Family files wrongful death lawsuit against Red Bull

Many New Jersey residents who regularly consume energy drinks should pay attention to recent news reports that question the safety of these products. Energy drinks have come under scrutiny recently after reports of caffeine toxicity-related injuries and even deaths.

This week, a wrongful death lawsuit was filed against Red Bull. It is believed to be the first legal action of this type that the energy drink maker has faced.

The lawsuit was filed by the family of a man who died while playing basketball in 2011. He died of a heart attack, according to the lawsuit, and he had been drinking Red Bull prior to the basketball game.

The lawsuit claims that the caffeine in Red Bull was a factor that led to the heart attack. According to the lawsuit, this is not the only death linked to the caffeinated beverage. Nine other deaths have been tied to Red Bull consumption.

This year, the Food and Drug Administration has been investigating Red Bull as well as other energy drink makers, such as Monster, after numerous reports of adverse effects and fatalities.

It is important that New Jersey consumers are able to trust that products, such as energy drinks, are safe. When they are not safe, manufacturers can be held accountable under the legal principle of products liability, which is what the victim’s family is aiming to do in this case.

The family has asked for $85 million; the family has also stated that they hope their loss will alert others of the potential dangers of energy drink consumption.

Source: Consumerist.com, “Family Sues Red Bull For $85 Million, Blaming Man’s Death On The Energy Drink,” Mary Beth Quirk, Oct. 28, 2013