A woman from Rhode Island has filed a lawsuit against Panera Bread, claiming that the restaurant chain’s highly caffeinated Charged Lemonade caused her to suffer permanent cardiac injuries. The plaintiff, Lauren Skerritt, 28, who had no underlying health conditions and was an active athlete participating in obstacle course races, now requires daily medication and has experienced a significant reduction in her ability to work, exercise, and socialize.

The lawsuit alleges that Skerritt consumed 2½ Charged Lemonade drinks from a Panera cafe in Greenville, Rhode Island, on April 8, which led to palpitations. The following day, she sought medical attention at the emergency room, where tests revealed atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat that can result in severe health complications.

According to the complaint filed in Delaware, where Panera is incorporated, Skerritt has been experiencing recurrent sudden and irregular rapid heartbeat episodes, along with associated symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, body shakes, and fatigue.

This legal action comes after the lemonade has been implicated in two other lawsuits involving fatalities. The lawsuit filed by Skerritt raises concerns about the safety of Panera’s highly caffeinated Charged Lemonade and its potential health risks, particularly for individuals with no pre-existing heart conditions.

It remains to be seen how Panera Bread will respond to the allegations and what impact this lawsuit may have on the company’s beverage offerings and consumer trust. The case highlights the importance of product safety and the potential consequences for companies when their products are alleged to cause harm to consumers.