New Jersey woman awarded $11.5M after police mistake stroke for intoxication

Cheryl Lynn Rhines, a New Jersey woman, was awarded $11.5 million after New Jersey State Police mistook her stroke symptoms for intoxication, delaying her medical treatment and resulting in permanent disabilities. The incident occurred on October 17, 2017, when Rhines pulled over on Route 78 due to feeling unwell, only to be approached by police who accused her of being uncooperative and arrested her instead of calling for medical help. Despite her severe condition, which included facial drooping and confusion, officers failed to provide the necessary medical evaluation and left her in distress for over two hours before finally calling an ambulance. A jury found the state police at fault for the egregious handling of the situation, initially awarding Rhines $19.1 million, which was later reduced to $11.5 million due to her pre-existing conditions. The case highlights ongoing issues regarding police responses to medical emergencies, particularly in situations where symptoms may be misinterpreted. Similar lawsuits have emerged in the past involving individuals suffering strokes who were wrongfully detained as intoxicated individuals.