Massachusetts has brought a lawsuit against Juul Labs Inc., an electronic cigarette giant. In their recently filed lawsuit, Massachusetts accuses the company of deliberately targeting adolescents and young people through marketing campaigns. The attorney general of Massachusetts has alleged that Juul, the world’s largest e-cigarette maker, has caused a vaping epidemic by using deceptive advertising strategies, targeting vulnerable teenagers and adolescents. This is not the first state to bring a lawsuit against Juul. California, New York, and Pennsylvania have also brought lawsuits against the company.
Lawsuit Against Juul Focuses on Juul’s Advertising Practices
The lawsuit filed by the Massachusetts attorney general alleges that Juul bought advertisements on adolescent websites. Allegedly, Juul took out advertising space on cartoonnetwork.com, nickjr.com, and seventeen.com and other websites designed to help students with social studies and math.
According to research conducted by Massachusett’s attorney general, Juul considered focusing marketing on helping adults quit smoking cigarettes, but instead intentionally decided to target kids and teenagers. Many of Juul’s advertisements show young models using Juul. Massachusetts’ attorney general says that 80% of Juul’s email list had not passed the most basic age verification test. In some emails, Juul representatives told recipients how to get around Massachusetts smoking age laws.
Negative Costs Associated with E-Cigarette Companies Like Juul
The negative health costs associated with e-cigarettes that use a liquid that contains nicotine can be serious. The financial costs of dealing with e-cigarettes are also significant. For example, Massachusetts schools have needed to install $50,000 anti-vaping devices in their bathrooms.
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Massachusetts has confirmed that 36 people have died as a result of vaping-related illnesses. Across the United States, 64 people have died from vaping-related illnesses, while 2,700 people across the country have suffered from illnesses related to vaping. The lost work time and health care costs of those affected by vaping-related illnesses are significant.
Juul’s Marketing Tactics Target Teenagers and Adolescents
The complaint filed by Massachusetts alleges that Juul violated the consumer laws of Massachusetts. Juul allegedly did so by targeting underage consumers through its advertising and marketing. The complaint goes on to allege that Juul failed to verify online buyers’ ages or to ensure that people aged 21 or older received shipments from Juul’s online e-commerce website. In September, the Massachusetts attorney general sent a cease and desist letter to Juul, and as a result, Juul stopped selling products online to customers in Massachusetts.
Personal Injuries Caused by Using Juul E-Cigarettes
Several states have brought lawsuits against Juul. However, individuals can also bring their own class-action lawsuits against Juul. In order to succeed in a personal injury lawsuit against Juul, you must prove that you have suffered an injury caused by the product. The Food and Drug Administration has received numerous reports of JuuL users facing serious injuries as a result of using the nicotine-filled e-cigarettes. Some of the health risks associated with using e-cigarette products include the following:
- Embolisms
- Joint pain
- Elevated blood pressure
- Strokes
- Seizures
- Convulsions
- Heart injuries
- Lung injuries
- Nicotine poisoning
- Death
In 2018, the Journal of Pediatrics published a report about the different negative carcinogenic effects of the vape “juice” used in Juul devices. It found the following chemicals:
- Diacetyl (butter flavor)
- Formaldehyde (embalming fluid)
- Toluene (ingredient in paint thinners)
- Acrolein (used to kill algae in canals and water treatment facilities)
When vaping products become heated, which has become a popular method of inhaling liquid Juul flavors, heavy metal particles can result. These heavy metal particles include cadmium, lead, chromium, manganese, and nickel. All of these heavy medal chemicals can become lodged in the lung tissue of Juul users. All of these chemicals can be toxic and cause serious health problems. For example, these chemicals can cause bronchiolitis obliterans, which is a severe and irreversible lung disease commonly called “popcorn lung.” Those who develop popcorn lung often suffer from shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. Popcorn lunch is a similar condition to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Injured by Juul Products? Our Lawyers can Help
If you have suffered an injury caused by a Juul e-cigarette, you may be entitled to compensation. People across the country have filed thousands of lawsuits related to injuries caused by Juul e-cigarettes. Contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at Heninger Garrison Davis to schedule your initial consultation today.
