A New Jersey driver has been awarded nearly $13 million after a state trooper mistakenly arrested her for driving under the influence while she was actually suffering a stroke. The incident led to a significant delay in medical treatment, resulting in permanent brain damage and lifelong disability for the woman.

Traffic stop turns tragic

Cheryl Lynn Rhines, 57, was pulled over in October 2017 while driving from her home in Jersey City to her job in Florham Park. According to a lawsuit obtained by NJ.com, a trooper found her with vomit on her face and experiencing stroke symptoms, including drooping eyelids and the inability to answer questions beyond “yes” or “no”. Rhines was also experiencing facial drooping and was unable to control her body and motor functions.

Instead of recognizing the signs of a stroke, “the trooper claimed she was ‘playing games’ and made the arrest, according to the lawsuit.” The lawsuit accused the trooper of failing to notice her medical condition, leading to a critical delay in treatment.

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Delayed medical care

It took more than two hours for someone at the police station to realize Rhines was having a medical emergency and call for medical assistance. “Any ordinary human being observing Cheryl Rhines would have immediately recognized and called for emergent medical care,” the lawsuit stated.

Rhines and her mother argued that the delay in treatment caused “the death of significant brain function and permanent lifelong disability.” As a result, Rhines is no longer able to work and requires continuous care.

The lawsuit described the trooper’s conduct as “so outrageous in character and so extreme in degree as to go beyond all possible bounds of decency and is regarded as atrocious and utterly intolerable in a civilized community.”The suit also stated that officers “mocked and ridiculed” Rhines, stating that she was “playing games” while undergoing the stroke.

During a trial last month, a jury found the state police liable. Although the state argued that the police followed their training, the jury sided with Rhines. Rhines was initially awarded $19.1 million, but the amount was later reduced to approximately $12.9 million due to a pre-existing condition. The final payment included additional medical expenses and related costs.

Similar cases

Rhines’ case is not isolated. Other lawsuits have emerged against authorities who have mistaken stroke victims for individuals under the influence. These cases highlight the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms and providing timely medical care.