Beverages containing high levels of caffeine are popular with a variety of individuals throughout the state of Pennsylvania. One of the demographics most enamored of these types of drinks is teenagers. Though as a general group teens appear to act as though they are invincible, the reality is, they are not. One young teen's invincibility was recently challenged, when she consumed too many Monster Energy Drinks. Sadly, she died as a result.

The 14-year-old girl, who had a condition that caused her blood vessels to be weakened, reportedly suffered cardiac arrhythmia after drinking two 24 ounce cans of the beverage throughout the course of a day. The autopsy indicated that the arrhythmia was due to caffeine toxicity.

This is not the first report of someone dying after consuming the energy drinks. Another four deaths as well as one heart attack have been reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. As a result, the FDA has commenced an investigation into the product.

In situations where another person or product is to blame for the death of an individual, loved ones of the one who died may have legal options. A civil wrongful death lawsuit could be filed against the individual or entity which is deemed to be responsible for the death. A successful lawsuit provides financial damages to those left behind.

All would likely agree that 14 is too young to die. The girl's death prompted her family to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the company that makes the caffeinated beverage. The damages sought are not currently known. We will post updates on the case as they become available.

Source: The Associated Press, "FDA: 5 reported deaths with Monster drink link," David Dishneau, Oct. 22, 2012

• Our firm handles similar situations to the one discussed in this post. For more information on these types of claims, please visit our Pennsylvania wrongful death page.