We have helped to secure more than $80 billion in jury verdicts and settlements since 1955.
Our law firm is now accepting whippit lawsuits on behalf of individuals and families harmed by the misuse of nitrous oxide (N₂O) products, including whippets (also spelled Whippits, or Whip-It! canisters). These inhalants have a legitimate purpose in culinary settings. However, these N₂O canisters are widely abused recreationally. The devices pose significant health risks, including brain damage, nerve damage, and even death.
In a recent case, a Missouri family was awarded $745 million after the tragic death of a loved one due to nitrous oxide abuse. This case has set the stage for holding manufacturers and sellers accountable for their role in enabling the widespread misuse of these dangerous products.
If you or a family member has suffered from the effects of whippets or other nitrous oxide products, we are here to help you seek justice. Call us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Call (800) 277-1193 or complete a short Free Evaluation Form.
Whippits are nitrous oxide canisters, often sold under brand names like Whip-It!. They are intended for use in whipped cream dispensers.
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is used in medicine as an anesthetic, but it has also been misused for years as a party drug called whippets.
N₂O canisters have gained popularity as recreational inhalants due to their euphoric effects. When inhaled, nitrous oxide can produce a brief “high” or feeling of euphoria within 10 seconds by affecting the central nervous system and slowing down brain activity due to a lack of oxygen.
The high lasts only a few minutes, so people often inhale more in a short time to keep the feeling going.
There’s growing concern about young people using inhalants. A 2022 article in the British Medical Journal stated that doctors are warning of an “epidemic” use of these substances among youth. According to the authors, more young people were having neurological problems due to recreational nitrous oxide use. Neurologists are seeing more of these cases, including some in which patients have inhaled often from gas canisters 80 times larger than a cream whipper canister.
More than 13 million Americans have used nitrous oxide improperly at some point, according to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Some states are responding—New York, for example, passed a law in 2021 that prevents people under 21 from buying whipped cream chargers that contain nitrous oxide.
According to The New York Times, a Google Trends analysis shows that searches for “galaxy gas,” a term connected to nitrous oxide, have increased significantly over the summer of 2024. NYT further reported that nitrous oxide abuse has surged, particularly among younger populations, creating a public health crisis.
Whip its or whippets, as they are commonly known, can deprive the brain of oxygen, leading to cognitive damage, nerve issues, and potentially fatal outcomes.
While nitrous oxide is safe when used as directed in medical or culinary contexts, its recreational use has dangerous consequences. Prolonged or excessive inhalation of whippets can lead to:
The Cleveland Clinic notes that abuse of nitrous oxygen cartridges can lead to sudden death even after a single use, particularly when the inhalant deprives the brain of oxygen for too long. These products are easily accessible, often sold in convenience stores or online, without sufficient warnings about the health risks associated with their misuse.
According to MedlinePlus, signs that your child or someone you love may be using inhalants include:
Kids and teens who use inhalants to get high are at a higher risk of trying other drugs and developing a substance use disorder (SUD) later on. That’s why it’s important to prevent inhalant abuse. Parents can help by talking to their children about inhalants, explaining the risks, and offering advice on how to handle peer pressure if someone encourages them to try inhalants.
Parents should also be aware of other signs their tween or teen could be abusing nitrous oxide.
Watch for empty balloons or balloons with chemical smells, which can indicate whippit use. Balloons are used to inhale whippits. Inhaling nitrous oxide straight from a canister is dangerous because the gas comes out quickly and can cause lung damage or frostbite from the cold. Many people fill balloons with nitrous oxide, allowing the gas to warm up and making it easier to inhale at a controlled rate. This method is common among those who misuse nitrous oxide.
“Crackers” are another warning sign of whippit abuse. Whipping cream crackers are small metal devices used to open nitrous oxide canisters. Anyone can legally purchase crackers online. However, their sole purpose is to release gas from whippits.
A major legal victory occurred recently when a Missouri jury awarded $745 million in damages to the family of a woman who was killed on a sidewalk outside an urgent care center by a driver who had huffed nitrous oxide canisters right before hitting the woman with his car. The lawsuit alleged that manufacturers and retailers of the product failed to adequately warn consumers of the dangers associated with inhalation, despite knowing the potential for misuse.
This verdict has opened the door for other families and victims to take legal action against the companies that produce and sell whippets and other nitrous oxide products. The court found that the manufacturers were negligent in failing to prevent abuse or restrict sales of their product to prevent recreational use.
If you or a loved one suffered injury from nitrous oxide container abuse, contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Call us at (800) 277-1193 or fill out our brief Free Evaluation Form.
If you or a loved one has suffered from the abuse of whip its, whippets, Whip-It! canisters, whipping cream chargers, or other nitrous oxide products, you may be entitled to compensation. Whippit lawsuits could potentially lead to financial relief for several types of damages, including:
Companies that manufacture and distribute “whip its” and Whip-It! canisters have a duty to ensure that their products are not easily abused. In many cases, these companies have failed to implement sufficient safeguards or warnings, making it easier for consumers to misuse their products.
At our law firm, we believe in holding these corporations accountable. Our experienced attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation into your case, gathering evidence to prove negligence and demonstrate the harm caused by these dangerous products. Whether through settlement negotiations or a court trial, we will fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
Nitrous oxide chargers, commonly used in whipped cream dispensers, are mostly made in Europe, where some of the largest and most well-known production facilities are located. There are also manufacturers in the U.S., like the Whip-It! brand, which produces chargers domestically.
Here are some companies that manufacture nitrous oxide cartridges:
Anyone can purchase a pack of 100 Whip-It! cartridges online for just over $55. N₂O canisters are also sold in smoke and vape shops across the U.S. This widespread availability has facilitated the rise of nitrous oxide abuse.
Filing a whippit lawsuit may feel overwhelming, but our team is here to guide you through every step of the legal process. Here’s what you can expect:
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed due to whippit or whippet abuse, now is the time to take legal action. With recent legal victories setting the stage for future claims, our firm is ready to help you seek justice and hold those responsible accountable. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
If you or a loved one suffered injury from whippet, whippit, Whip-It! container abuse, contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Call us at (800) 277-1193 or fill out our brief Free Evaluation Form. Our legal team is standing by to fight for your rights and help you pursue justice.
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