More people in recent years have tried kratom, an herbal product that’s often advertised as natural, safe, or helpful for pain, mood, or energy. But the truth is complex: kratom products have been linked to serious health risks — liver damage, seizures, addiction, and even death.
If you or someone you love has been harmed by kratom, you might have legal rights. This article explains what kratom is, what kinds of harm have been reported, why lawsuits are being filed, and what steps you can take.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom comes from the leaves of a tree called Mitragyna speciosa, native to Southeast Asia.
In the U.S., kratom is often sold as a powder, capsules, gummies, teas, or extracts.
It acts on brain receptors in ways similar to opioids (for example, mitragynine and a compound called 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)). The FDA has said kratom is not approved for any medical use. U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Known Risks and Harms
People have reported a range of adverse effects after using kratom. Some are milder, others serious:
Milder symptoms: Nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, weight loss, loss of appetite.
Serious health issues: Liver damage, kidney problems, high blood pressure, respiratory issues, heart problems.
Neurological or psychiatric symptoms: Seizures, tremors, hallucinations or delusions, confusion.
Addiction, dependence, and withdrawal: Regular use can lead to tolerance, craving, and withdrawal symptoms when someone tries to stop.
Contamination risks: Some kratom products have been found to contain heavy metals (like lead) or harmful bacteria (like Salmonella), which can cause illness.
Deaths: In certain cases, deaths have been associated with kratom. Often, other substances (alcohol, other drugs) were also involved.
The FDA and Mayo Clinic have publicly warned consumers about these risks. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Mayo Clinic: Unsafe and ineffective
Why People Are Filing Lawsuits
Given the reports of harm, multiple lawsuits are now underway for a few reasons:
Failure to warn: Claims that manufacturers or sellers did not properly warn consumers about risks like addiction, liver damage, or interactions with other substances.
Mislabeling or false claims: Products are sometimes marketed with claims that aren’t backed by scientific evidence (e.g. “safe,” “natural pain cure,” etc.). Lawsuits allege that such claims mislead people.
Product defect or contamination: If a kratom product is contaminated (heavy metals, bacteria), or has a dangerous amount of an active compound (e.g. 7-OH), it may be legally defective.
Wrongful death: Families have filed suit where someone died after using kratom products, often combined with other substances. These cases seek accountability and compensation.
Consumer protection / fraud: When sellers market kratom as safe, natural, or helpful in treating medical conditions without making disclosures or following regulatory rules, these may violate consumer protection laws.
What You Might Be Able to Recover
If a court finds in your favor, damages could include:
Medical expenses (for hospitalizations, therapy, treatment)
Lost wages or income if you missed work or can’t work anymore due to harm
Pain and suffering, emotional distress
Costs of follow-up care or ongoing health issues
Wrongful death compensation (if someone has passed away)
Possibly punitive damages in some cases (intended to punish extremely careless or intentional wrongdoing)
What You May Need to Show
To have a strong legal claim, here are key elements:
Proof of exposure: You need to show you used a kratom product, when, what brand if possible.
Proof of harm: That using kratom or a contaminated or misbranded product caused your injury — medical records, lab tests, doctor reports.
Causation: That it was the kratom—not something else (or at least that kratom contributed) — this can be one of the harder parts.
Defendant responsibility: Which company made, sold, or distributed the product? Did they know or should they have known of risks? Did they fail to warn properly?
Timeliness: Lawsuits must generally be filed before a deadline (“statute of limitations”) in your state. Waiting too long can prevent a case from moving forward.
Recent Regulatory News & Trends
The FDA warns against using kratom because of serious risks including liver damage, seizures, and addiction.
Authorities are especially concerned with the compound 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), sometimes found in more potent kratom products (gummies, extracts), which may act like opioids. The FDA is pushing for stricter regulation or control of 7-OH.
States are considering or have passed laws to regulate kratom, require testing / warnings, or ban certain forms.
Who Might Qualify to File a Lawsuit
You might have a case if:
You or someone you love was harmed after using kratom.
You have medical documentation of injury, or some proof that you’ve suffered serious health consequences.
The kratom product used was contaminated or had mislabeling, or the company didn’t warn about risks.
You used the product according to instructions or how it was sold—i.e. you were not doing something clearly reckless.
You can meet the legal deadline in your location (statute of limitations).
Steps to Take If You Think You Have a Case
Stop using the product and consult your doctor if you’re experiencing symptoms. Document what you used (brand, where bought, packaging) if possible.
Gather medical records showing your diagnosis, treatment, lab tests.
Save the product and packaging, if you still have it—this can help later.
Take photos or a journal of your symptoms, when they began, how they’ve worsened.
Reach out to a The Lake Law Firm who are experienced in product injury / defect cases. We offer free consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is kratom legal?
Kratom is legal in many places, but not all. It depends on your state and the exact form of the product (e.g. synthetic compounds like 7-OH may be under review for tighter control). Also, legality doesn’t prevent liability—companies can still be held responsible for harms.
Is “natural” safe?
Not always. “Natural” doesn’t equal “safe.” Many natural products can cause serious harm if contaminated, misused, or if the active compounds have strong effects. With kratom, the risks are higher when it’s misbranded, impure, or when concentrated forms or synthetic additives are involved.
What if I used kratom with something else?
That complicates things, but doesn’t always eliminate your claim. If kratom contributed to injury (even along with other substances), there may still be legal grounds. Our legal team can help sort out the contribution of each factor.
How much time do I have to file a lawsuit?
It varies by state. Some states also allow exceptions for latent injuries (injuries that take time to show up) or when the manufacturer was hiding risk. The sooner you talk with us, the better.
Why It’s Important to Act Now
Protect your health: If you were harmed, you deserve compensation for medical bills, suffering, and future care.
Hold companies responsible: Lawsuits encourage safer product design, better warnings, cleaner manufacturing.
Prevent harm to others: Public awareness grows when cases are filed; others may be saved from similar injury.
Time matters: Evidence and memories degrade; legal deadlines may bar claims if delayed.
If you believe you’ve been harmed by a kratom product—whether through side-effects, toxicity, or because it was mislabeled or contaminated—you don’t have to face this alone. Legal help is available, and The Lake Law Firm takes these cases on without charging upfront.
Contact us for a free, confidential case review. You deserve answers, accountability, and support.
News & Authoritative Sources to Know
FDA Warning: “FDA and Kratom” — serious risks including liver toxicity, seizures, substance use disorder. U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Recent Health Official Actions: Push to regulate or control synthetic kratom compounds like 7-OH due to overdose risks. Reuters News
Mayo Clinic resource on kratom: side effects like confusion, high blood pressure, seizures. Mayo Clinic
