Would drug intoxication be considered a &quot;pre-existing condition&quot; for the thin skull rule
<p>The <em>Thin Skull Rule</em>, also known as <em>Eggshell Skull Doctrine</em> states that the unexpected vulnerability of an injured person is not a valid defense to the seriousness of any injury caused to them.</p>
<p>In the Derek Chauvin trial regarding the death of George Floyd, the defense argues that the levels of fentanyl in George Floyd's blood contributed to the hypoxia of which he died.</p>
<p>If it is true that the fentanyl was a contributing factor, would this be a valid argument, or would the drug intoxication be considered a pre-existing condition, therefore applying the Thin Skull Rule?</p>

<p>The Thin Skull Rule is a doctrine of tort law in a lawsuit to recover damages.</p>
<p>The Derek Chauvin trial regarding the death of George Floyd is a criminal trial, and so the Thin Skull Rule is not applicable. The issues are causation and intent within the meaning of the relevant state criminal statute.</p>

united-states criminal-law drugs