Lawsuit over Panera's energy drinks has come to an end
Panera Bread has resolved several lawsuits filed against the company over the past two years, related to its Charged Lemonade beverage. The lawsuits were prompted by allegations that the highly caffeinated energy drink caused injuries and deaths among customers.
The most notable case involved the death of a 21-year-old college student with a heart condition. Another case involved an 18-year-old who suffered cardiac arrest after consuming the drink and was hospitalized, but survived.
In addition, a 28-year-old diner in Rhode Island claimed that the Charged Lemonade caused atrial fibrillation, a condition causing irregular heartbeats. The family of David Brown, a 46-year-old in Florida who died of a cardiac event after drinking the lemonade at a Panera in Florida, also filed a lawsuit.
All these matters have been settled, effectively resolving the litigation Panera faced regarding Charged Lemonades. The specific terms of the settlements were not disclosed.
Panera officials declined to comment on the recent settlement, other than to say the lawsuits were resolved. The company did, however, confirm that all lawsuits surrounding its Charged Lemonades have been resolved.
In response to the allegations, Panera added warning labels to the Charged Lemonades last year, advising guests that they were not recommended for children, people sensitive to caffeine, or pregnant or nursing women. The Charged Lemonades were phased out by Panera as part of a menu refresh last year and are no longer available on the menu.
The lawsuits were filed by the same plaintiff's attorney, but it's important to note that the lawsuits were against Panera Bread, not Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn, as may have been suggested elsewhere.
Panera denied wrongdoing in court documents, stating that the caffeine levels in the Charged Lemonades were equivalent to coffee. No new lawsuits against Panera Bread regarding the Charged Lemonades have been reported since the settlements.
[1] Lawsuit Filed Against Panera Bread Over Charged Lemonade Death
[2] Panera Bread Settles Lawsuit Over Death Linked to Charged Lemonade
[3] Panera Bread Sued Over Charged Lemonade Death
[4] Panera Bread Settles Lawsuit Over Charged Lemonade-Related Heart Condition
[5] Panera Bread Settles Three More Lawsuits Over Charged Lemonades
