Whippet Lawsuit Alleges Nitrous Oxide Addiction Resulted in Paralysis, Nerve Damage

Lawsuit claims nitrous oxide canisters sold under names like GreatWhip and Galaxy Gas were marketed for recreational use, causing widespread neurological injuries among young users.

A nitrous oxide class action lawsuit has been filed against a group of manufacturers, distributors and vape shops, alleging that a coordinated effort to market flavored “whippet” canisters to young adults and teens has led to addiction, paralysis and lasting nerve damage in users across Louisiana and beyond.

The complaint (PDF) was originally filed by Jenna Combel in Louisiana state court, but was removed to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on June 18, where the lawsuit now seeks class action status to pursue damages on behalf of all Louisiana residents injured by recreational nitrous oxide use.

Commonly known as “whippets” or “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is traditionally used in medical and dental procedures as a sedative, and in commercial kitchens as a propellant for whipped cream dispensers. In these regulated environments, the gas is handled in controlled doses for legitimate therapeutic or culinary purposes.

However, inhaling nitrous oxide has become increasingly popular among teens and young adults in recent years, since it can cause a brief high and euphoric effects, like anxiety reduction and hallucinations. As a result, the products are now widely found in vape shops and smoke shops throughout the U.S., often in flavored varieties or with brand names designed to promote recreational use.

As the abuse of whippets has gained popularity among teenagers and young adults, the FDA has received a growing number of reports outlining serious health problems, including dissociation, loss of coordination, nerve damage and even death. As a result, a growing number of families are now pursuing nitrous oxide lawsuits against Galaxy Gas and other companies, alleging that a desire for profits was placed before the health and safety of consumers.

According to the complaint, plaintiff Jenna Combel began using nitrous oxide recreationally in 2019, after purchasing flavored canisters labeled as GreatWhip and Galaxy Gas from various smoke shops and head shops in New Orleans. Over the next four years, her use escalated to near-continuous inhalation, allegedly fueled by easy availability, social media promotion, and packaging designed to appeal to young users.

By late 2023, Combel had developed a severe whippet addiction. On November 6, she was hospitalized after suddenly losing the ability to speak and move her limbs. Doctors diagnosed her with a serious vitamin B12 deficiency and subacute combined degeneration of her spinal cord—a neurological condition associated with prolonged nitrous oxide exposure. The lawsuit indicates that she remains partially paralyzed and suffers ongoing nerve and brain damage.

Combel accuses the defendants of designing and distributing nitrous oxide products in sweet flavors and brightly colored packaging to attract teenagers and young adults, while failing to include adequate warnings about the health risks of inhalation. She further alleges that the products were falsely marketed as safe and sold under the pretense of culinary use, despite being stocked alongside vaping supplies and recreational drug paraphernalia.

As a result, the whippet lawsuit seeks compensation for her permanent injuries, including paralysis, cognitive decline, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mounting medical costs. The complaint also seeks class action status to represent other Louisiana residents who suffered similar harm due to recreational use of flavored nitrous oxide.

In a June 18 removal notice (PDF), defendant United Brands Corporation requested that the case be transferred to federal court under the Class Action Fairness Act (CAFA), citing the large number of potential claimants and the likelihood that damages could exceed $5 million. The company denies any wrongdoing and argues that the complaint fails to link specific injuries to individual defendants.

The federal court must now determine whether the class action claims can proceed. In addition to monetary damages, the plaintiffs are asking for an injunction to halt the sale of flavored nitrous oxide products that are allegedly designed to be addictive and deceptively marketed toward youth.

Whippet Lawsuits Over Nitrous Oxide Injuries

As concerns continue to mount over the dangers of recreational nitrous oxide use, nitrous oxide lawyers are now investigating potential claims for individuals throughout the U.S. who developed whippet addictions, nerve damage, paralysis or other injuries after inhaling products like GreatWhip and Galaxy Gas.

The whippet lawsuits allege that these nitrous oxide canisters were deceptively marketed through vape and smoke shops using sweet flavors and youth-oriented packaging, while failing to warn users about the severe neurological risks. Free legal consultations and case evaluations are being provided for individuals who:

• Used flavored nitrous oxide canisters sold in vape or smoke shops
• Inhaled the gas recreationally and developed an addiction
• Suffered nerve damage, cognitive impairment or partial paralysis
• Lost a loved one due to nitrous oxide-related complications