This case highlights the significant consequences of a police officer’s failure to appropriately assess a medical emergency. The jury initially awarded $19.1 million to Cheryl Rhines after finding NJ State Trooper Jennifer Albuja 60% responsible for the injuries Rhines sustained from a stroke.
However, the award was reduced to just under $10.9 million after the court adjusted for Rhines’ pre-existing conditions and disability benefits she had received.
The lawsuit claimed that Rhines was not only misdiagnosed but also wrongfully arrested and detained by police, delaying her access to emergency medical care and causing lasting brain damage.
The officers’ failure to call for immediate medical attention, despite clear signs of a medical emergency, led to severe and permanent injuries for Rhines.
The controversy surrounding the case was heightened by allegations that the officers mocked Rhines’ condition during the incident, including on audio and video recordings.
Despite the settlement, the State of New Jersey and the NJ State Police have not yet commented publicly.
This case raises important questions about police training, especially for newly-trained officers, and the responsibility of law enforcement to properly handle medical emergencies.