July 12, 2013 — The family of a 19 year-old teenager has filed an energy drink lawsuit against Monster Beverage for the wrongful death of Alex Morris. The plaintiff consumed two cans of Monster energy drinks every day for three years until his death. On July 1, 2012, Morris suffered a fatal cardiac arrhythmia and cardiac arrest.
The complaint was filed in Alameda County, California by Paula Morris, the mother of Alex Morris. She alleges that she never would have allowed her son to consume the beverages had she known about the life-threatening risks. She claims Monster was negligent for failing to adequately warn about the risk.
This is the second wrongful death lawsuit filed against Monster Beverage. The company is also facing a lawsuit on behalf of Anais Fournier, a 14 year-old girl from Maryland who allegedly died of caffeine toxicity after drinking two 24-ounce Monster energy drinks. Monster argues that the girl’s death was caused by a pre-existing heart problem.
According to this U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) report on energy drink injuries and deaths (PDF), Monster energy drinks were associated with five deaths between April 2009 and May 2012. Another energy drink, 5-Hour Energy, is associated with 13 deaths and 33 hospitalizations, which the FDA is investigating.
Many people are concerned about the growing popularity of the drinks among children. In 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics warned that the drinks should not be consumed by children and adolescents due to concerns about health problems.
Energy drinks often contain large amounts of caffeine, amino acids, artificial flavorings and colors, vitamins (sometimes thousands of times higher than the recommended daily amount), and more. Because the drinks are regulated as “dietary supplements” and not food, they often contain undisclosed ingredients. Few products disclose the amount of caffeine in each drink.
Do I have an Energy Drink Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Monster energy drink injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was 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 us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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