Published by Table Of Contents
- Monster Energy Drink Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Monster Energy Lawsuit Updates
- Market Size and Impact Statistics
- FDA Reports and Statistics
- Monster Energy Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for a Monster Energy Lawsuit?
- Monster Energy Recall Information
- Statute of Limitations for Monster Energy Lawsuits
- FAQs
- 1. How Much Are Monster Energy Drink Lawsuits Worth?
- 2. What Chemicals in Monster Energy Drinks Are Dangerous?
- 3. Can One Monster Energy Drink Cause Heart Problems?
- 4. How Do I Prove My Injury Was Caused by Monster Energy?
- 5. Is There Currently a Class Action Lawsuit Against Monster Energy?
- 6. What Age Restrictions Exist for Monster Energy Drinks?
- 7. Can I File a Lawsuit if I’ve Been Drinking Monster Energy for Years?
- 8. How Long Does It Take to Settle a Monster Energy Lawsuit?
- Get A Free Monster Energy Drink Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Monster Energy Drink Lawsuit Overview
Monster Energy drink lawsuits claim that the beverage’s manufacturer failed to adequately warn consumers about serious health risks associated with their products.
These lawsuits allege that high caffeine and other stimulant ingredients in Monster Energy drinks can cause cardiovascular problems, seizures, kidney damage, and even death in some cases.
The FDA has received hundreds of adverse event reports related to Monster Energy consumption, and multiple wrongful death lawsuits have been filed against Monster Beverage Corporation.
Latest Monster Energy Lawsuit Updates
- July 22, 2025 – McKenzie Cain, a Michigan woman, has filed a lawsuit against Monster Beverage Corp., alleging she discovered a dead mouse inside a Monster Energy drink she purchased in April 2024. She is seeking at least $25,000 in damages for emotional distress, trauma, and physical illness [13.]. Monster Energy has denied the claim, calling it a “hoax” and asserting that their manufacturing processes make such contamination impossible. The case has been moved from Michigan state court to federal court and has sparked renewed debate about consumer safety and food production standards.
- April 9, 2025 – The ongoing case of Smith v. Monster Beverage Corp. involves plaintiff Brian Smith, who alleges that consuming four 16-ounce Monster Energy drinks in a single day led to a hemorrhagic stroke and resulted in serious, permanent injuries. The lawsuit asserts claims of strict product liability, negligence, and breach of implied warranty. Originally filed in state court, the case was moved to federal court, where proceedings are underway to determine Monster’s liability for the alleged health consequences of its products. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for energy drink litigation and product safety standards [1].
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March 26, 2025 – Multiple lawsuits were filed against Monster Beverage by individuals alleging serious injuries from regular consumption of Monster Energy drinks. The company previously settled three wrongful death lawsuits out of court, with details not made public, and has faced calls for tighter regulation of caffeinated energy drinks, especially for minors [2].
- March 2024 – Connecticut House Bill 5261 was introduced to prohibit the sale of energy drinks containing more than 80mg of caffeine per nine ounces to anyone under 16. If passed, the law would require age verification and impose escalating fines for violations, with a proposed effective date of January 1, 2025 [3].
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2017–2024 – Peer-reviewed studies and systematic reviews consistently found that energy drinks, including Monster, can significantly increase blood pressure and heart rate, and are associated with heightened risks of cardiac arrhythmia, seizures, and even sudden death, especially in adolescents and those with pre-existing heart conditions. These findings have been cited in court cases and regulatory discussions [2].
- April 2018 – South Carolina lawmakers, prompted by the death of a 16-year-old, proposed a bill to ban the sale of energy drinks to anyone under 18. The bill, supported by advocacy from bereaved parents, would impose fines for violations and treat energy drinks similarly to alcohol and tobacco regarding age restrictions [4].
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March 2015 – Monster Beverage settled several wrongful death lawsuits, including those filed by the families of Anais Fournier and Alex Morris. Fournier died at age 14 after consuming two Monster drinks in 24 hours; Morris, age 19, died of cardiac arrhythmia after drinking at least two Monster Energy drinks daily for three years. Both cases alleged Monster failed to warn about the dangers of high caffeine consumption for young people [5].
- March 2015 – The wrongful death lawsuit Felts v. Monster Beverage Corporation was settled for undisclosed terms. Shane Felts, a healthy 42-year-old Kansas City man, died in June 2012 after consuming at least one Monster Energy drink daily for two weeks. His wife, Heather Felts, filed suit in 2014 alleging Monster failed to warn consumers about the potential dangers of high caffeine intake; the case added to mounting legal and scientific scrutiny of energy drinks and their health risks [6].
- July 16, 2013 – The mother of Alex Morris filed a wrongful death lawsuit in California, alleging her son’s death was caused by habitually drinking Monster Energy. The lawsuit claimed that Morris would not have died if he had not consumed two cans of Monster daily for three years [7].
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May 2013 – The city of San Francisco sued Monster Beverage for allegedly targeting children in its marketing and failing to warn about health risks [2].
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October 17, 2012 – The parents of Anais Fournier filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Monster, claiming her death was due to a toxic amount of caffeine and other stimulants from two Monster drinks in 24 hours. The suit alleged that Monster failed to warn consumers of the risk of adverse health effects, especially for minors [8].
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November 16, 2012 – The FDA published adverse event reports (AERs) for energy drinks, including Monster, documenting 40 reports between 2004 and October 2012, with several cases involving death or serious injury. The FDA noted these reports did not establish causation but highlighted the need for further investigation [9].
Market Size and Impact Statistics
Monster Energy drinks hold approximately 39% of the U.S. energy drink market, with annual sales exceeding $5.8 billion. In 2023, over 650 million gallons of energy drinks were consumed in the United States alone, with Monster being one of the leading brands.
Research shows that energy drinks are most commonly consumed by adolescents and young adults, with 31% of teenagers aged 12-17 and 34% of young adults aged 18-24 reporting regular consumption of energy drinks.
According to healthcare economic studies, the annual cost of treating energy drink-related emergency room visits is estimated at $16 million, with cardiovascular issues being the most common complaint.
FDA Reports and Statistics
The FDA’s MAUDE (Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience) database contains over 350 adverse event reports specifically linked to Monster Energy drinks, including:
- 102 reports of cardiovascular issues (tachycardia, chest pain, hypertension)
- 78 reports of neurological problems (seizures, tremors, migraines)
- 54 reports of gastrointestinal complications
- 29 reports of kidney-related issues
- 17 reports of psychological effects (anxiety, panic attacks)
Between 2007 and 2024, the FDA received reports of 34 deaths potentially linked to Monster Energy consumption, though causation has not been definitively established in all cases.
Monster Energy Injuries & Side Effects
Monster Energy drinks have been associated with numerous serious health complications due to their high caffeine content and proprietary blend of stimulant ingredients.
- Cardiovascular Problems: Irregular heartbeat, chest pain, heart attacks, high blood pressure
- Neurological Issues: Seizures, tremors, strokes, migraines
- Kidney Damage: Acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease
- Liver Damage: Acute hepatitis, elevated liver enzymes
- Psychiatric Effects: Severe anxiety, panic attacks, mood disorders
- High Risk of Caffeine Overdose: Especially in children and adolescents
A 2011 study published in Pediatrics highlighted the dangers of energy drinks for children and adolescents, noting that these beverages are frequently marketed to younger consumers [10].
Do You Qualify for a Monster Energy Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a Monster Energy lawsuit if:
- You consumed Monster Energy drinks between 2002 and the present
- You experienced serious side effects including heart arrhythmias, seizures, kidney problems, or other severe health complications
- Your injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization
- You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to Monster Energy consumption
- You are filing within the statute of limitations for your state
If your loved one died after consuming Monster Energy drinks and you believe their death was related to the product, you may qualify for a wrongful death lawsuit.
Evidence Required for a Monster Energy Lawsuit
To build a strong case, you’ll need to provide:
- Medical records documenting your injuries
- Evidence of Monster Energy consumption (receipts, witness statements)
- Physician statements linking your condition to energy drink consumption
- Timeline of consumption and symptom development
- History of any pre-existing conditions
Damages You Can Recover
Successful Monster Energy lawsuits may result in compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages against the manufacturer
- Wrongful death damages (if applicable)
Monster Energy Recall Information
While there have been no official nationwide recalls of Monster Energy drinks, the FDA has conducted investigations into the safety of these products following numerous adverse event reports.
In 2012, the FDA launched an investigation after receiving reports of five deaths potentially linked to Monster Energy drinks. This investigation prompted Monster Beverage Corporation to change their product labeling from “dietary supplement” to “beverage,” which subjected them to different regulatory standards.
In several countries including Lithuania, Turkey, and Uruguay, certain Monster Energy products have faced temporary sales restrictions or bans due to high caffeine content and concerns about other ingredients.
A case study published in BMJ Case Reports uncovered a link between niacin (vitamin B3) in energy drinks and acute hepatitis [11].
Statute of Limitations for Monster Energy Lawsuits
The time you have to file a Monster Energy lawsuit varies by state:
- California: 2 years from date of injury or discovery
- New York: 3 years from date of injury
- Florida: 4 years from date of injury
- Texas: 2 years from date of injury
- Illinois: 2 years from date of injury
For wrongful death claims, the statute typically begins running from the date of death. If you’re unsure about the deadline in your state, consult with an attorney immediately as missing the deadline can permanently bar your claim.
FAQs
1. How Much Are Monster Energy Drink Lawsuits Worth?
Settlement values vary widely based on injury severity, medical expenses, and individual circumstances. While many cases settle confidentially, similar energy drink lawsuits have resulted in settlements ranging from $50,000 for minor injuries to multi-million dollar verdicts for wrongful death or permanent disability cases.
2. What Chemicals in Monster Energy Drinks Are Dangerous?
Monster Energy drinks contain several potentially dangerous ingredients, including caffeine (160mg per 16oz can), guarana extract, taurine, and niacin (vitamin B3).
3. Can One Monster Energy Drink Cause Heart Problems?
Yes. A study presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2015 and published in JAMA found that consuming just one 16-ounce energy drink can increase stress hormone responses and raise blood pressure within 30 minutes [12]. The unique combination of stimulants may contribute to cardiovascular issues even with limited consumption.
4. How Do I Prove My Injury Was Caused by Monster Energy?
Proving causation requires medical documentation linking your symptoms to Monster Energy consumption, testimony from medical experts, evidence of proper product use, and demonstration that you had no pre-existing conditions that would otherwise explain your injuries.
5. Is There Currently a Class Action Lawsuit Against Monster Energy?
Yes, several class action lawsuits against Monster Beverage Corporation are currently proceeding through the court system. These lawsuits primarily allege failure to warn consumers about health risks associated with their products and deceptive marketing practices.
6. What Age Restrictions Exist for Monster Energy Drinks?
Currently, there are no federal age restrictions on energy drink purchases in the United States. However, some retailers have implemented voluntary age restrictions, and several states are considering legislation to prohibit sales to minors under 18.
7. Can I File a Lawsuit if I’ve Been Drinking Monster Energy for Years?
Yes, long-term consumption cases may be eligible for compensation if you can demonstrate that regular consumption led to chronic health problems. Medical documentation establishing the connection between your consumption pattern and health issues is essential.
8. How Long Does It Take to Settle a Monster Energy Lawsuit?
Most energy drink lawsuits take between 1-3 years to resolve, depending on case complexity, injury severity, and whether the case goes to trial or settles out of court. Individual cases usually resolve more quickly than class actions.
Get A Free Monster Energy Drink Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Time is limited to pursue legal action against Monster Beverage Corporation. With statutes of limitations as short as two years in many states, it’s critical to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after experiencing adverse effects.
Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers:
- Free, confidential consultations
- No upfront costs or fees
- Payment only if we win your case
- Decades of experience in product liability litigation
Don’t let the opportunity for justice pass you by. The potential risks of energy drinks continue to mount, with new research consistently revealing additional health concerns related to caffeine overdose and the dangerous combination of stimulant ingredients.
References:
- https://www.seattlepi.com/seattlenews/article/Washington-stroke-survivor-blames-Monster-Energy-6840966.php
- https://www.classaction.com/energy-drinks/settlement/
- https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2024/03/08/Connecticut-seeks-to-ban-energy-drink-sales-to-children-once-again-amid-caffeine-content-concerns/
- https://www.ajc.com/news/national/proposed-bill-limits-caffeine-for-teens-after-south-carolina-teen-dies-from-energy-drink/5VIzZhwd99JkbnIaH5e7YP/
- https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2015/03/27/719761/11759/en/Energy-Drink-Wrongful-Death-Suit-Set-to-go-to-Trial.html
- https://www.forthepeople.com/blog/dangerous-caffeine-levels-monster-energy-facing-lawsuits/
- https://www.findlaw.com/legalblogs/personal-injury/mom-sues-monster-beverage-over-sons-death/
- https://www.espn.com/action/story/_/id/8544074/monster-energy-sued-wrongful-death-teen-girl
- https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/energy-drinks-timeline-regulatory-and-media-scrutiny-2012-2013
- http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2011/02/14/peds.2009-3592.short
- http://casereports.bmj.com/content/2016/bcr-2016-216612
- http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleID=2469194