Charles R. “Rusty” Webb Selected for Membership in Lawyers of Distinction (2025)
August 13, 2025
Charles R. “Rusty” Webb Selected for Membership in Lawyers of Distinction (2025)
Charleston, West Virginia — August 13, 2025 — Charles R. “Rusty” Webb, founder of The Webb Law Centre, PLLC, has been selected for Membership in Lawyers of Distinction for 2025, recognizing professional achievement and peer recognition in the practice of law.
“I’m grateful for this recognition,” said Webb. “Our team’s focus remains the same—deliver unwavering advocacy and results for injured West Virginians.”
About the Lawyers of Distinction Selection Process
Lawyers of Distinction Members are chosen following review and vetting by a Selection Committee utilizing a platform generates a numerical score (1–5) across 12 enumerated factors designed to recognize an applicant’s achievements and peer recognition. All applicants must be licensed to practice law and are subject to a final ten-year ethics review prior to confirmation of Membership.
- A nomination does not guarantee Membership, and attorneys cannot pay to be nominated.
- Attorneys may nominate peers for consideration; qualification for Membership is determined solely by the proprietary analysis described above.
- Membership does not imply endorsement by any state bar association or the District of Columbia Bar. References to “excellent,” “excellence,” or “distinguished” refer only to the Lawyers of Distinction organization and not to any individual member.
About The Webb Law Centre, PLLC
Founded in 2006 by Charles R. “Rusty” Webb, The Webb Law Centre, PLLC is a Charleston-based firm representing clients across West Virginia in personal injury, consumer protection, environmental contamination, class actions, and mass torts. The firm handles personal injury matters on a contingency fee basis.
Media Contact:
Charles R. “Rusty” Webb
The Webb Law Centre, PLLC
716 Lee Street, East, Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (304) 344-WEBB (9322)
Email: rusty@rustywebb.com
Website: www.RustyWebb.com
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Charles “Rusty” Webb, founder of The Webb Law Centre, announced today that his firm is expanding its nationwide review of kratom-related injury and wrongful death cases following an NBC Nightly News report on a beverage containing kratom and kava root. The August 2025 NBC segment highlighted growing social media warnings about the herbal supplement “Feel Free,” which contains kava root — touted for its relaxing effects — and kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia known for its stimulant and opioid-like effects. “Kratom is still being marketed in ways that obscure its risks,” Webb said. “The NBC investigation underscores what the FDA’s been warning about — there are serious safety concerns without proper education, and people need to understand their legal options if they’ve been harmed.” The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued multiple warnings about kratom’s potential to cause addiction, liver damage, and death. Webb’s firm is currently reviewing cases involving: Fatal overdoses linked to kratom use Severe addiction requiring medical treatment Organ failure or other life-threatening complications Health care professionals or whistleblowers with relevant information With more than 30 years of legal experience in high-stakes toxic tort and product liability claims, Webb was one of the first attorneys to formally launch a coordinated litigation strategy targeting kratom manufacturers and distributors earlier this year. “The parallels to early opioid litigation are striking,” Webb said. “These cases can protect consumers and prevent another public health crisis.” About Rusty Webb Rusty Webb is the founder of The Webb Law Centre in Charleston, West Virginia. He has served in the West Virginia House of Delegates and has represented individuals and communities in precedent-setting complex tort, environmental, and public interest litigation. Media Contact: Webb Law Centre PLLC 714 Venture Drive Charleston, WV 25309 www.webblawcentre.com
Charles R. “Rusty” Webb, founder of The Webb Law Centre, PLLC, has been nominated to Attorney and Practice Magazine’s 2025 “Top 10 Personal Injury Law Attorney — Raising the Bar” directory for West Virginia.
Charles R. “Rusty” Webb, founder of The Webb Law Centre, PLLC, has been nominated to The American Association of Attorneys Advocates™ (AAAA) 2025 Dedication to Outstanding Advocacy Top 10 Personal Injury Law Attorney directory for West Virginia.
Charles R. “Rusty” Webb, founder of The Webb Law Centre, PLLC, has been selected to join the nation’s top trial lawyers as a member of the Distinguished Justice Advocates (DJA) Charter—an honor extended to fewer than 1% of attorneys nationwide.
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Charles “Rusty” Webb, founder of the Webb Law Centre, is stepping into the national spotlight as one of the first attorneys to formally launch a litigation strategy focused on kratom—a controversial botanical compound tied to addiction, organ damage, and fatal overdoses. As kratom continues to be sold widely in gas stations and online, the FDA has stepped up its scrutiny, issuing multiple public health warnings and cracking down on manufacturers for deceptive marketing and unapproved claims. With mounting injuries and fatalities, Webb believes kratom may become the next mass tort litigation wave—comparable to early opioid lawsuits. “Kratom is marketed as ‘natural’ and ‘safe,’ but many of the same red flags we saw in opioid cases are here again,” said Webb. “It’s time to hold these companies accountable.” National Legal Review Underway The Webb Law Centre is now reviewing kratom-related injury cases nationwide. The firm is accepting inquiries from: Families impacted by fatal overdoses involving kratom Individuals experiencing severe addiction or organ failure Healthcare professionals and whistleblowers Attorneys seeking co-counsel relationships on emerging kratom litigation With more than 30 years of legal experience and a background in high-stakes toxic tort and product liability claims, Rusty Webb is well-positioned to lead this emerging legal front. “We’ve seen firsthand what happens when dangerous products are allowed to spread unchecked,” Webb said. “We won’t let history repeat itself.” About Rusty Webb Rusty Webb is a nationally recognized trial lawyer based in Charleston, West Virginia. He has served in the West Virginia House of Delegates and has litigated precedent-setting injury cases throughout the region. Webb is known for his work in complex torts, environmental cases, and public interest litigation. Media Contact Webb Law Centre 714 Venture Drive, Charleston, WV 25309 www.webblawcentre.com
As kratom gains national attention for its potential health risks and legal scrutiny, individuals harmed by this herbal supplement are starting to ask the critical question: "Do I have a case?" Attorney Charles "Rusty" Webb of The Webb Law Centre in Charleston, West Virginia is one of the few lawyers in the country focused on kratom litigation. Here's what you need to know if you're considering filing a lawsuit against a kratom manufacturer or distributor. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Kratom is legal in many states but unregulated, leading to major risks for consumers. Lawsuits are emerging over injuries tied to kratom addiction, overdose, and death. The Webb Law Centre is currently reviewing cases involving wrongful death, liver failure, addiction, and adulterated kratom products. If your injury is tied to a known brand-such as Feel Free tonic-you may have a strong case. Kratom cases are NOT class action-they are mass torts, meaning your injuries must be evaluated individually. THE LEGAL LANDSCAPE The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved kratom for any medical use, and multiple states are now considering bans or regulations. Some manufacturers market kratom as a dietary supplement, sidestepping regulation-despite its well-documented links to addiction, hallucination, seizures, liver damage, and even death. "These are serious cases, and people deserve the truth about what they're putting into their bodies," says Rusty Webb. "Families are grieving, and they're shocked that something so dangerous is being sold openly in gas stations and online." WHAT MAKES A KRATOM CASE STRONG? Each case is fact-specific, but common threads among strong cases include: Use of a known kratom product linked to harm Documented medical diagnosis or treatment Sudden or escalating addiction symptoms Liver failure, overdose, or death Underage access or deceptive marketing THE WEBB LAW CENTRE APPROACH Unlike large national firms chasing volume, The Webb Law Centre takes a personal, investigative approach to each case. They work with toxicologists, addiction specialists, and medical experts to build litigation-readyclaims. "We don't just take your case-we build it," says Webb.
Kratom—a herbal supplement derived from the Mitragyna speciosa plant—has gained popularity in gas stations, head shops, and online marketplaces across the U.S. But behind its claims of pain relief and mood enhancement, there is a growing wave of lawsuits and questions. Can you sue a kratom manufacturer if you or a loved one has been harmed? Attorney Charles "Rusty" Webb of The Webb Law Centre offers clear guidance for families seeking justice. What Makes Kratom Legally Actionable? According to Webb, kratom's legal exposure centers around two critical areas: Failure to Warn: "Many manufacturers fail to provide adequate warnings about kratom's addictive properties or its interaction with other medications," Webb explains. "That alone may create liability.” Product Contamination or Mislabeling: Some products have been found to contain dangerously high levels of mitragynine, synthetic additives, or contaminants. "When a product is mislabeled or tainted, that crosses the line into negligence," says Webb. The Legal Grounds for Filing a Kratom Lawsuit To successfully bring a case, plaintiffs generally must prove: The kratom product was defective, mislabeled, or lacked adequate warnings. The manufacturer or distributor was negligent. The product directly caused injury, addiction, or death. "It’s not enough that someone used kratom," says Webb. "We must establish a clear line between the product and the harm.” Who Can File a Lawsuit? Cases may be brought by: Individuals who became addicted or suffered organ failure, stroke, or other health complications after using kratom. Family members of individuals who died following kratom ingestion. Parents of teens or young adults who purchased kratom in gas stations without clear warnings. Why These Cases Are Growing As more states begin regulating or banning kratom, and as the FDA continues to issue warnings, awareness is building. "We’re seeing patterns across multiple states, especially where kratom is sold over the counter with little to no oversight," Webb says. "This is beginning to mirror early opioid litigation.” The Role of the Webb Law Centre Based in Charleston, West Virginia, The Webb Law Centre is one of the first firms in the region to actively investigate kratom-related claims. "We take these cases personally," Webb notes. "Many of our clients come to us after losing a son, daughter, or spouse. They’re not just looking for compensation—they want accountability.”
As the number of Kratom-related injury and wrongful death claims continue to rise, one law firm is stepping forward as a national authority on this emerging legal frontier. Based in Charleston, West Virginia, the Webb Law Centre, led by veteran trial attorney Charles "Rusty" Webb, is developing a unique and aggressive litigation strategy designed to hold kratom manufacturers and distributors accountable. In this article, we break down exactly how the Webb Law Centre is preparing to lead the charge on Kratom-related lawsuits — with clarity, compassion, and courtroom experience. Key Takeaways: The Webb Law Centre is focused on helping families impacted by Kratom overdoses, wrongful deaths, and addiction-related injuries. Rusty Webb brings more than 30 years of trial experience and is known for taking on powerful corporations in precedent-setting cases. The firm is utilizing cutting-edge medical research and collaborating with addiction specialists to build strong causation arguments. Their strategy is rooted in mass tort principles but individualized for each case. Understanding the Kratom CrisisKratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a plant-derived substance that has surged in popularity over the past five years, often marketed as a "natural alternative" to opioids, alcohol, and energy drinks. But beneath the surface lies a deeply concerning reality: Kratom-related deaths are rising, and addiction experts warn that its impact on the brain can mimic or even exceed that of traditional opioids. "Kratom isn’t just an herbal supplement. It’s an unregulated, chemically active substance being sold over the counter to teenagers and vulnerable consumers," says Rusty Webb. "We’re seeing clients who had no idea what they were ingesting until it was too late.” The Legal Strategy: Targeting Accountability Across the Supply Chain Unlike traditional personal injury cases, kratom litigation presents complex challenges: unregulated imports, evolving science, and limited legal precedent. Webb’s strategy includes: Tracing the supply chain – identifying importers, distributors, and retail chains responsible for putting unsafe products on the market. Using toxicology and pharmacology research – demonstrating that kratom can cause dependency, cardiac events, psychosis, and fatal overdoses. Wrongful death actions – bringing justice to families who have lost loved ones after consuming products marketed as safe or herbal. State-specific claims – adapting arguments to meet West Virginia statutes while tracking federal regulatory developments. "Our goal is to bring clarity to the courtroom. These aren’t abstract policy debates. These are real families burying real children," Webb emphasizes. Partnering with Experts, Advocates, and FamiliesThe Webb Law Centre has begun building a coalition of: Addiction psychiatrists and emergency medicine physicians – to testify on the physiological effects of kratom. Grieving parents and impacted users – to humanize the issue and combat industry spin. Policy analysts and watchdogs – to track the FDA's changing stance and use it to bolster liability claims. Why This Matters NowWebb believes the window of opportunity is now. "The FDA is signaling movement. States are waking up. And yet these products are still sitting by gas station counters with zero warning labels.” In his view, this is the new opioid frontier — and lawyers must act decisively.