Possible Monster Energy Drink Settlement
Written by Faith Anderson on June 14, 2013
Fatal Heart Problem Caused by Caffeine Overdose
According to allegations raised in the wrongful death suit, Anais went into cardiac arrest and died of cardiac arrhythmia due to caffeine toxicity. A Maryland coroner who examined the girl indicated that her death was caused by heart problems related to a caffeine overdose. Anais did have an existing heart condition at the time of her death, and Monster Beverage has argued that her death was caused by the pre-existing condition, not by her consumption of the energy drink. In their wrongful death lawsuit, Anais’ parents claim that the energy drink company targeted children with its highly caffeinated beverages, and contend that the marketing practices of Monster Beverage encouraged teens and young adults to consume dangerous, and possibly even deadly, amounts of caffeine.
Deadly Risks Posed by Caffeine Overdose
Just last month, the city of San Francisco brought similar complaints against the company in its own Monster Energy lawsuit. Officials with Monster Beverage maintain that the levels of caffeine in their products are comparable to those contained in coffee served at Starbucks, but critics argue that Starbucks does not direct its advertising towards children. Unfortunately, Anais’ death isn’t the only adverse event allegedly related to energy drink consumption. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating a number of other deaths and heart problems related to Monster and other highly caffeinated energy drinks like Red Bull and 5-Hour Energy. In May 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics released a statement saying that energy drinks “are never appropriate for children and adolescents,” citing possible harmful effects of caffeine overdose on the developing cardiovascular and neurologic systems.
Consult a Reputable Attorney for Legal Help
The lucrative energy drink industry has come under fire following Anais’ death, and earlier this year, the FDA reclassified Monster Energy drinks as beverages rather than dietary supplements, which previously allowed the products to escape federal regulations requiring disclosure of ingredients and nutritional information. Health experts have also recommended that children not consume more than 100 mg of caffeine in a day, to avoid the risk of a potentially deadly caffeine overdose. Most energy drinks currently on the market contain more than this amount, and some even contain three times as much caffeine. If you have suffered a serious heart problem or another side effect that you believe to be associated with a potentially dangerous energy drink, our consumer advocates at the Consumer Justice Foundation can help you get in touch with an attorney who has experienced handling product liability cases in your area.
Source: http://www.cnbc.com/id/100779705
Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57537545/monster-energy-drink-maker-sued-for-14-year-olds-death/