Panera Bread Settles Lawsuits After Charged Lemonade Blamed for Deaths and Heart Damage

Panera Bread has settled every remaining lawsuit tied to its now-discontinued Charged Lemonade beverage, following intense scrutiny after multiple people were seriously harmed or died after consuming the drink.

Attorney Elizabeth Crawford, who represented all four plaintiffs, confirmed that “the matters have all been resolved” but declined to share further details. Panera echoed the confirmation, choosing not to comment.

The lawsuits began in 2023 when Sarah Katz’s parents sued Panera after the 21-year-old student, who had a known heart condition, died from cardiac arrest after drinking the high-caffeine lemonade. That case was dismissed with prejudice, a legal term meaning it can’t be refiled.

Later, the family of Dennis Brown claimed he died after consuming three Charged Lemonades in one visit. Brown had high blood pressure and a rare disorder, and typically avoided energy drinks. Two others, Lauren Skerritt, 28, and teen Luke Adams, survived but reportedly suffered long-term heart damage. All suits were also dismissed with prejudice this week.

At its peak, a large cup of Charged Lemonade contained 390 mg of caffeine plus guarana extract, rivaling strong coffee. Plaintiffs accused Panera of downplaying the drink’s risks.

Panera has denied wrongdoing but quietly took steps to phase out the drink. By May 2024, it was removed completely.

“We listened to more than 30,000 guests,” Panera said, noting a shift to low-caffeine, low-sugar drinks.

Though the lawsuits are over, questions remain about the chain’s transparency and the dangers of high-stimulant beverages marketed as lemonade.