Hair Relaxers and Personal Injury Claims

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.”