Holyoke man sues Juul for negligence, blames company for his nicotine addiction
Summary
Matthew Fontaine-Dulude, a 22-year-old from Holyoke, filed a lawsuit against Juul Labs in Hampden Superior Court, claiming negligence, breach of warranty, and liability for his severe nicotine addiction stemming from using Juul e-cigarettes since he was a teenager.
The complaint alleges Juul failed to disclose the high nicotine content in its pods—about 40 mg per 5% pod, equivalent to a pack of cigarettes—or the dangers of vaping when he started using the product. Fontaine-Dulude claims this led to addiction, a daily pod usage, a high school suspension, and ultimately, the collapse of his left lung at age 19, requiring surgery.
Fontaine-Dulude asserts he continues to suffer from injuries including impaired endurance and pain. His attorney confirmed this personal suit is unrelated to the previous Massachusetts lawsuit against Juul, which resulted in a $41 million settlement for the state over youth marketing practices.
(Source:MassLive.com)