Kratom Wrongful Death Attorney

In recent years, kratom has become popular with many people. This product is available under many names and is easy to purchase in nearly every state. But, is kratom safe? Can it really cause death? Learn more from a kratom wrongful death attorney.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom, or mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical tree in the same category as the coffee family of plants. This tree is native in Southeast Asia. It has been used as an herbal medicine since the 19th century. Kratom is available in many forms: powder, gummies, capsule, extract, etc.

Why Do People Use Kratom?

The FDA estimates 1.7 million people in the US use kratom. However, other estimates believe as many as 15 million people in the US use kratom. Most people are introduced to kratom through friends or family. Some people find kratom products on store shelves or click a website ad and become interested in the marketed benefits. People use kratom for a variety of reasons. Kratom is commonly used for:

chronic pain
depression
opioid withdrawal
recreational use

Most people would assume that kratom is completely safe. It is available in stores and online without a prescription. Products like the new forms of kratom are unregulated. This usually means this form of the product is so new in the US that regulation hasn’t been established for safety.

What Does Kratom Do?

In low doses, kratom has a euphoric effect similar to coca (cocaine). Users report increased productivity, alertness, positive mood, and more.

In higher doses, kratom produces more dangerous effects. People using higher doses of kratom may experience the following:

hallucinations
respiratory depression
seizure
respiratory arrest
cardiac arrest

The problem with kratom products is the fact that the industry is not regulated. There are no standards to ensure consistency in the products and this can lead to dosage problems. Also, kratom is not detectable with common drug testing methods.

Is Kratom Legal?

Kratom is legal in many states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland. While kratom is legal, the manufacturing process is not regulated. The FDA lists it as a ‘drug of chemical concern.’ Because the manufacturing process is not regulated, dosage may not be consistent.

Is Kratom Safe?

The FDA states there is no evidence kratom is safe or effective to treat any health condition. While kratom is marketed and sold as safe, the use of this product can be fatal. Additionally, kratom users can form dependence and withdrawal can be severe.

Dosage in kratom products may not be consistent. People using these products might inadvertently take too much. When someone takes too much kratom, it can be dangerous.

Lawsuits Against Kratom

A father in Washington State died in his recliner after using kratom. He sat down to watch TV in the evening and was discovered by his wife in the morning. A jury awarded his family $2.5 million in a kratom wrongful death lawsuit.

A hospice nurse and mother in Florida was using kratom when she died of respiratory failure. Her children filed a wrongful death lawsuit and the family was awarded $11 million in a kratom death lawsuit.