Energy Drinks Linked to Injuries and Death

Popular high-caffeine energy drinks sold in hundreds of Pennsylvania grocery stores and gas stations might also be killers.

At least one wrongful death lawsuit has already been filed.

The mother of a 14-year-old Maryland girl who died of “cardiac arrhythmia due to caffeine toxicity” after consuming large cans of Monster Energy on two consecutive days has sued the product’s manufacturer for causing her daughter’s death, according to The New York Times.

And she is far from the only victim, as records just released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reveal.

The list of potential caffeinated killers identified by the FDA include:

• Monster Energy. Five people may have died over the past three years after drinking Monster Energy, a super-caffeinated beverage sold under names like Monster Rehab, Monster Assault and Monster Heavy Metal.
• 5-Hour Energy. Reports of 13 deaths over the last four years have cited the possible involvement of 5-Hour Energy, a supercharged two-ounce energy shot.
• Rockstar. Thirteen injury filings have implicated Rockstar Energy drinks.

Billions of cans of energy drinks have been sold worldwide since their introduction in the early 2000s. Some are sold as beverages, while others are sold as dietary supplements.

The industry is facing increasing scrutiny over labeling disclosures and health risks. Some lawmakers have called on the FDA to increase its regulation.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has reported that more than 13,000 emergency room visits in 2009 were associated with energy drinks alone.

Free Consultation With a Pennsylvania Personal Injury Attorney

Have you or someone you know been injured after consuming an energy drink? Suffered a loss as the result of some other defective or dangerous product? Talk with an experienced Scranton personal injury lawyer at Munley, Munley & Cartwright. For more than 40 years we have assisted people and families in Pennsylvania whose lives have been disrupted by an accident, injury or harmful product. Call 877-763-2343 or use this contact form.

Sources:

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/OfficeofFoods/CFSAN/CFSANFOIAElectronicReadingRoom/UCM328270.pdf
• New York Times (Monster Energy drinks) http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/27/business/energy-drink-disclosures-expose-gaps-in-safety-policy.html?ref=foodanddrugadministration&_r=0
• The New York Times (5-Hour Energy) http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/f/food_and_drug_administration/index.html?inline=nyt-org
• The New York Times (Rockstar) http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/16/business/scrutiny-of-energy-drinks-grows.html