Lawsuits Involving Whippet and Whip-It: New Orleans Attorneys Representing Victims of Nitrous Oxide Misuse
Nitrous oxide (N₂O) canisters, often called whippets (also referred to as Galaxy Gas or Whip-It!), are designed for legitimate use in the food industry. However, these canisters are often misused recreationally, leading to serious health hazards, including potential brain and nerve damage, and in some cases, death.
Nitrous Oxide (N₂O) - Whippets Explained
Whippets are small canisters containing nitrous oxide (N₂O), commonly sold under brand names like Whip-It! or Galaxy Gas, and are primarily intended for use in whipped cream dispensers.
While nitrous oxide (N₂O), also known as laughing gas, is also used medically as an anesthetic by Dentists. Nitrous oxide has long been abused as a recreational drug, often referred to as "whippets."
These nitrous oxide (N₂O) canisters have become popular as inhalants due to their ability to induce a brief feeling of euphoria. Inhaling nitrous oxide impacts the central nervous system by reducing brain activity and causing a temporary oxygen deprivation, which results in a quick "high" that typically lasts just a few minutes. As the effect fades quickly, individuals often inhale more of the gas to prolong the sensation.
Are there health risks involved with Whippets?
Using nitrous oxide canisters, commonly known as Whippets, presents several serious health risks. Despite their brief euphoric effects, inhaling nitrous oxide can have immediate and long-term consequences for both physical and mental well-being.
- Brain Damage: Regular use of nitrous oxide can lead to oxygen deprivation, which may cause permanent damage to the brain. Prolonged exposure can impair cognitive function, leading to memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and other neurological issues.
- Nerve Damage: Nitrous oxide abuse has been linked to nerve damage, particularly in the peripheral nervous system. This can result in numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands and feet. In severe cases, it may lead to difficulty walking or motor control problems.
- Hypoxia: Inhaling nitrous oxide reduces the amount of oxygen available to the brain and body. This can lead to hypoxia, a dangerous condition where the body’s tissues and organs do not get enough oxygen. Hypoxia can cause dizziness, confusion, and, in extreme cases, lead to loss of consciousness or death.
- Cardiovascular Issues: Nitrous oxide misuse can cause irregular heartbeats, low blood pressure, and other cardiovascular problems due to the strain it places on the heart and circulatory system.
- Addiction: Repeated misuse can lead to psychological dependency. Users may develop a pattern of use to experience the temporary high, which can lead to frequent inhalation and long-term health consequences.
- Accidents and Injury: The disorienting effects of nitrous oxide can lead to accidents. Loss of coordination, dizziness, and confusion can cause falls, motor vehicle accidents, and other dangerous situations.
- Sudden Death: In rare cases, nitrous oxide abuse has been linked to sudden death, particularly when inhaled in large amounts or combined with other substances. This is often due to the sudden lack of oxygen or a fatal cardiac event triggered by the gas.
What are some indicators of inhalant abuse?
Inhalant abuse can be difficult to detect, but certain signs and behaviors may suggest someone is misusing substances like nitrous oxide or other inhalants. Some common indicators of inhalant abuse include:
Physical Symptoms:
- Red or runny eyes: Frequent use may cause irritation to the eyes, leading to redness or tearing.
- Nosebleeds: Inhalants can dry out the nasal passages, increasing the likelihood of frequent nosebleeds.
- Chemical odor: A noticeable, strong chemical scent on the breath, clothing, or skin may be a sign of inhalant use.
- Persistent coughing or wheezing: Repeated inhalation of vapors can irritate the respiratory system, leading to chronic coughing or difficulty breathing.
Clumsiness or lack of coordination: The disorienting effects of inhalants can result in unsteady movements or difficulty walking. - Behavioral Changes: Frequent mood swings: Individuals may exhibit sudden mood changes, becoming unusually euphoric, agitated, or irritable after using inhalants.
Social withdrawal: A person abusing inhalants may isolate themselves from family and friends or stop participating in normal social activities.
Unusual excitement or hyperactivity: After using inhalants, some individuals may exhibit overexcitement or unusually energetic behavior that quickly fades into lethargy. - Risky or reckless behavior: The effects of inhalants can impair judgment and increase risky behaviors such as driving under the influence or engaging in unsafe activities.
- Physical Evidence: Presence of inhalant containers: Finding cans, spray paint, or other containers with inhalants or signs of misuse, such as missing or damaged lids, is a red flag.
- Chemical-soaked rags or tissues: Discarded materials with a strong chemical odor, especially if hidden or stored in unusual places, may indicate abuse.
Cognitive and Mental Effects:
- Memory loss or confusion: Chronic use can impair memory and cause confusion or difficulty recalling recent events.
- Dizziness or nausea: These symptoms are common both immediately after use and as a result of frequent inhalant abuse.
- Headaches: Persistent or severe headaches may occur due to the lack of oxygen or toxic effects of the chemicals.
- Frequent Requests for Money: Individuals may ask for money more often to buy inhalants, showing signs of financial strain.
Recent Verdict in Whip-It! Case: $745 Million Awarded
A Missouri jury awarded $745 million to the parents of Marissa Politte, who was killed by a driver that inhaled nitrous oxide from Whip-It! canisters before the accident. The lawsuit accused United Brands Products of conspiring with smoke shops to sell nitrous oxide for illegal inhalation. Evidence showed Whip-It! targeted young people in party scenes by selling to smoke shops. The driver, Trenton Geiger, pleaded guilty to manslaughter after using Whip-It! before the incident. United Brands denied responsibility, but United Brands was held 70% at fault by the jury. It’s unclear whether the company will appeal the decision.
Can I file a Whip-it Lawsuit?
If you or someone you know has been affected by the misuse of Whip-It! canisters, whippets, whipping cream chargers, or other nitrous oxide products, you may be eligible for compensation. Whippet-related lawsuits can help recover damages for various losses, including:
- Medical Costs: Compensation for hospital bills, rehab, and ongoing medical treatment resulting from nitrous oxide abuse.
- Pain and Suffering: Financial relief for the physical and emotional distress caused by whippet abuse, impacting both individuals and their families.
- Lost Income: Recovery of wages lost due to the inability to work after sustaining injuries from nitrous oxide inhalation.
- Wrongful Death: For families who have lost a loved one due to whippet misuse, a wrongful death claim can cover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related damages.
Making sure we hold manufacturers responsible
Manufacturers and distributors of “Whip-Its” and Whip-It! canisters are responsible for ensuring their products are not easily abused. However, many of these companies have neglected to put in place adequate precautions or warnings, allowing for misuse of their products.
At Huber Thomas, we are committed to holding these companies accountable. Our skilled attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence of negligence, and highlight the harm caused by these hazardous products. Whether through negotiations or a trial, we will advocate for the compensation you deserve.
Who Manufactures and Sells Whipped Cream Canisters?
Nitrous oxide chargers, typically used in whipped cream dispensers, are primarily produced in Europe, home to some of the largest and most recognized manufacturing plants. There are also domestic producers in the U.S., such as Whip-It!, which manufactures chargers locally.
Some notable companies that produce nitrous oxide cartridges include:
- Great International manufacturers, distributes, and sells nitrous oxide under the “GreatWhip” brand name
- Galaxy Gas manufacturers, distributes, and sells nitrous oxide under the “Galaxy Gas” brand name
- United Brands manufacturers, distributes, and sells nitrous oxide under the “Whip-It!” brand name
- Sweet and Sour manufacturers, distributes, and sells nitrous oxide under the “Cosmic Gas” brand name
- STM manufactures, distributes, and sells nitrous oxide under the “Smartwhip” brand name
- IKD manufactures, distributes, and sells nitrous oxide under the “Euro Gas” brand name
- Collapsar manufactures, distributes, and sells nitrous oxide under the “Collapsar Gas” brand name
- MARZ Wholesale, LLC, distributes, and sells nitrous oxide under the "Marz Whip" brand name
- Airgas, Inc. manufactures, distributes, and sells nitrous oxide under the "Airgas" brand name
- Taizhou Sokka Gas Co., Ltd. manufactures, distributes, and sells nitrous oxide under the "Sokka Gas" & "Hi-Whip!" brand names
A pack of 100 Whip-It! cartridges can be purchased online for around $55, and these nitrous oxide (N₂O) canisters are also sold at smoke and vape shops across the U.S. The widespread availability of these products has contributed to the increasing misuse of nitrous oxide.
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