Caffeinated Energy Drink Sued for Wrongful Death
Riverside wrongful death attorneys sued Monster Energy Drink for the death of a girl. Recent reports by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have shown that there have been at least five death allegedly linked to the highly caffeinated drink maker and at least one was a non-fatal heart attack.
Monster Energy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
According to the report, people who consume the beverage may have adverse reactions to the high dosage of caffeine contained in the cans. A 24-ounce can contain up to 240 milligrams of caffeine, which according to Bloomberg Business Week, is about seven times that of typical 12-ounce soda can.
Allegations being investigated by the FDA regarding the energy drink date back to 2004. The reports however, (according to the agency) do not prove that there is a direct link to prove that there is a correlation between the deaths or injuries and the drink.
“As with any reports of a death or injury the agency receives, we take them very seriously and investigate diligently,” Shelly Burgess, a FDA spokeswoman, stated to the publication.
The wrongful death suit was filed at Riverside, Calif. by the parents of the 14-year-old Maryland girl Anais Fournier. She died after drinking only two 24-ounce Monster Energy drinks within a 24 hour period. According to Reuters, Fournier had an existing heart condition.
Her case is being investigated. Thus far, an autopsy has been able to conclude that the cause of her death was cardiac arrhythmia due to caffeine toxicity. The medical examiner discovered that the girl already had an inherited disorder that weakens her blood vessels as well. Her parents claim that Monster failed to warn about the risks that come from drinking the product, however.
On their website, Monster Beverage Corp., touts that Monster Energy Drink is a “killer energy brew” and “the meanest energy supplement on the planet.” And their cans are labeled with a notice that states their drinks are not recommended for children and people who are sensitive to caffeine (i.e. heart problems.) When the company that is increasing in market share amongst energy drinks came upon the news last week, they stated that they were “unaware of any fatality anywhere that has been caused by its drinks,” per BW.
Energy drink market makes up about three percent of the soft drink market. Per the FDA, the maximum amount of caffeine a soda can have is two percent, while the energy drink industry is not limited.
Contact our wrongful death attorneys if you have questions that may correlate death to an energy drink today!
Reviewed by Chris H. in 2012.