San Francisco Injury Lawyer Blog
According to the associated press, a recent report written by a group of doctors warns that popular energy drinks are being overused and have not been adequately studied. The report has established that the beverages are considered dangerous to children and teenagers because the caffeine and other energy ingredients can lead to adverse affects the body, such as heart palpitations, seizures, strokes or even death. The drinks can also lead to shaky feelings and cause diarrhea and nausea. This information has lead doctors to conclude that safe limits need to be established for children, adolescents, and young adults and that the drinks should be regulated in the same way that tobacco, prescription drugs, and alcohol are regulated. The report coincides with a current crackdown on energy drinks, as the FDA has issued warning letters to manufacturers and the drinks have been banned in several states due to alcohol overdoses.
Energy drinks were introduced over 20 years ago and have been the fasted growing drink on the market. This year’s sales are expected to top $9 billion. About one third of teens and young adults regularly consume energy drinks. Anyone with diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure might want to stop and think before drinking an energy drink. Because the ingredients have not been studied enough and are not regulated, it is unclear which groups of people will experience negative side effects from a particular ingredient in these beverages. When companies market energy drinks to children and young adults but fail to properly address the dangers, they risk placing themselves at the center of a product liability lawsuit. To learn about what you can if you have experienced harm or illness from dangerous or defective products, contact our firm for a free consultation. We are able to explain your legal rights and options and evaluate whether or not you may be able to bring an action for a product liability and recover damages.