Kratom Addiction Lawsuit Alleges Opioid-Like Products Caused Addiction, Cardiac Injury

Case joins a series of kratom lawsuits filed in recent months, alleging manufacturers are selling highly addictive products without adequately warning about the risk of addiction and serious health problems.

A Nevada man has filed a lawsuit alleging that regular use of OPMS and Remarkable Herbs kratom products left him with a severe addiction and cardiac injuries.

The complaint (PDF) was brought late last month by Noah Seri in the Eighth Judicial District Court for Clark County, Nevada, naming Martian Sales Inc., doing business as OPMS, and Skelmis LLC, doing business as Remarkable Herbs, as defendants. The case was removed to the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada on August 12.

Seri claims the manufacturers sold addictive, opioid-like kratom products without adequate warnings about dependence, withdrawal or serious health consequences.

Kratom Addiction Risks

Kratom is a psychoactive substance derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna tree, which is native to Southeast Asia. Products containing kratom are widely available at gas stations, smoke shops, convenience stores, wellness retailers and online, often marketed as dietary supplements.

Although it is sold as a dietary supplement, kratom contains compounds that act on some of the same brain receptors as opioids such as morphine and heroin. It is sold in powders, capsules, tablets, extracts, concentrated shots, gummies and beverages, although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved kratom for any medical use.

Amid widespread abuse and reports of kratom addictions, Federal health officials have also raised concerns about serious adverse events involving the products. A report published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that kratom poisoning reports increased by more than 1,200% since 2015.

Those concerns have also been reflected in a growing number of kratom lawsuits, which allege manufacturers sold highly addictive products without warning consumers about the risks of dependence, withdrawal and other serious health complications.

Kratom Injury Allegations

According to this recently filed complaint, Seri purchased OPMS and Remarkable Herbs kratom products and consumed them as intended. He alleges that his use caused him to become addicted and physically dependent, resulting in withdrawal, cardiac injuries and other health problems. 

The filing states that the companies’ products contained inadequate warnings about the risk of kratom addiction, physical dependence, withdrawal or other serious health consequences.

Instead, the complaint argues the manufacturers promoted kratom as a harmless, “all-natural” herbal supplement that could boost energy, improve mood, relieve pain and ease opioid withdrawal symptoms.

In particular, Seri alleges the defendants targeted individuals struggling with or recovering from addiction, as well as young and vulnerable consumers. The complaint points to brightly colored packaging, sweetened gummies, fruit-flavored shots, social media promotions and over-the-counter sales that allegedly often occurred without age verification.

The lawsuit indicates the defendants knew or should have known kratom was addictive and dangerous, yet had a financial incentive to create repeat customers. It claims Seri would not have purchased the products had he known about the potential risks.

“Because kratom is addictive, every new customer is a potential repeat customer, and upon information and belief Defendants’ marketing is intended to create and sustain addiction and thereby maximize their profits.”

— Noah Seri v. Martian Sales Inc. et al.

Seri raises allegations of strict product liability—design defect/unreasonably dangerous product, strict product liability—failure to warn, negligence, breach of implied warranties, breach of express warranty and deceptive trade practices/consumer fraud. He seeks damages for past and future medical expenses, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, loss of household services, pain and suffering, mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of life.

Kratom Addiction Lawsuits

As kratom addiction lawsuits continue to be filed, personal injury lawyers are investigating claims involving individuals who allege they suffered serious injuries and side effects, including:

• Addiction and physical dependence
• Severe withdrawal symptoms
• Cardiac injuries, including rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Seizures
• Liver or kidney damage
• Respiratory depression or breathing problems
• Death from overdose or other kratom-related complications

Kratom injury lawyers handle all claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no expenses unless a settlement or award is secured on your behalf.

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