Suing After Beverage Injuries in California
When you purchase a beverage in California, the assumption is that you are about to consume a product that has undergone rigorous testing and regulation, and that you have a safe product in your hands. But as we have seen on numerous occasions, beverages often cause serious injuries to innocent victims. Beverage makers may lie about the ingredients, claiming that these products are “all-natural” when really they are laced with harmful chemicals. Sometimes, people suffer serious health consequences due to these deceptive practices. But how can you gain compensation for these injuries? How can you hold manufacturers accountable and pursue justice for their breach of duty? Many victims have decided to take legal action – and you can do the same.
Celsius Hit With Class-Action Lawsuit
On January 31st, it was reported that the energy drink maker Celsius had been hit with a class-action lawsuit that resulted in a $7.8-million settlement. This means that each person who was injured or harmed after drinking Celsius energy drinks may be eligible for a $250 payout. In fact, simply purchasing the drink or consuming it may make you eligible for the settlement. First filed in 2019, the lawsuit determined that the energy drink contained high levels of citric acid despite claims of “no preservatives” on the label. You will need a receipt to receive your settlement.
At the same time, Celsius was sued by the rapper Flo-Rida after he was promised a 1% share in the company in exchange for promoting the product. Since this lawsuit was successful, the rapper walked away with $82 million. Further controversy ensued after a TikTok video criticizing the energy drink went viral. The video showed an individual who claimed to have suffered medical consequences after drinking Celsius every single day for two years before exercising. Some experts have pointed out that high levels of caffeine can cause health consequences such as irregular heartbeat, insomnia, and anxiety.
Coca-Cola for Orange Juice Laced with PFAS
On January 27th of 2023, it was revealed that the beverage giant Coca-Cola was facing a class-action lawsuit for allegedly lacing its “Simply Orange” products with PFAS. For those who do not know, PFAS are poly-fluoroalkyl substances – also known as “forever chemicals.” These substances have been linked to a range of cancers, birth defects, and other medical issues. It is a well-established fact that PFAS cannot be broken down by the human body. Even if someone were to live for over 1,000 years, these chemicals would still be present in their system.
The lawsuit against Coca-Cola points out that the company labels its “Simply Orange” beverages as “all-natural” and “healthy” despite the presence of these dangerous substances. This, the lawsuit contends, is a textbook example of a major corporation misleading the public about the safety of its products – something we have seen time and time again in California. The lawsuit claims to have third-party laboratory tests proving the existence of PFAS in orange juice beverages. The results apparently show that PFAS levels in these products are 100 times higher than the EPA’s recommended levels for safe drinking water. This, the plaintiff alleges, constitutes fraud.
At around the same time in January of 2023, Coca-Cola was sued over its Fanta beverages for false advertising. The products were once again labeled as containing 100% natural flavors despite the clear presence of DL-malic acid – something that is definitely not found in nature. The lawsuit claims that this chemical serves to “impart the flavor of pineapple and coconut” and is believed to be associated with negative health consequences.
Past Examples of Beverage Lawsuits
America has seen a wide range of beverage-related lawsuits over the years. In 2021, Red Bull was sued after allegedly killing a man in 2011 due to “extra stimulants.” In 2015, Rockstar Energy Drink faced a similar lawsuit after a man allegedly died from a heart attack after consuming the product. The incident occurred in 2013, and the victim allegedly suffered from shortness of breath and chest pain. Symptoms worsened over the next few days and eventually culminated in a full-on heart attack. In 2016, it was reported that Monster had been sued for “almost killing” five people. These individuals allege that Monster caused a wide range of medical issues, including kidney disease, heart attacks, stroke, renal failure, and other concerns.
Many victims have suffered injuries while consuming beverages at restaurants. In September of 2022, a woman sued McDonald’s, alleging that staff poured unknown chemicals into her drink. She unwittingly drank the beverage before realizing it was not coffee, and now claims that she has suffered “permanent scarring” in her throat as a result. She also claimed that she may need surgery.
Back in 2018, a man claimed that his Diet Coke was spiked with a “heroin substitute” at McDonald’s, causing him to collapse and almost overdose. He then filed a lawsuit against McDonald’s. In 2019, a woman claimed that a waiter poured liquid nitrogen into her drink. The reaction almost claimed her life, and she alleges that she experienced serious chest pain and other health consequences. The woman later had to surgically remove part of her gall bladder and stomach due to tissue damage.
Where Can I Find a Qualified Product Liability Lawyer in California?
If you plan to sue a beverage manufacturer for causing your injuries, you will need to file what is known as a “product liability lawsuit.” For best results, book your consultation with a lawyer who has experience in these cases – such as Mary Alexander & Associates. With our assistance, you can strive for the best possible results in a confident, effective manner. We know that these manufacturers often lie about ingredients and pump their beverages full of harmful substances. If you were victimized by this deceptive and negligent practice, you deserve the right to take legal action. A lawsuit can provide you with compensation for medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, and many other potential damages. Reach out today to get started.
