THE DRUG DEALER CAUSED MY OVERDOSE!

Janine appeared at Chloe's door with a homemade pie.

"Sorry I'm late for the party." She looked around. "Wow.lots of
people.and lots of smokers." She coughed.

"Yeah! All my old buddies showed up!" Chloe said. "Let's heat up your
pie."

Janine hesitated. "I don't recognize anyone."

"They're all friendly," Chloe assured her.

Chloe's friends came into the kitchen.

"Hey Chloe-baby, running low on food out there."

Janine managed a smile. "Uhh.I have some pie."

The girls laughed. "We were hoping for hash brownies."

Janine was horrified. "Chloe! I thought you had left this
lifestyle."

Chloe shrugged. "That doesn't mean they can't be friends."

"How do you expect to stay clean if you're surrounded with these
people?"

"Let's just enjoy your great pie and.ouch!"

Her hand gave out and she almost dropped the plate.

"Are you still having that pain in your arm?" Janine
fretted.

Chloe slumped in a chair.

Janine said, "It could be a heart attack, you know."

Sean appeared at the door. "I think I can help."

Janine turned to him. "Are you a doctor?"

Sean smiled. "You could say I make people feel good."

Janine balked. "You're her old chrystal meth dealer!"

Chloe was faint. "Maybe Sean can help."

"Got some fresh stuff." Sean smiled.

Janine stormed out of the kitchen. "Call me if you want some real
help."

An hour later, Chloe called Janine, barely able to speak. "Oh
Janine.why didn't I listen to you? I .I think I overdosed."

The line went dead.

Janine raced over and got Chloe to the E.R.

Janine spent 11 days in a coma caused by the overdose and a heart
attack.

"This is all Sean's fault! Sue him!" Janine told her
friend.

IN THE COURTROOM

Chloe was still weak. "Hold Sean responsible! He gave me the drug
knowing I hadn't taken any for eight months. I want $50,000 in damages."

Sean fought back. "She decided to take the drug, so she's responsible
for the consequences."

Is Sean responsible? You! Be The Judge. Then look below for the
decision.

THE DECISION

"Pay up, Sean!" declared the Judge. "Chloe was an addict since 18, but
hadn't smoked meth for about eight months. She was weak and you took
advantage of her and caused her overdose."

Today's column is based on a case from Saskatchewan. The characters
and the scenarios are fictional. Any resemblance to real people is
purely coincidental. The information in this column does not
constitute legal advice.

If you have a similar problem, consult a lawyer in your province.
Elissa Bernstein is a lawyer and internationally syndicated columnist.