Woman’s family awarded $11 million in damages after her death from ingesting legal opioid-like herbal extract kratom.
Woman's family awarded $11 million in damages after her death from ingesting legal opioid-like herbal extract kratom.
Tragic Death of Woman Leads to $11 Million Payout in Kratom Lawsuit
In a heartbreaking turn of events, a 39-year-old mother of four, Krystal Talavera, tragically lost her life in June 2021 after ingesting kratom, a legal herbal extract known for its opioid-like effects. The story took a new twist when the supplier, Kratom Distro, was ordered by a Florida court to pay Talavera’s family and estate a staggering $11 million in damages.
Talavera’s partner, Biagio Vultaggio, discovered her unconscious, lying next to an open bag of kratom. He immediately called paramedics, but unfortunately, their efforts couldn’t save her. The cause of death was later determined to be acute mitragynine intoxication, with mitragynine being a major component of kratom.
The tragic incident led to a wrongful-death lawsuit, where the court ruled in favor of Talavera’s children and estate. However, it is important to note that Kratom Distro did not contest the lawsuit, and the company’s owner declined to comment on the judgment. Insider’s request for a comment from Kratom Distro also went unanswered.
The ban on kratom by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 2016 initially placed the herbal extract in the same category as heroin, LSD, and marijuana as a Schedule I drug. However, the decision was quickly overturned, leading to a lack of federal regulation of kratom.
Kratom has gained popularity among individuals seeking self-treatment for pain, anxiety, and depression, as well as for managing opioid withdrawal symptoms. While there are currently no FDA-approved drugs containing kratom, it is estimated that there are as many as 16 million regular users of the herbal supplement in the US.
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Due to the absence of federal regulations, individual states have taken different approaches to kratom. Half a dozen states have already banned the herbal supplement, and lawmakers in Mississippi and Louisiana are considering following suit. The American Kratom Association has called for additional research and advocates for determining kratom’s safety and regulation through clinical trials.
Talavera’s tragic fate serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible usage and regulation surrounding herbal supplements. It was revealed that she was introduced to kratom by friends years prior to her untimely death. In court, her eldest son, Devin Filippelli, testified about the strong bond they shared as a family and the plans they had for a celebratory dinner after his high school graduation, which took place a day before her passing.
While the ruling acknowledges that no amount of money can ever compensate for the pain and suffering Talavera’s children are enduring, it represents a legal recognition of their loss. District judge Donald Middlebrooks, in his final ruling, stated that although the compensation may be inadequate, it is necessary for the defendant to pay.
This tragic incident has brought the safety and regulation of kratom into the spotlight, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach that includes clinical trials and further research. The story of Krystal Talavera serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with the unregulated use of herbal supplements and emphasizes the importance of responsible consumption and informed decision-making.