshire’s history, signaling serious recognition of the harm inflicted on her. In 2023, Griffin filed a lawsuit against her parents and state officials, claiming they failed to act on evident signs of abuse.

Her attorney, Michael Lewis, pointed out that prior settlements in the case summed up to about $1 million. The New Boston Police had charged the Atkocaitis couple with serious offenses, but many charges were dropped, leading to minimal penalties. Lewis expressed disappointment over the lack of thorough investigations during the criminal proceedings. The case exemplifies a civil avenue for justice when the criminal justice system falls short, with the judge affirming belief in Griffin's allegations.