Kratom use has been on the rise throughout California in recent years. At Maison Law, we understand the drastic and harmful effects that kratom can have on an individual, including a fatality from seizures, cardiac arrest, and more. If you have lost a loved one due to kratom use, you could be facing severe emotional and financial impacts that you cannot handle on your own. This is why it is important to have a dedicated legal advocate on your side. Please contact us today to find out how we can help you in the midst of your claim.
What is Kratom?
Kratom, which has gained popularity throughout the U.S. in recent years, is a tropical tree that is grown primarily in Southeast Asia. Kratom can be legally purchased at a variety of stores and online in the U.S. Many individuals use this substance as a way to treat opioid withdrawal, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and more. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, approximately 1.7 million Americans over the age of 12 used kratom in 2021 alone.
Throughout America, bars and stores have popped up and have started selling kratom to the public in capsules, teas, and many other forms. Many people state that kratom produces a euphoric effect in their body that they use for pain management and a way to treat a variety of disorders. However, kratom is fairly new to the market and so its dangers are not yet fully known. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said that more scientific data must be released to determine the full risks of kratom and if it has adverse effects on the body.
At this point in time, the sale of kratom is legal in the state of California except in two cities. These include San Diego and Oceanside in San Diego County.
The Dangers of Kratom Products
Even though kratom is legally sold in many areas of the internet and in person in California, many people and entities believe that it can be highly dangerous when used. Because kratom is not controlled by the FDA, it can be sold with high levels of alkaloid and with inconsistent ingredients. As with other unregulated drugs, there is a fear that individuals using kratom could come into contact with fentanyl, lead, and other dangerous substances that can cause serious harm or death in individuals. Some of the health problems that individuals have suffered due to kratom use include psychiatric, cardiovascular, and respiratory issues among others.
Kratom products that are sold throughout the U.S. do not have to adequately warn individuals of side effects or proper dose instructions. This means that this supplement can easily be used and cause severe harm to many. In one recent study, the CDC discovered that kratom was actually the cause of death in almost 100 people over a period of 17 months.
As kratom acts as a sedative in the body and many people could end up taking more of the drug than is needed, overdose can happen quickly. Some individuals experience symptoms before an overdose including heart failure, lung failure, and seizures. Handfuls of victims in California lose their lives to this each year.
Kratom and Wrongful Death in California
In the event of a fatality stemming from kratom use, families often wonder where they can turn for legal recourse. In recent years, families have held kratom manufacturers responsible for the harm that they have caused loved ones in large lawsuits. Kratom manufacturers, including companies like Herbsens Botanicals and Klarity Kratom, can be named in lawsuits if a loved one’s life has been taken wrongfully due to the use of this substance.
If somebody you love has been taken from you prematurely due to kratom overdose or complications stemming from kratom use, you may have the right to bring a wrongful death claim on their behalf. Holding a kratom manufacturer or distributor liable for the loss of your loved one can ensure that you receive financial support that you and your family may need at this time.
Damages Available in a Kratom Wrongful Death Claim
If you successfully bring a wrongful death claim against a manufacturer or distributor of kratom, you may be eligible for a wide array of damages. These include some of the following:
- Medical bills associated with your loved one’s injury or illness before their passing
- Funeral and burial-related expenses
- Loss of companionship and loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages that punish a company
The circumstances of your loved one’s passing likely vary from the experience of another family who has been through one of these devastating accidents. You never know what to expect as you bring a claim, which is why speaking with a legal advocate can be incredibly beneficial.
Contact a California Kratom Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
After the loss of a loved one, you may be feeling concerned about how you will go up against a major kratom manufacturer in a lawsuit. These companies tend to have large insurance companies on their side, leaving you in a difficult position.
Luckily, our California kratom wrongful death lawyers at Maison Law are here for you after you have suffered the enormous loss of a loved one. We will compassionately assist you and fight for your rights during this challenging time. Please do not hesitate to contact us today to find out what we can do for you and so that we can offer you a no-obligation case review.
