Tylenol and generic acetaminophen manufacturers are facing product liability lawsuits for allegedly failing to inform physicians, parents, and the public about the inherent risks of taking their medications while pregnant.
Recent studies link Tylenol usage during pregnancy to developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), complex developmental disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and other medical problems in infants.
Most research has, however, been done on autism. National attention is starting to concentrate on the Tylenol autism lawsuit.
This post will discuss more on Tylenol autism lawsuits and how much to expect from Tylenol autism lawsuit settlements.
Acetaminophen Linked to Autism Lawsuit Claim
You could file a product liability lawsuit against the makers of Tylenol or generic acetaminophen (Mallinckrodt) if you or your baby were exposed to large doses of either drug while they were still in the uterus and now exhibit symptoms of time and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder adhd or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
But it is also possible to file Tylenol and acetaminophen lawsuits against retailers like Walgreens, Walmart, CVS, and Costco. These lawsuits are commonly resolved through out-of-court settlements.
Different factors affect the compensation awarded through this legal route. The value will primarily be determined by the amount of acetaminophen your fetus was exposed to and your child’s clinical symptoms and diagnosis.
The best thing you can do is to speak with a Tylenol autism attorney to learn about the strength of your case and how much your likely Tylenol autism lawsuit settlement would be worth.
Tylenol Use During Pregnancy Linked to Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Tylenol is a typical over-the-counter medication used to alleviate pain and suppress fever. Acetaminophen, as you all know, reduces pain. Unfortunately, there are times when it may be more harmful than beneficial, and health dangers can no longer be disregarded.
The Tylenol Autism Claim
According to a study from Yale University and Johns Hopkins University, there could be a correlation between pregnant women who used Tylenol and the development of neurodivergent disorders, such as autism, in their offspring.
There are now several published studies showing a possible causal relationship between acetaminophen intake during pregnancy and increased rates of autism.
Causal Relationship Between Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Autism
The Johns Hopkins University study illustrates a dose-dependent connection between prenatal acetaminophen use and subsequent autism or ADHD diagnosis.
Scholars examined cord blood samples and discovered a dose-dependent increased prevalence of autism in individuals with greater acetaminophen exposure.
This showed a quasi-causal relationship between the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and developmental disorders. The higher the concentration of acetaminophen in cord blood samples, the greater the incidence of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.
Autism and Tylenol During Pregnancy
Using acetaminophen during pregnancy can increase the risk of autism, according to a 2021 consensus statement published in Nature Reviews Endocrinology.
The authors relied on experimental and epidemiological data, noting that prenatal exposure to APAP (acetaminophen) can disrupt fetal development, increasing the risk of some neurodevelopmental, urogenital, and reproductive disorders.
Scientific evidence shows a strong causal relationship between using acetaminophen during pregnancy and the increased risk of your child being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or ADHD diagnosis.
Thanks to this discovery, numerous families have decided to file lawsuits against the manufacturers of these drugs and the retailers who sold the drugs over the counter for a profit without disclosing any potential health risks.
Tylenol Pregnancy Lawsuit
The manufacturers of Tylenol or generic acetaminophen have never cautioned pregnant women that acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy increases the likelihood that the unborn child may develop autism spectrum disorder.
The ongoing Tylenol lawsuits allege that manufacturers and retailers were aware of the increasing scientific evidence but failed to issue any warning.
People are now suing the manufacturers for falsely portraying their medications as safe alternatives to other painkillers during pregnancy when, in reality, they may harm unborn children’s brain development.
Health experts caution about a potential relationship between Tylenol and autism. According to the experts, exposure to Tylenol or substantial amounts of acetaminophen during pregnancy may cause several health problems or diseases, including:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Neurodevelopment disorders later in life
- IQ level deficits
- Sleep problems
- Behavioral issues
- Early puberty in girls
- Male fertility problems
- Undescended testicles
Health Issues Associated with Tylenol Usage Can Have a Significant Cost
The conditions mentioned above may not be life-threatening, but they can substantially impact an individual’s quality of life and capacity for learning, social development, and employment.
While seeking care for their children who are affected by these problems, parents may experience significant stress. Additionally, parents of children with serious health issues, particularly neurological problems, frequently bear a financial burden.
For instance, a child with ASD may need counseling, medication, and more tuition. They may need care for the rest of their lives in some circumstances. Parents may be required to miss work, give up career opportunities, or significantly lower their quality of life to care for their children.
If you can prove that acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy led to a diagnosis of autism or ADHD in your child, you may be eligible for compensation for such damages.
Is There an Acetaminophen Linked to Autism Lawsuit?
Yes and no. The manufacturers of Tylenol or generic acetaminophen have not been named by plaintiffs in re acetaminophen asd adhd as defendants in any of the lawsuits filed in Federal Court against stores that sell acetaminophen or Tylenol.
This is probably done as part of a larger strategy since shops are unlikely to want to take on such issues in court while suffering from negative publicity. Pharmaceutical companies are more likely to launch a legal defense against these allegations.
However, there have been calls for anyone exposed to file a tylenol autism lawsuit and take on the giant pharmaceuticals for fair compensation. So, if you have filed a tylenol autism claim, don’t lose hope.
What Will be the Average Tylenol Autism Lawsuit Settlement?
It might be too early to determine the average Tylenol autism lawsuit settlement. However, it is possible to speculate and estimate based on previous mass tort lawsuits.
A rising number of published studies have linked autism spectrum disorder to acetaminophen or Tylenol usage during pregnancy, and plaintiff trial attorneys generally agree that this relationship is supported by solid research.
It will take years before it can be fully ascertained if the evidence for the causes of developmental disorders is reliable enough to go to trial.
But the Tylenol lawsuits that have been filed so far and will be filed in the future are supported by the current scientific research.
Recently, judge Cote asked the FDA to comment on a proposed pregnancy warning for acetaminophen products detailing the risks of autism and ADHD. There has also been an attempted J&J s motion to dismiss based on the federal preemption doctrine.
Fortunately, the judge denied walmart s motion to dismiss based on the federal preemption doctrine. It means that affected individuals can still go ahead and file for compensation to join pending cases in the tylenol autism lawsuits.
Ensure you have gathered all the medical records relevant to your case before filing a claim.
Early Projections for Tylenol Autism Settlement Amounts
Tylenol autism lawsuit settlements are likely based on the severity of autism spectrum disorder, which will likely be determined by the severity of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis.
The highest value will be assigned to those with level three autism, while those with level one diagnoses will have the lowest settlement value.
Another thing, there must be scientific proof and evidence that exposure to acetaminophen during pregnancy increases the risk of a child being diagnosed with a developmental disability.
Our predictions are based on the notion that the research is reliable enough to withstand scientific hearings (Daubert hearings). For children with an autism diagnosis who exhibit the more severe symptoms on the autism spectrum, we predict the average jury award might be more than $2 million.
Please be aware that three distinct levels are used to measure the severity of autism. The severity of ASD ranges from level 1 (the least severe) to level 3, the most severe.
Very Early Projected Tylenol Autism Lawsuit Settlements
Most Tylenol cases will be settled before trial. In fact, very few mass tort lawsuits go to court for trial. Therefore, the majority of Tylenol lawsuits will ultimately be resolved.
We estimate that the Tylenol autism lawsuit settlements will range from $50,000 to $225,000 for ASD level one claims, from $250,000 to $500,000 for level 2, and over $500,000 for level 3 claims.
Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Remember that these are only preliminary estimates based partly on expenses for the lifetime care and support that a child with level 3 autism will need.
The degree of ADHD or autism spectrum condition and the quantity of acetaminophen the mother used while pregnant are the key determinants.
The most common symptoms of ASD are:
- Delayed speech
- The avoidance of eye contact
- Disproportionate reactions to sounds, smell, taste, and touch
- Inability to understand social cues
- Strict adherence to routines and rules
Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1: $50,000- $225,000 Range
The least severe type of autism is Level 1. It is commonly known as “high-functioning autism” and refers to a child who can speak well but has trouble understanding social cues.
In addition, a kid with level 1 autism may have difficulties interacting and frequently struggles with planning and organizing abilities.
A further sign of level one autism is trouble switching between tasks. The spectrum of children with ADHD and those with level 1 autism is comparable.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 2: $225,000- $500,000 Range
Kids with level 2 autism display more pronounced verbal and nonverbal communication difficulties. They also tend to have repetitive behavior.
Children with level 2 autism also struggle greatly to adjust to changes in routine and deal with straying from it.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 3: $500,000+
Many of the difficulties and problems faced by children with level 3 autism are also experienced by those with level 1 and level 2. But at level 3, these comparable characteristics are a lot more extreme.
Children at level 3 are frequently nonverbal or only utilize a limited number of words.
Additionally, they will struggle significantly to adjust to schedule adjustments. Level 3 autistic individuals might seek social interaction to satisfy their current requirements.
The Tylenol Autism Class Action Lawsuit Process in a Multidistrict Context
A multi-district litigation class action lawsuit is now being prepared to consolidate the product liability lawsuits against Tylenol and other acetaminophen manufacturers.
All Tylenol cases will be tried in a single court, even if the litigants are spread across the United States to centralize resources. Additionally, a multi-district litigation class action lawsuit enables plaintiffs to split costs like court fees.
Additionally, a multi-district litigation class action lawsuit enables plaintiffs to split costs like court fees. Attorneys for Tylenol autism victims must persuade a jury that manufacturers violated their duty of care to customers by failing to inform them of the risks of acetaminophen.
Arguably, it is irresponsible of manufacturers and retailers to overlook the large body of research showing that acetaminophen use during pregnancy elevates the risk for autistic spectrum disorders. The Tylenol pregnancy lawsuit centers on the defendants’ failure to warn.
Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer you wish to file a lawsuit for damages against the producers of acetaminophen or Tylenol medications.
A lawyer can help you determine the precise worth of your damages and also with gathering evidence to present a strong case.
Update: In February 2024, In re Acetaminophen, Judge Denise I Cote passed a rule on Southern District of New York granting motions by a manufacturer and retailers of acetaminophen products to exclude all five of the plaintiffs’ general causation experts under Federal Rule of Evidence 70.
Contact an Experienced Lawyer for Help With Your Tylenol Autism Lawsuit
It might be distressing to learn that a medication you thought safe may have harmed your kid.
Do not allow this to stop you from pursuing legal action to recover damages for your losses, such as future medical expenses, emotional suffering, and lost earnings.
If your child has been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, or other neurological problems due to extensive prenatal exposure to Tylenol or acetaminophen use in utero, we can help you.
At Legal Giant, we are ready to handle your Tylenol autism lawsuit and assist you at every stage of the claims process.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation and review of your case.
