A lawsuit has been filed following the death of Robert Simmons, who reportedly died from acute mitragynine toxicity, commonly known as kratom toxicity. According to the Weld County Coroner, Simmons experienced these effects after consuming kratom, a substance he believed was a safe alternative for managing his chronic pain. The legal complaint asserts that Simmons, along with many others, was misled by the defendants regarding the safety and natural benefits of kratom, which is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any medical use.
Tamara Spires, an attorney with mctlaw representing Simmons’ family, stated, “These defendants have deliberately set up a network of shell companies to import, market, and sell kratom to consumers with one goal in mind, financial gain.” The lawsuit claims that the defendants failed to properly disclose risks associated with kratom, neglected to provide adequate warning labels, and misleadingly marketed kratom products as medicinal.
The case, filed by Simmons’ widow, Erika Simmons, on September 23, 2024, in Weld County District Court, lists several defendants, including One Love, Inc., Jonah V. Ricke, and other related companies. This lawsuit highlights a growing national concern regarding kratom, which has been linked to multiple fatalities. Despite its popularity, the FDA has expressed concerns about the safety of kratom and has not sanctioned it for medical use.
mctlaw is a national law firm focusing on complex litigation, including cases related to wrongful death and unsafe consumer products.