Kratom Lawsuits on the Rise: What You Need to Know

Kratom, a plant-based substance derived from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, has been at the center of numerous legal battles in the United States. 

Marketed for its purported benefits in pain relief, anxiety reduction, and opioid withdrawal assistance, kratom's unregulated status has led to a surge in lawsuits alleging severe health consequences, including addiction, organ damage, and even fatal overdoses.

Several lawsuits have been filed against Kratom manufacturers and distributors, alleging that they failed to disclose known risks of Kratom usage, misled consumers, and violated product safety regulations.

If you or a loved one experienced dangerous side effects due to Kratom usage, contact Morgan & Morgan for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.

What Is Kratom?

“Kratom” refers to both Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Southeast Asia, and to products derived from its leaves that are marketed as herbal supplements. Kratom has been traditionally used for its stimulant and sedative effects, not unlike opioids.

People report using kratom products to alleviate drug withdrawal symptoms and cravings (particularly for opioids), to alleviate pain, and to help manage mental health problems. People who use kratom report both stimulant-like effects (increased energy, alertness, and rapid heart rate) and effects that are similar to opioids and sedatives (relaxation, pain relief, and confusion).

In the U.S., it is available in various forms, such as powders, capsules, and teas. Despite its widespread availability, kratom is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and lacks standardized dosing guidelines, leading to potential misuse and health risks.

What Are the Health Risks and Regulatory Concerns Regarding Kratom?

The FDA has expressed concerns about kratom's safety, citing its opioid-like properties and potential for abuse. Reports have linked kratom to adverse effects, including:

• Addiction and Withdrawal: Users have reported dependency symptoms similar to those experienced with opioids.
• Organ Damage: Cases of liver toxicity and kidney failure have been associated with kratom use.
• Fatal Overdoses: Several deaths have been attributed to kratom, either alone or in combination with other substances.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has labeled kratom as a "Drug and Chemical of Concern," highlighting the need for further research and regulation.

Legal Actions and Notable Cases Against Kratom

The legal landscape surrounding kratom has evolved rapidly, with numerous lawsuits filed against manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. 

In Washington state, a jury awarded $2.5 million to the family of Patrick Coyne, who died after consuming kratom. The lawsuit alleged that the product lacked adequate warnings about its risks.

A Florida judge awarded $11 million to the family of Krystal Talavera, who died from acute mitragynine intoxication, a primary component of kratom. The distributor, Kratom Distro, failed to respond to the lawsuit, resulting in a default judgment.

In Pennsylvania, the family of Caleb Sturgis filed a wrongful death lawsuit after he died from a heart attack linked to kratom use. The product in question lacked proper labeling and usage instructions.

 

Regulatory Developments

In response to the growing concerns, some states have implemented regulations to control kratom's sale and distribution. For instance, Georgia enacted a law prohibiting the sale of kratom to individuals under 21, mandating clear labeling, and setting concentration limits for active compounds.

However, kratom remains legal and largely unregulated at the federal level, leading to a patchwork of state laws and ongoing debates about its safety and classification.

Harmed by Kratom? Morgan & Morgan Can Help

When an unapproved and unregulated health product is released without proper safety testing and without noting known risks, manufacturers and distributors can put consumers in harm’s way—and they should be held accountable.

If you or a loved one has experienced adverse effects from kratom, contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation. Our compassionate team can hear your story and advise you on your best next steps.