Several Deaths in Connection with Kratom Herbal Supplement Spark Controversy

One herbal supplement has come under fire of late due to several deaths linked to it: The herb is known as kratom, and has resulted in the death of at least two parents whose families have been awarded $2.5 – $12 million from the manufacturers/distributors of the products that they consumed.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom is derived from a plant known as Mitragyna speciosa, with origins in Southeast Asia. Associated products, such as capsules filled with the powder, are sold in a number of U.S. stores, including convenience stores, gas stations, and in upscale bars. People can take the powder or prepare it in a drink as a stimulant, to treat anxiety and depression, as well as to help cope with withdrawal symptoms for opioids. However, it has also been found to lead to opioid-like effects, such as respiratory problems, when taken in high concentrations.

Lack of Regulation & Information

The problem is; those consuming the product are not placed on notice of what concentration, exactly, yields these dangerous effects, as well as whether there have been any dangerous effects associated with kratom products at all. Deaths associated with the product are typically listed as “acute mitragynine intoxication,” with mitragynine being one of the main psychoactive components of the kratom plant.

While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has indicated that kratom is not appropriate for use as a conventional supplement, that is the extent of what actions have been taken in terms of regulating the substance and warning the public: The US Drug Administration stepped away from regulating the drug after public backlash was expressed in response to the agency’s 2016 restrictions.

Wrongful Death Litigation

In the most recent case of a mother of four who died of acute intoxication from the herb in 2021, one judge ordered the distributor Grow LLC (which does business as “The Kratom Distro”) to pay her family close to $12 million for their loss, pain, and suffering. Similarly, when one father passed away after consuming the product in December 2020, a jury awarded his family $2.5 million against that manufacturer/distributor of kratom products as well (Society Botanicals LLC, which does business as “Kratom Divine”).

Have You Been Harmed By A Product? Contact Our Macon, Georgia Product Liability & Injury Attorneys

If you or a loved one has suffered harm (or death) after consuming a product that was sold as being safe for consumption, it is critical that you speak with a Macon personal injury attorney right away in order to ensure that justice is done.

At the Law Offices of Buzzell, Welsh & Hill, our injury attorneys are committed to ensuring that justice is done when it comes to individuals and families who are harmed by dangerous products that are put out as safe for public consumption. Contact us today for a free confidential consultation to find out more.

Sources:

miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article277744133.html

thenewstribune.com/news/state/washington/article277595083.html