For non-coffee drinkers, caffeinated alternatives to kick start your day or give a jolt of energy during your mid-afternoon slump are always welcome, and when Panera’s Charged Lemonade came onto the scene, many were excited to get their hands on the sweet pick-me-up. However, not long after this beverage rolled on the scene did it start making news. In the wake of the drink’s debut, at least four lawsuits were brought forward against Panera, two of them involving the deaths of people who consumed the Charged Lemonade. As of 2024, the drink was removed from the Panera menu, and earlier this month, the company settled the remaining lawsuits. Here, everything that went down with the Panera Charged Lemonade lawsuits.
The story begins in 2022
Tragically, in September of 2022, 21-year-old college student Sarah Katz went into cardiac arrest while at a restaurant with friends before she died after suffering another cardiac arrest. Katz was diagnosed with a heart condition, long QT syndrome, at 5 years old, which causes irregular and rapid heartbeats. In the wrongful death suit her parents brought forth against the restaurant chain, they claimed she had consumed the Charged Lemonade believing it to be their standard lemonade, as their daughter actively avoided energy drinks for the sake of her condition. In October of 2024, Panera settled the lawsuit. According to their website, a regular size Charged Lemonade contains 260 milligrams of caffeine, while the large was said to have contained 390 milligrams.
A second death occurred not long after
Soon after Katz’ death, another man died after consuming the Charged lemonade. Dennis Brown, 46, was said to have ordered a Charged Lemonade and was believed to have had two refills over the span of an hour and a half. On his walk home, he tragically passed away. Brown, who had a chromosomal deficiency disorder, high blood pressure and ADHD, was also said to avoid energy drinks.
Two other individuals suffered after consuming Charged Lemonade
Though only two wrongful death claims have been brought forth in relation to Charged Lemonade consumption, two other consumers claim to now suffer from cardiac issues. One 28-year-old from Rhode Island claimed to have developed permanent heart issues after drinking this beverage despite not having any prior health issues. Additionally, a Pennsylvania teen allegedly had to be resuscitated after consuming this drink.
Panera settles the remaining Charged Lemonade lawsuits
The caffeinated drink was removed from the menu in May of 2024, and earlier this week, the three cases involving Mr. Brown, the Rhode Island resident and the Pennsylvania teen were dismissed with prejudice, which means they cannot be filed again.
