Energy Drink Lawsuit | Latest Updates

Energy Drink Lawsuit Overview

Energy drink lawsuits center on allegations that manufacturers failed to properly warn consumers about serious health risks. Studies have linked these products to severe medical conditions including kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, and even death. 

In 2007 alone, there were 5,448 caffeine overdoses reported in the U.S., with nearly half occurring in children under 19. The FDA and medical researchers have raised significant concerns about the safety of these products.

Latest Energy Drink Lawsuit Updates

• August 2016 – A case report published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine stated that the high levels of caffeine in energy drinks like Red Bull may lead to severe blood pressure health problems and kidney failure [1]
• Summer 2015 – The parties involved in a Monster Energy Drink lawsuit  that went to trial reached an undisclosed settlement. The lawsuit involved 19-year-old Alex Morris, who died from cardiac arrest, kidney failure, and other health problems in July 2012 after regularly consuming Monster products. 
• 2014 – Heather Felts filed a lawsuit against Monster Beverage Corporation alleging the company’s energy drinks contributed to the wrongful death of her husband, Shane Felts, on June 25, 2012.
• 2014 – Monster Beverage Corp. settled previous class action lawsuits during trial in San Francisco.
• 2012 – In a JAMA editorial, researchers claimed energy beverages are “just as great a threat to individual and public health and safety” as premixed alcoholic drinks recently deemed unsafe by the FDA.

• 2011 – A study published in the medical journal Pediatrics found that energy drinks have little to no known therapeutic benefit and that many ingredients are unregulated and/or understudied.

Reports and Statistics

According to medical research:

• Nearly half of the 5,448 caffeine overdoses reported in the U.S. in 2007 occurred in children under age 19 [2]
• An estimated 30-50% of adolescents and young adults consume energy drinks
• U.S. energy drink sales jumped nearly 30% from 2013 to 2018, reaching $13.5 billion [3]
• Energy drink sales have more than doubled in recent years, with 35% of men ages 18-24 drinking them regularly

Popular energy drinks include Rockstar, Redbull, 5-Hour Energy, Monster Energy, AMP Energy, NOS Energy, Redline Energy, BMX, 180, Hansen’s Energy, Adrenaline Rush, Amazon Energy Drinks, AMP, and Extreme Energy.

Related Article: Is Epilepsy Considered a Disability?

Energy Drink Injuries & Side Effects

Energy drinks have been reportedly connected to numerous serious health complications, particularly in younger consumers.

• Cardiovascular Issues: Heart failure, atrial fibrillation, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), heart attack
• Renal Problems: Kidney failure
• Neurological Effects: Seizures, dizziness, nervousness, jitters
• Digestive Issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Other Reactions: Allergic reactions including rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, swelling of the mouth/face/lips/tongue
• Withdrawal Symptoms: Severe fatigue, headaches, irritability

Do You Qualify for an Energy Drink Lawsuit?

You may qualify for an energy drink lawsuit if:

• You consumed energy drinks like Monster, Red Bull, 5-Hour Energy, or similar products
• You experienced serious side effects including heart problems, kidney failure, or stroke
• Your injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to energy drink consumption

Evidence Required for an Energy Drink Lawsuit

• Medical records documenting your injuries and treatment
• Proof of energy drink consumption
• Doctor’s statement connecting your health issues to energy drink consumption
• Timeline of consumption and onset of symptoms

Damages You Can Recover

• Medical expenses for treatment of injuries
• Lost wages due to inability to work
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages against manufacturers
• Compensation for permanent disability or wrongful death

Statute of Limitations for Energy Drink Lawsuits

Time limits for filing energy drink lawsuits vary by state. It’s essential to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after experiencing health complications to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable statute of limitations.

FAQs

1. What health risks are associated with energy drinks?

Energy drinks have been linked to serious health risks including kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, seizures, and in some cases, death. Medical studies have found these drinks often contain excessive amounts of caffeine and other poorly regulated ingredients.

2. Who is most at risk for energy drink side effects?

The risk for serious side effects is greatly increased in children, adolescents, and young adults with pre-existing health conditions such as epilepsy, seizures, diabetes, cardiac abnormalities, and mood/behavioral disorders. Users of certain prescription medications are also at higher risk.

3. What is in energy drinks that makes them potentially dangerous?

Most energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine, often combined with other stimulants like taurine and guarana. A study published in Pediatrics found many ingredients in energy drinks are unregulated and understudied, raising concerns about potential toxicity when consumed in large amounts.

4. How much caffeine is in a typical energy drink?

The caffeine content varies by brand. For example, the lawsuit noted that a person who consumed two Monster energy drinks (16 oz cans) would consume approximately 320 milligrams of caffeine in a short period.

5. Have there been successful lawsuits against energy drink companies?

Yes. The article mentions that Monster Beverage Corp. has settled previous class action lawsuits during trial in San Francisco, although the company has denied any wrongdoing or false advertising in all cases.

6. What compensation might be available in energy drink lawsuits?

Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in cases of death, wrongful death damages. Some lawsuits also seek punitive damages against manufacturers.

7. How do I know if my health problems are related to energy drink consumption?

Medical documentation is essential to establish a link between energy drink consumption and health problems. Doctors can help determine if your symptoms and timing of consumption suggest a causal relationship.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for injuries related to energy drink consumption. Statutes of limitations restrict how long you have to file your claim after sustaining injuries.

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Don’t delay seeking the compensation you deserve and contact our firm immediately for a free consultation. 

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References:

1. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/08/160802112730.htm
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6166148/#:~:text=Of%20the%205448%20US%20caffeine,those%20younger%20than%2019%20years.&text=The%20authors%20selected%20scientific%20reports,among%20subjects%20with%20cardiovascular%20disease.
3. https://www.bevindustry.com/articles/93233-state-of-the-beverage-industry-energy-drinks-mixes-maintain-steady-growth#:~:text=Total%20energy%20drink%20and%20energy,shot%20sales%20have%20largely%20stagnated.%E2%80%9D