Judge Rules Sponsor's Receipt of Commissions Is Not Grounds for Recovery of Damages

ROANOKE, Va. - The sponsor of an independent sales agent who allegedly died as a result of using a dietary supplement containing ephedra cannot be found liable for damages despite receiving commissions on the sale of the product, a federal judge ruled. Wachovia Bank, N.A. Administrator of the Estate of Susan Hale Young, v. Rella Bourn, et al., No. 02-CV-00773 (W.D. Va., Roanoke Div.).

Chief U.S. District Judge Samuel G. Wilson's Jan. 7 opinion denied the plaintiff's motion to remand the case on grounds that the plaintiff cannot recover damages against the sponsor because the decedent purchased the supplement directly …