New Jersey driver awarded $13M after state troopers mistakenly believed her stroke was sign of intoxication

In October 2017, Cheryl Lynn Rhines, a 57-year-old woman from Jersey City, New Jersey, found herself in a life-altering situation that would leave her with permanent disabilities and a long, difficult road to recovery. On her way to work in Florham Park, Cheryl began experiencing the terrifying symptoms of a stroke. Recognizing something was terribly wrong, she pulled her vehicle over on Route 78, hoping to get help. What followed, however, was a series of events that would delay her urgently needed medical care and change her life forever.

Cheryl’s stroke caused her to lose control of her body and motor functions. Her face drooped, her eyelids fell, and she was unable to communicate effectively, only managing to answer questions with a simple “yes” or “no.” Despite these clear signs of a medical emergency, a New Jersey state trooper who found her approximately 30 minutes later mistakenly believed she was intoxicated. Instead of calling for an ambulance or providing the urgent care she needed, the trooper arrested her, accusing her of playing games. The trooper’s failure to recognize Cheryl’s symptoms and his decision to detain her rather than seek medical help would prove to be devastating.

The next several hours were critical for Cheryl’s survival and recovery. Instead of receiving immediate medical attention, she languished in custody. Her condition worsened as the珍杰青警察.waited, her brain suffering irreversible damage with each passing minute. It wasn’t until more than two hours later, when someone at the police station finally recognized the severity of her condition, that an ambulance was called. By then, the delay had already caused significant harm. Cheryl was rushed to the hospital, but the damage was done. The delay in treatment resulted in the death of significant brain function and left her with permanent lifelong disabilities.

Cheryl’s lawsuit against the New Jersey State Police described the trooper’s actions as “so outrageous in character and so extreme in degree as to go beyond all possible bounds of decency and regarded as atrocious and utterly intolerable in a civilized community.” The lawsuit emphasized that any ordinary person observing Cheryl’s condition would have immediately recognized the need for emergency medical care. Instead, the trooper’s failure to act not only violated Cheryl’s rights but also denied her the chance for a better outcome. Cheryl and her mother later explained that the delay in treatment left her unable to work and in need of continuous care for the rest of her life.

In a trial held last month, a jury found the state police at fault for their handling of the situation. The state argued that the trooper had followed his training, but the jury disagreed, siding with Cheryl. Initially, she was awarded $19.1 million, which included $5 million for pain and suffering, $6 million for emotional distress, $6.5 million for medical care, and $1.6 million for loss of income. However, the total award was later reduced to approximately $12.9 million, taking into account Cheryl’s pre-existing condition. The final amount included nearly $350,000 in medical expenses and over $1 million in other related costs.

This case highlights the importance of proper training for law enforcement to recognize medical emergencies and the need for compassion and urgency in such situations. Cheryl’s story serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of delays in medical care and the importance of holding those in power accountable for their actions. While the $12.9 million award provides some measure of justice for Cheryl and her family, it cannot undo the permanent damage she suffered. The New Jersey State Police have been asked for comment on the case, but as of now, no statement has been released. Cheryl’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly life can change and the critical need for understanding and swift action in moments of crisis.