Drug overdoses are devastating. According to the CDC, over 100,000 people died of drug overdoses in the United States in 2023.

You may be familiar with the most common drugs that cause deadly overdoses, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, but the rise of a lesser-known drug called Kratom is causing concern among medical and drug enforcement professionals. At least 150 deaths had been linked to Kratom since 2017, and the use of Kratom is on the rise.  At our firm, a Kratom injury lawyer stands ready to help you.

If a family member or loved one suffered from an overdose caused by Kratom, they (or your family) may be entitled to compensation from those who have had a role in the manufacture or distribution of the drug to your family member or loved one. 

Because Kratom may be sold without a prescription in the U.S., those who sell the drug may not be aware of its dangers.  We are.

As Kratom injury lawyers, we stand ready to seek justice for overdose victims who may not have known about the risks associated with Kratom use. 

What is Kratom?

Kratom products are made from an herbal leaf that grows in tropical Southeast Asia. Its scientific name is Mitragyna speciosa, and its main ingredients are mitragynine and 7-OH-mitragynine. Kratom attaches to opioid receptors in the brain and impacts how the brain reacts to serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These chemicals help brain cells communicate with each other and affect mood, and the way Kratom interacts with the brain causes a stimulating effect similar to some opioid painkillers.

Kratom products are available for sale online and in-store throughout most of the United States, though some states have banned Kratom due to concerns over medical risks.  Kratom can come in different forms including teas, powders, chewable tablets, gummies, and liquids. These products are marketed as supplements to help with pain relief and mood enhancement.

What Are the Risks of Using Kratom?

Although Kratom is marketed as a supplement with health benefits, it has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for medical use. The lack of regulation for such supplements means they are not tested for safety, and many come with no safety instructions. There also are no purity standards like there are with approved drugs, so Kratom products have been found to contain heavy metals including lead and other contaminants and germs such as Salmonella. In fact, the FDA has linked 35 deaths to Salmonella in Kratom products.

Kratom use also comes with the risk of side effects. In addition to death, possible side effects from using Kratom range from mild to severe, including:

• Weight loss
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Aggression
• Psychological disturbances, including sensory hallucinations, delusions, anxiety, or depression
• Confusion
• Tremors
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle pain
• High blood pressure
• Liver damage
• Seizures
• Cardiovascular issues
• Trouble breathing

Kratom can also interact negatively with other medications and cause serious consequences, including liver damage and death. The discontinuation of Kratom has also been shown to cause withdrawal symptoms similar to those occurring from opioid discontinuation. Babies born to mothers who used Kratom during pregnancy have also experienced withdrawal at birth and often require medical treatment as a result.

If you or a loved one has used Kratom and noticed any of the symptoms listed above, you should seek medical attention and schedule a consultation with a Kratom overdose lawyer to find out if you are entitled to compensation. At Olsman MacKenzie & Peacock, our experienced attorneys can help.

Is Kratom an Illegal Drug?

Kratom has not been federally banned by the Controlled Substances Act, but because of all the risks listed above, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has designated Kratom as a “drug of concern” and warns against its use.

What Does a Kratom Overdose Attorney Do?

A Kratom overdose attorney may sue Kratom manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and salespeople and seek to hold them legally liable for their negligence resulting in injury or death. Common causes of action attorneys bring in Kratom lawsuits include:

• Manufacturing defective products
• Knowingly selling or distributing dangerous products
• Failure to provide adequate safety instructions or warnings of side effects
• Deceptive marketing and business tactics

What Types of Compensation May I Be Entitled to For a Kratom Overdose?

If you or a loved one have experienced a Kratom overdose or other Kratom-related injury, you could be entitled to compensation including:

• Medical expenses, including any hospital bills, medications, and ongoing therapies and treatments related to the Kratom injury
• Lost wages for the time you were incapacitated by the Kratom injury
• Loss of future income if the Kratom injury impacts your ability to work
• Pain and suffering for chronic issues caused by a Kratom overdose or injury
• Wrongful death if a loved one has died from a Kratom overdose or side effects.

A Kratom overdose lawyer can help you navigate the process of fighting for the compensation to which you are entitled. An experienced Kratom attorney can analyze the facts of your case, work with medical professionals and other experts to gather evidence, build a strong legal argument, negotiate with defendants for a potential settlement, and fight for you in court if a trial is necessary.

Schedule A Free Consultation with an Experienced Kratom Overdose Lawsuit Lawyer Today.

If you or a loved one has overdosed on Kratom or experienced symptoms you believe are related to Kratom use in Michigan, call Olsman MacKenzie & Peacock for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys passionately fight for justice for people affected by unsafe Kratom products. At your free consultation, an attorney will review the facts of your case, explain your legal options and deadlines to file, and detail the types of compensation you might be entitled to.

We represent Kratom injury victims and families on a contingency basis, meaning that we only receive a fee if compensation is obtained.  If we represent you, our attorneys will zealously fight every step of the way to obtain maximum compensation for your injuries.