A New Jersey woman who suffered a debilitating stroke was awarded nearly $13 million after a state trooper wrongly assumed she was intoxicated, delaying critical medical care for hours.
Cheryl Lynn Rhines, 48, suffered a stroke while driving to work in Jersey City on October 17, 2017, forcing her to pull over on Route 78 in Florham Park. A trooper found her 30 minutes later, but instead of calling for emergency medical help, he accused her of “playing games” and placed her under arrest, according to her lawsuit against the New Jersey State Police.
Despite clear signs of a medical emergency—including facial drooping, slurred speech, and a loss of motor control—the officer failed to recognize her condition. It took over two hours before anyone at the police station realized she needed medical attention. By the time an ambulance transported her to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, significant brain damage had already occurred.
Rhines’ lawsuit stated that any reasonable person would have immediately recognized the need for urgent medical care. Due to the delay, she suffered permanent brain damage and is now unable to work, requiring 24/7 care.
A jury found the state police at fault in January, initially awarding Rhines $19.1 million for pain, suffering, and medical expenses. However, the final judgment was reduced by 40% due to her pre-existing condition, bringing the final payout to approximately $12.9 million.