4:02 am - March 6, 2025
A Life-Altering Ordeal: The Cheryl Rhines Story
Cheryl Lynn Rhines, a 57-year-old woman from New Jersey, faced a life-altering incident on October 17, 2017. While driving from her home in Jersey City to her job in Florham Park, Cheryl suffered a stroke, compelling her to pull over on Route 78. Unbeknownst to her, this event would mark the beginning of a harrowing journey through the justice system and a fight for compensation.
The trooper who found Cheryl mistakenly believed she was intoxicated, despite her exhibiting clear stroke symptoms such as facial drooping, drooping eyelids, and an inability to control her movements. Instead of recognizing her medical emergency, the trooper accused her of "playing games," leading to her arrest. This critical error resulted in a delayed medical response, exacerbating her condition and causing irreversible brain damage and permanent disability.
Cheryl’s legal battle shed light on the trooper’s negligence and the State Police’s failure to provide adequate training, highlighting how such oversight can lead to devastating consequences. Her lawsuit detailed the trooper’s actions as "outrageous and intolerable," arguing that any observer should have recognized her medical distress. The delay in treatment meant Cheryl lost crucial hours for effective stroke intervention, resulting in the death of significant brain function and a lifelong need for continuous care.
The trial saw the state argue that the trooper followed standard procedures, yet the jury sided with Cheryl, acknowledging the State Police’s culpability. Initially awarded $19.1 million, adjustments for her pre-existing conditions reduced the total to approximately $12.9 million. This compensation included funds for pain, emotional distress, medical expenses, and lost income, reflecting the profound impact on Cheryl’s life.
Cheryl’s story is a poignant reminder of the human cost of negligence. Once an independent individual, her life is now defined by continuous care, her career cut short. The incident underscores the importance of empathy and awareness, particularly among those in positions of authority, who hold the power to alter lives with their decisions.
This case serves as a call for reflection on accountability and the importance of recognizing medical emergencies. It highlights the enduring strength of those like Cheryl, who, in the face of adversity, seek justice and hope to prevent similar fates for others.