May 1, 2015 — A jury in California is deciding whether Monster Energy Corp. should be liable for the death of Alex Morris, a 19 year-old who consumed two 16-oz cans of the energy drink every day for three years.
Each 8-oz of Monster Energy contains 92-mg of caffeine, according to Consumer Reports, which suggests Morris was consuming nearly 400-mg of caffeine in the drinks every day.
Monster is accused of recklessly and aggressively marketing super-caffeinated beverages to a demographic at higher risk of health problems from caffeine toxicity. According to the lawsuit:
“Despite the well-known health risks associated with excessive caffeine consumption, Monster Energy is heavily marketed towards teenagers and young adults, the individuals most susceptible to caffeine-related injury.”
Morris allegedly drank two 16-oz Monster Energy Drinks in the 24 hours before his death in the early hours of June 1, 2012. He was taken to a hospital in Oakland, but doctors could not save his life. His cause of death was listed as “cardiac arrhythmia and cardiomyopathy” and he had no illegal drugs or alcohol in his body.
Cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart muscle gradually deteriorates. Arrhythmias occur when the heart stops beating effectively or loses its normal rhythm. Failure to pump enough blood to the brain and vital organs can rapidly cause death.
The risks of excessive caffeine consumption are very serious for teenagers, who do not need to consume as much to experience adverse effects. Young people with heart conditions may have even greater risks.
The same legal team taking Morris’s case to trial also represents the family of 14 year-old Anais Fournier, a girl with a heart condition who died after consuming two 24-oz cans of Monster Energy in a 24-hour period before her death.
Do I have a Monster Energy Drink Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Monster Energy induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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