Energy Drinks Can Cause Wrongful Death

Caffeine is the most consumed stimulant in the world. Look around and you’ll notice a Starbucks coffee shop on virtually every corner of the city. You’ll also notice convenience stores selling 44 oz sodas for less than $1.00.

Sodas and coffees aren’t the only drinks with mass amounts of caffeine, however. Another big caffeine contender? Energy drinks.

Caffeine in Energy Drinks

Energy drinks are under scrutiny because of the large amounts of caffeine per can. Energy drinks are considered a dietary supplement and therefore virtually unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The ingestion of concentrated sources of caffeine is the general cause of acute caffeine toxicity.

According to the FDA, about 80% of adults in the United States consume caffeine on a daily basis. A 2010 study published by the FDA reported the average adult consumes about 300 mg of caffeine per day, with teenagers consuming one third of that amount. Average doses of caffeine (85–250 mg) may result in feelings of alertness, decreased fatigue, and eased flow of thought. High doses (250–500 mg) can result in restlessness, nervousness, insomnia, and tremors. In high doses, caffeine can cause a hyperadrenergic syndrome resulting in seizures and cardiovascular instability.

Energy Drink Investigations and Lawsuits

The FDA said it was investigating reports that five people since 2009 died after consuming Monster energy drinks. One 16 oz Monster Energy Drinks contains 160 mg of caffeine. For reference, one 8 oz cup of brewed coffee contains roughly 57 mg of caffeine.

In one of the latest claims against Monster Energy, fourteen-year-old Anais Fournier died from cardiac arrest in December of 2011 after drinking two 24-oz cans of Monster energy drinks within 24 hours. Her family has sued the company, blaming the drinks for her death.

Contact a Wrongful Death Attorney Today

If you suspect a product was to blame for the wrongful death of a loved one, you are urged to contact an Indianapolis wrongful death lawyer from Wilson Kehoe Winingham. The lawyers at WKW can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call 317.920.6400 or fill out an online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

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