Galaxy Gas & Baking Bad Investigation

Have you or a loved one purchased a nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” cannister at a smoke shop, gas station, convenience store, or other similar facility, and subsequently inhaled this product? Have you experienced any sort of side effect after doing so? If this applies to you, you could have grounds for a legal claim. A lawyer from Paul LLP Trial Attorneys can review your case, explain your rights, and handle every aspect of the legal process on your behalf. Call us today at (816) 984-8100 for a free consultation to learn more. We are ready to fight for you and seek the justice you deserve.

What is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous Oxide (or “laughing gas”) is a colorless, faintly sweet-smelling gas that is a short-acting sedative. Ordinarily used by physicians and dentists to treat patients, this gas has been around since the mid-19^th century and is one of the most common inhaled sedatives today. In the medical setting, nitrous oxide is commonly delivered with a 30% to 70% mix of oxygen, so patients do not receive 100% of the drug. However, this gas has taken on a new, toxic use, as a recreational drug.

How did Nitrous Oxide infiltrate the recreational drug scene?

Along with its place in modern medicine, nitrous oxide is also commonly used to fuel culinary cannisters such as whipped cream. These canisters are sold in restaurant depots in plain, silver/metal cartridges, clearly marketed for its intended use. However, certain manufacturers have now turned to marketing these nitrous oxide cannisters towards recreational drug users, attempting to capitalize off its addictive properties. Inhaling nitrous oxide from these small cannisters can block pain signals and cause the release of dopamine to create feelings of euphoria that could last seconds or a few minutes. Because the “high” is so quick, users often huff this drug multiple times in a row. Almost exclusively being sold at smoke shops, gas stations, convenience stores and the like, these supposed culinary products are being marketed with trendy names and bright colors, being sold in various flavors such as “banana cream pie” or “rainbow candy,” and some even including nozzles to make immediate inhalation possible (an accessory not needed if being used for its “intended” purpose of food preparation).

What can inhalation of Nitrous Oxide do to the human body?

If nitrous oxide is inhaled directly from its source, the gas can be intensely cold and cause frostbite to the nose, lips, throat, and vocal cords. Further, it can cause raptures in lung tissue when inhaled directly from these containers. Inhaling too much nitrous oxide can cause a loss of consciousness by a drop in blood pressure (or asphyxiation), irregular heartbeats, and seizures. Prolonged exposure to nitrous oxide can result in a variety of serious health effects, including memory loss, vitamin B12 depletion (thus causing brain and nerve damage), blood clots, reproductive issues, psychosis, and in some cases, death.

What allegations are being made against the manufacturers and distributors of Nitrous Oxide cannisters?

These serious and life-threatening health effects of inhaling nitrous oxide have been known for years, yet manufacturers of these cannisters have continued to market their product to recreational users (despite claiming to be for “culinary” purposes), profiting off of their customers’ downfall. These manufacturers failed to provide consumers with any information about specific injuries that could result from using their product, failed to advise that increased exposure could lead to other specific injuries backed by scientific research, and failed to warn consumers of its addictive potential. We believe these manufacturers and distributors of nitrous gas cannisters were and/or are negligent (among other viable claims) and should be held accountable by the law.

Potential Compensation for Victims

Consumers of these Nitrous Oxide products could potentially claim compensation for:

• Medical expenses for hospital stays, doctor visits, medication, and physical therapy
• Lost income related to time away from work due to injuries from the use of nitrous oxide products
• The physical pain and emotional injuries caused by the inhalation of Nitrous Oxide
• Mental health treatment costs for things like therapy and counseling due to its addictive and painful properties
• Other out-of-pocket costs for expenses such as transportation to medical appointments

How Paul LLP Trial Attorneys is Assisting Victims

Paul LLP Trial Attorneys is currently actively investigating these claims, communicating with potential claimants, and building out the full story. We are gathering evidence, speaking with victims, and building strong cases for those seeking to hold these manufacturers and distributors accountable. Paul LLP Trial Attorneys is not just focused on securing compensation. We work to create lasting change in industries where safety failures put people at risk. When companies fail to protect the public, we take action to hold them accountable.

Contact Our Trial Attorneys Today

If you have purchased nitrous oxide products from facilities such as smoke shops, gas stations, vape stores, convenience stores, or any of the like, have inhaled such products and experienced some sort of injury, you could qualify to bring a claim against these manufacturers and distributors. Please contact us for a free consultation to discuss your cases with our team.