In what is believed to be the first wrongful death lawsuit ever to be made against the energy drink known as Red Bull, $85 million will be sought on behalf of a Brooklyn man who allegedly lost his life from drinking the energy-inducing product. C. Terry, aged 33, lost this life in 2011 after quickly downing a can of Red Bull during a basketball game, and his family has placed the blame on Red Bull – the largest energy drink maker in the world.
While some individuals – including the surviving family members of Terry – are under the impression that the energy drink contains extra stimulants, which differentiate it from a regular cup of coffee, a spokesperson for the company suggests otherwise. According to a spokeswoman of Red Bull, the company has successfully sold about 35 billion cans of the energy drink in at least 165 countries. As indicated by the spokeswoman, the company’s success over the past 25 years is a direct result of “health authorities across the world [concluding] that Red Bull Energy Drink is safe to consume.” The facts of Terry’s death, however, have led some people to question the drink maker’s integrity.
Terry, whose life was taken on November 8, 2011, was both healthy and active, according to his grandmother. Therefore, it was difficult for friends and family to make sense of his death, the cause of which was officially ruled as idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (heart failure). While playing basketball in the Stephen Decatur Middle School gym, Terry’s heart stopped; this was just after he downed a can of Red Bull after 45 minutes of rousing play. Although idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy can be caused by illness, alcoholism, or even genetics, Terry’s disposition does not seem to match any of these conditions; hence, the family’s accusation against Red Bull.
In the complaint that has been made against the energy drink, nine fatalities are cited, all of which have been linked to the consumption of Red Bull. The complaint also draws upon scientific studies that convey the beverage’s potential health hazards, especially as they can affect adolescents and / or individuals who exercise. The case is further backed by reports from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which state that between 2004 and 2012, 21 reports were made by doctors and hospitals, the contents of which all connected Red Bull with symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and chest pain. The FDA has also connected at least 18 deaths to energy drinks and documented at least 13,000 emergency room visits associated with the consumption of energy drinks.
Energy drinks have long been touted for their propensity to cause adverse effects in some users, however, death has rarely been a part of these verbal warnings and messages. If it is revealed that the drink has led to death in the past, the FDA will have to seriously consider whether or not the drink will stay on the market.
If you or someone you love suffered from the harmful side effects of an energy drink such as Red Bull, contact a California lawyer at The Senators Firm. Call us toll-free, 24/7 at (949) 557-5800.