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Monster Energy Drink May be Linked to Multiple Deaths

- Ennis & Ennis

10/22/2012 - Popular energy drink, Monster Energy, may be linked to five deaths in the past three years, according to The New York Times.   In light of these reported deaths, Monster Energy drinks, and other energy drinks of the like, may come under great scrutiny and prompt the need for stricter caffeine drink regulation.

Reports of these five deaths were brought to surface after a mother filed a lawsuit against Monster Beverage alleging its product caused her 14-year old daughter’s death and it failed to warn of the dangerous risks associated with its energy drinks.

Reports filed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration indicate that there have been five deaths since 2009 possibly linked to Monster Energy, however the reports do not indicate whether there were other factors involved, such as alcohol or drugs.  Most incidents of this nature are underreported to the FDA, so it would not be surprising if the number of adverse event reports increases once there is public awareness.  

According to the Monster Energy lawsuit, the teenager, Anais Fornier, consumed 24 ounces of Monster Energy drink twice within 24 hours, which “contained a total of 480 mg of caffeine – the equivalent caffeine content of (14) 12-oz. cans of Coca-Cola.”  Within a couple of hours of consuming the second drink, Fornier went into cardiac arrest.  The autopsy and medical examiner reports listed “cardiac arrhythmia due to caffeine toxicity” that exacerbated an existing heart problem as the cause of death, according to the complaint. The report indicated that the teenager also had Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, an autoimmune disease.

In February 2011, Pediatrics published a study that revealed energy drinks are linked to a variety of adverse events in children, including cardiac arrest and death.  Children who take medications or have chronic illnesses carry an increased risk of suffering an adverse event.

Energy drinks have become very popular, with sales increasing 240 percent from 2004 to 2009.  In 2011 Monster Energy drink alone accounted for $1.3 billion in revenue.  Interestingly energy drinks are classified as dietary supplements, thereby escaping stricter regulations.

Ennis & Ennis is offering free, nationwide, confidential consultations to anyone who has suffered a sudden cardiac event shortly after consuming an energy drink by calling toll free 1-800-856-6405 or by completing the free online case evaluation form on this page.

Ennis & Ennis, P.A. has been representing clients individually since 1986 and has recovered over $100 million in settlements for its clients.

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