fbpx

We Don't Win, You Don't Pay

Second Panera Bread Wrongful Death Lawusit Filed Over ‘Charged Lemonade Drink’

Product Liability Wrongful Death Case

Multiple Families File Wrongful Death Lawsuits Over Paneras ‘Charged Lemonade Drinks’

In the nuanced field of personal injury law, cases involving wrongful death due to seemingly harmless products can be particularly complex and emotionally charged. The recent Panera Bread charged lemonade lawsuit is a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in everyday consumer products like energy drinks and the legal implications that follow.

Case Overview

Panera Bread faces a second wrongful death lawsuit, this time involving the death of Dennis Brown, a 46-year-old Florida man. The  lawsuit, filed in Delaware by Brown’s family, alleges that Brown suffered a fatal cardiac event after consuming three servings of Panera’s ‘Charged Lemonade’. This incident occurred in October, shortly after Brown walked home from a Panera Bread location in Fleming Island, Florida.

The panera lemonade lawsuit contends that Panera should have known about the risks associated with the beverage, especially to vulnerable groups like children, pregnant or nursing women, and individuals sensitive to caffeine. This case follows a similar lawsuit filed after the death of a 21-year-old woman and Pennsylvania student Sarah Katz, who also consumed the drink. Panera has since claimed to have enhanced its caffeine disclosure in regards to the charged sips drinks, but the Panera Bread lemonade lawsuit argues that the drink’s marketing and preparation at individual store locations contribute to its potential danger. 

The caffeinated lemonade contains more caffeine than a 12-ounce Red Bull and a 16-ounce Monster Energy drink combined, raising serious questions about consumer safety and product disclosure. Panera Bread initially promoted its “Charged Lemonade” as “Plant-based and Clean natural drinks with as much caffeine as our Dark Roast coffee.” However, lawsuits revealed that a large, 30-fluid-ounce Charged Lemonade actually contains 390 milligrams of caffeine, which is more than any size of Panera’s dark roast coffee when considering the amount without ice. In response, Panera updated its nutrition information to specify the caffeine content with ice, now listing the large Blood Orange Charged Lemonade at 302 milligrams. According to the Food and Drug Administration, healthy adults can generally safely consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day.

panera bread wrongful death lawsuit

Navigating Wrongful Death Claims in Product Liability

The Panera Bread wrongful death lawsuit over its ‘Charged Sips’ energy drinks underscores the critical intersection of product liability and personal injury law. These cases highlight the responsibility of companies to ensure the safety of their products and provide adequate warnings to consumers.

Key Legal Aspects in the Panera Case

  1. Duty to Warn: One of the central allegations in this lawsuit is Panera’s potential failure to adequately warn consumers about the high caffeine content in its ‘Charged Lemonade’. This duty to warn is a cornerstone of product liability law.

  2. Vulnerable Populations: The lawsuit emphasizes the risks to specific groups, such as individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Companies must consider these groups in their product formulations and marketing strategies.

  3. Causation and Liability: Establishing a direct link between the consumption of ‘Charged Lemonades’ and the cardiac events leading to death is a pivotal aspect of this case. Proving causation is often the most challenging part of a wrongful death lawsuit.

Legal Challenges and Considerations

  • Scientific Evidence: Demonstrating the health risks associated with high caffeine intake, especially in relation to heart conditions, will likely require expert testimony and scientific research.
  • Consumer Expectations: The lawsuit raises questions about consumer expectations and whether a reasonable person would anticipate the risks associated with a product marketed as lemonade.

Panera Bread Charged Lemonade Lawsuit Updates

⚖️ In January, a third lawsuit was filed by Lauren Skerritt, a 28-year-old woman from Rhode Island. Skerritt claims that consuming Panera Bread’s “Charged Lemonades” caused her to suffer permanent cardiac injuries, further intensifying the scrutiny on the beverage’s safety.

⚖️ A fourth lawsuit has been filed by a teenager from Monroeville, who alleges that Panera Bread’s “Charged Lemonade” caused him to suffer cardiac arrest. This latest legal action adds to the growing list of claims against the company regarding the safety of their highly caffeinated drink.

⚖️ On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Panera Bread announced the nationwide discontinuation of the “Charged Lemonade.” This decision follows a “recent menu transformation,” amidst mounting legal pressure and safety concerns associated with the beverage

For those who have suffered a loss due to a potentially dangerous product, consulting with an experienced wrongful death lawyer is crucial. A skilled attorney can help navigate the complexities of product liability and wrongful death claims, ensuring that justice is served and that similar tragedies are prevented.

If you or someone you know has been affected by a product that led to a tragic loss, it’s important to understand your legal rights. Our law firm specializes in wrongful death and product liability cases. We are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to help you navigate these challenging times. Contact us to discuss your case and explore your legal options. We are here to ensure that justice is served and to help prevent such incidents from happening to others. Don’t fight the legal teams of a company like Panera Bread Restaurant alone

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What are wrongful death lawsuits in product liability cases? A wrongful death lawsuit in product liability cases is a legal action taken against a company or manufacturer whose product has caused someone’s death, typically due to negligence or failure to warn consumers about potential risks.

  2. Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit? Immediate family members, such as spouses, children, or parents, are typically eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The specifics can vary by state, so consulting with a wrongful death lawyer is essential.

  3. What kind of compensation can be sought in a wrongful death lawsuit? Compensation can include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future earnings, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before death.

  4. How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit? The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit varies by state. It’s important to consult with a lawyer promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the legal timeframe.

  5. Can a wrongful death lawsuit be filed if the product is still on the market? Yes, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed regardless of whether the product is still being sold. The key is proving that the product caused the death due to negligence or other legal grounds.

  6. What should I look for in a wrongful death lawyer for a product liability case? Look for a lawyer with experience in wrongful death and product liability cases, a successful track record, and the ability to communicate effectively and compassionately.

  7. What is the lawsuit against Panera Bread lemonade death? The lawsuit against Panera Bread involves claims that their charged lemonade drinks contain dangerously high levels of caffeine, which allegedly caused the unfortunate passing of two individuals and severe injuries and cardiac arrest to others. Families of the victims argue that Panera failed to adequately warn consumers about the risks associated with the beverage, particularly for those with underlying health conditions, and those people sensitive to caffeine.

  8. What is the controversy with Panera lemonade? The controversy with Panera’s “Charged Lemonades” centers around its high caffeine content, which is alleged to have caused severe health issues, including deaths and cardiac injuries.

  9. How many people have died from Panera charged lemonade? Two people have died from consuming Panera’s “Charged Lemonade,” according to lawsuits filed against the company

  10. Did Panera remove charged lemonade? Yes, a Panera spokesperson announced it has discontinued its “Charged Lemonades” nationwide following a “recent menu transformation,” offering more natural drinks, low caffeine drinks, and low sugar drinks, amid mounting legal pressure and safety concerns regarding the beverage.
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Reddit
Tumblr
LinkedIn
Digg
XING

Free Case Review

Visit Our Main Office

Don’t navigate the aftermath of a wrongful death case alone. Let the Scranton Law Firm stand by your side. With over 50 years of experience as personal injury lawyers, we’ve helped thousands recover from their losses. If you or a loved one are affected by a wrongful death due to product liability, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Secure your rights and seek the justice you deserve. Call us now for a free consultation – The Scranton Law Firm, your trusted ally in these challenging times. Call 800-707-0707 now. 

ES