Kratom Death Lawsuits

While it has been available elsewhere for centuries, kratom has grown in popularity in the United States. Some estimates suggest as many as 2 million people in the US use kratom. You might have seen kratom products on shelves in a supplement boutique, at the gas station, or in a local smoke/vape shop. But, is kratom safe? We take a look at kratom and kratom death lawsuits.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom, scientifically known as mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. It is found in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. The leaves of the kratom tree have been used traditionally for their stimulant and opioid-like effects by people in these regions for centuries.

Kratom and Opioids

Kratom leaves contain active compounds called alkaloids, with two primary ones being mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These alkaloids interact with opioid receptors in the brain, which can lead to effects such as pain relief, relaxation, and mood enhancement. In lower doses, kratom is often reported to produce stimulant-like effects, including increased energy, alertness, and sociability.

Kratom Gains Popularity In The US

Kratom has gained popularity in various parts of the world (including the United States) as an herbal supplement or alternative medicine for managing pain, anxiety, depression, and opioid withdrawal symptoms. However, it’s important to note that kratom’s safety and effectiveness as a medicinal substance is still the subject of ongoing research and debate.

Concerns About Kratom Use

There are concerns about potential side effects and real risks associated with kratom use, including:

1. Addiction and Dependence: Kratom can be habit-forming. Long-term use might lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation.
2. Health Risks: High doses of kratom can lead to adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, itching, and dizziness. In some cases, more serious health issues have been reported, including seizures, liver damage, respiratory depression, and overdose.
3. Quality and Purity: The quality and purity of kratom products can vary widely, as it’s often sold as a supplement and not regulated by the same strict standards as pharmaceutical drugs. Contaminants or adulterants in kratom products can pose significant health risks.
4. Interaction with Other Substances: Kratom may interact with other substances, including prescription medications and other drugs, leading to unpredictable effects or adverse reactions.

Dangers Of Kratom Use

There are some real dangers associated with kratom use. Kratom production and sales are unregulated. Quality and purity are not regulated or measured, products can vary in potency. People using kratom may inadvertently take too much causing serious health problems, even accidental overdose.

People using kratom may have seizures, liver damage, or respiratory depression. Respiratory depression can lead to death. It is important to note that respiratory depression is the same mechanism that causes death in so many opioid overdoses. Several families have filed kratom death lawsuits in an effort to raise public awareness.

Kratom Death Lawsuits

A mother in Florida began using kratom to manage health issues. She was a hospice nurse. Her family found her after she died of respiratory depression. They were able to sue the kratom manufacturer and retailer for $11 million.

Parents in Georgia sued several defendants after finding their 23-year-old son was found dead in his apartment. The parents had never even heard of kratom until their son’s death. The young man died of mitragynine intoxication with no other drugs or alcohol in his system.

Another man in Washington died after drinking kratom tea. He had been using kratom for some time before he died of mitragynine intoxication. His family successfully sued the vendor and manufacturer for $2.5 million.

Regulation of Kratom

Kratom is unregulated because it is typically used and classified as a supplement. Many products side-step regulation by marketing as a ‘supplement.’ However, it may be possible to file a kratom death lawsuit. An attorney can help.

Kratom Death Attorney

If a family member has died as a result of using kratom products, you may be able to file a kratom death lawsuit. Talk to a wrongful death attorney at Haggerty Silverman & Justice in a free legal consultation. We’ll listen to your situation and help you understand your options. You don’t pay us anything unless we recover money for you.