Specialties & Diseases > Emergency Medicine

Medical emergency mistaken for drunk driving results in $13 million verdict

By Claire Wolters | Fact-checked by Davi Sherman

Published February 19, 2025

Key Takeaways

Industry Buzz

"After a lengthy delay, someone at the police station realized the woman was in need of medical attention and called EMS... The woman sustained significant brain damage from a stroke, resulting in permanent disability. The delay in medical treatment was estimated at more than two hours, the lawsuit said." — NJ.com

A New Jersey woman was awarded about $13 million in damages following a lawsuit against New Jersey State Police, state officials, and a state trooper, who her lawyers allege negligently and wrongfully arrested her in 2017.^[] The jury initially awarded her $19.1 million in damages, but the final judgment was reduced to approximately $12.9 million.

Here’s what happened

The woman suffered a stroke while driving in 2017 and was pulled over and arrested by a state trooper. The trooper reportedly ignored the woman’s signs of medical distress and brought her to a police station in handcuffs rather than a hospital.

At the police station, another person took notice of the woman’s symptoms and called emergency medical services (EMS). According to the lawsuit, the woman’s eventual hospital care was delayed over 2 hours by officers’ negligence and their decision to wrongfully arrest her. Despite eventually receiving care, the woman suffered brain damage and permanent disability from the stroke.

Should law enforcement receive EMS training?

The situation sheds light on the importance of correctly identifying stroke symptoms and quickly transporting people to care.

In situations like this, police officers are often the first responders and could potentially be the difference between life and death. Basic knowledge of medical conditions, like strokes, could help officers identify and respond more appropriately, reducing the risk of misjudging a medical emergency as intoxication. Given that these situations are time-sensitive and can escalate quickly, providing police with essential EMS training could save lives and prevent unnecessary harm or trauma to individuals in distress.