Virginia Wrongful Death: The Deadly Effects of Energy Drinks

Energy drinks such as Four Loko are popular on college campuses throughout the United States, but these which contain alcohol mixed with caffeine can have dangerous effects. Each can contains 2.82 ounces of alcohol and 156 milligrams of caffeine. That’s almost 6 times the alcohol in a can of Coors Light combined with the caffeine equivalent of two and a half cups of coffee.

Energy drinks have been linked to the wrongful death of a college student; a Florida family is suing the makers of a popular energy drink in connection with their son's death. On September 17th, 20-year-old son Jason Keiran picked up a friend's gun after partying with his roommates. He was intoxicated after drinking at least three cans of the energy drink Four Loko: the equivalent of 18 light beers and 6 cups of coffee. He began to point the gun at himself and his friends. His parents believe that the drinks caused Jason to become so manic and erratic, that he accidentally shot himself. They are now suing the makers of Four Loko over Jason’s death. The parents hope their wrongful death lawsuit will prevent other parents from suffering similar losses.

Nationwide, dozens of students have been hospitalized from the effects of caffeinated alcoholic beverages.

A University of Florida study published in the journal ‘Addictive Behaviors’ surveyed college-aged adults exiting bars. The researchers found that students who consumed energy drinks were three times more likely to leave the bar highly intoxicated and were four times more likely to drive or intend to drive while under the influence of alcohol. The average breath-alcohol concentration reading for those who mixed alcohol and energy drinks was 0.109, well above the legal driving limit of 0.08

The researchers also found that those who drink caffeinated alcoholic beverages tend to drink more often, binge drink more often, and are more likely to engage in risky behavior, such as driving with a drunken driver, than those who drink alcohol alone. They believe the caffeine mat prevent the drinker from feeling the full effects of their alcohol impairment.

Despite the findings, the makers of Four Loko a letter to government regulators that said they don't believe “that mixing caffeine and alcohol is inherently unsafe."

Four states have now banned these drinks. and Virginia is considering regulating the sale of these beverages.

To learn more about wrongful death in Virginia, contact Norfolk personal injury attorney Lawrence Land at 757-251-0198.

Download Lawrence Land’s free book about personal injury law: “5 Deadly Sins That Can Destroy Your Injury Claim.”