The lawsuit alleged that a kratom distributor was responsible for the woman’s death because it marketed the product as an all-natural supplement.
A Florida family has been awarded $11 million after a woman, Krystal Talavera, died in 2021 from taking kratom, an herb with opioid-like effects. Talavera, a 39-year-old mother of four, collapsed while preparing breakfast in her kitchen. A package of kratom labeled “Space Dust” was found nearby. The Palm Beach County Coroner determined that Talavera’s death was due to “acute mitragynine intoxication.” Mitragynine is a chemical compound found in kratom that causes opioid-like effects, such as sedation, nausea, and difficulty breathing, which can lead to fatal consequences.
The family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the company that sold the kratom, alleging that it was marketed irresponsibly as an all-natural supplement. Despite the growing popularity of kratom as a natural pain reliever, the herb is not approved by the FDA for sale in the U.S. and remains unregulated. In fact, the FDA has issued multiple warnings against its use, citing risks like liver toxicity, seizures, and substance use disorder.
Krystal Talavera had been using kratom for pain management, hoping to find relief without resorting to stronger opioids. However, she tragically died after ingesting the substance. Her lawyer, Tamara Williams, expressed that Talavera never expected the product to have deadly consequences.
The scientific community has yet to conclusively study the benefits and risks of kratom. Although advocates claim that it can help people manage pain and wean off opioids like heroin, medical experts remain cautious due to the lack of regulation and incomplete research on its safety and efficacy. Moreover, the risk of contamination with heavy metals or unsafe dosages is a concern due to the lack of oversight in kratom’s production and distribution.
This case highlights the dangers of unregulated herbal supplements, especially those with opioid-like properties. While kratom is legal in some states, several have banned it due to safety concerns. The Talavera family’s victory in court underscores the increasing scrutiny of kratom and other substances that may pose health risks.
