More than 40 years of combined experience

A group photo of Smith Shanklin Sosa's attorneys

Understanding the JUUL Class Action Lawsuit

On Behalf of | Nov 20, 2019 | Firm News

As more reports of illnesses and deaths related to vaping come to light, several U.S. attorneys have filed JUUL class action lawsuits on behalf of their clients. These cases seek justice for individuals who have experienced health problems when they attempted to quit vaping, as well as teens who became addicted because of JUUL’s alleged marketing to underage consumers. Read on to learn more about current class action claims against JUUL and warnings about the safety of using these products to quit smoking.

Nicotine-Related Health Problems

Although JUUL pods contain varying levels of nicotine, product packaging for the brand did not mention the dangers of ingesting this chemical until November 2018, when their vapes were already firmly entrenched in the market. Not only is nicotine addictive, it also causes cardiac and gastrointestinal issues such as high blood pressure, arterial plaque build-up, and ulcers. Many JUUL users named in the lawsuit claim they were unaware the product contained nicotine when they began vaping.

Lack of FDA Approval

JUUL and other vape brands are widely used by smokers who want to quit, with mixed success. However, the lawsuits argue that JUUL violated the federal Tobacco Control Act by failing to seek approval from the Food and Drug Administration to market these products as smoking cessation aids.

Marketing to Tweens and Teens

With their sleek packaging and fruity flavors, JUUL pods have become popular among teens who aren’t old enough to smoke. This phenomenon has created a new nicotine habit for many young people who have never smoked cigarettes. According to data from the National Youth Tobacco Study, 1 in 20 high school students reported using e-cigarettes in the past year, and more than 78% reported exposure to vape advertisements.

If you or your child is struggling with the health impacts of nicotine after developing a JUUL habit, reach out to Smith Shanklin Sosa to determine whether you have a lawsuit. We have extensive experience in class action lawsuits in the Baton Rouge area. Complete our online form or call 225-424-6094 for a free consultation to learn more about your options.