Tylenol, also known as acetaminophen, is an over-the-counter drug commonly used for pain relief or to manage fever symptoms. Recent research has revealed that the consumption of this drug during pregnancy has accelerated the development of ADHD and ASD in infants. If your loved one developed these neurodevelopmental conditions due to prenatal exposure to Tylenol, you are eligible to file a lawsuit. There is a class action lawsuit against manufacturers of the drug. The defendants might also include stores that distribute it, such as Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart. Let’s delve in and explore the legal and safety issues pertaining to Tylenol including how to file a claim.
The connection between Tylenol, Autism, and ADHD
According to research from the US Department of Health and John Hopkins University, acetaminophen passes through the placenta and reaches the baby in the womb. The cord plasma biomarkers and cord blood samples showed a higher risk for potential ADHD diagnosis. The American Journal of Epidemiology also revealed that children exposed to Tylenol in the womb for extended periods had a 20% higher chance of developing autism and a 30% higher chance of developing ADHD. In addition, the Danish and Norwegian researchers confirmed that using acetaminophen increased the risk of cerebral palsy in infants.
How Tylenol causes the potential onset of neurodevelopmental disorders
Acetaminophen is known for disrupting the hormones of human beings. In addition to hormone disruption, acetaminophen influences how the brain develops in unborn babies and young infants. Here are some negative impacts of hormone disruption in unborn children.
- Inflammation-induced activation that leads to oxidative stress
- Disruption in neurotransmission
- Stimulation of the endocannabinoid system that regulates learning, pain, control, processing of emotions, and memory.
The lawsuit against Tylenol
Lawyers are currently looking into the negative impacts of Tylenol on unborn babies and are preparing to take legal action against the defendants. So far, updates on Tylenol autism lawsuit indicate that six states in the US have filed a claim against acetaminophen. There are currently 19 Tylenol Autism ADHD lawsuits. A motion was filed on 10th June 2022 to centralize all these cases. The court gave the defendants five days to respond to the claims. However, the deadline was extended to 26th July, after which they will not be allowed to respond.
What to do if you were affected by generic Tylenol
Fortunately, you are still eligible to file a lawsuit if you used a generic brand of Tylenol during pregnancy, which resulted in your child’s autism or ADHD diagnosis. The suits place responsibility on the distributors and manufacturers because they failed to warn pregnant mothers of the potential risks of prenatal exposure to Tylenol.
Gathering evidence for a lawsuit
If you are sure your loved one’s diagnosis was due to prenatal exposure to Tylenol or a generic version of it, then you are eligible to file a claim. However, you must gather solid evidence to support your claim. Here is a list of evidence you could present.
- Receipts for the purchase of the drug
- Medical records that show a doctor prescribed Tylenol to you during pregnancy
- Proof of the child’s diagnosis, for example, a medical record.
- Notes or records from your child’s therapist
How to hire a lawyer
Once you are confident that you have conclusive evidence to tie the child’s diagnosis to prenatal exposure to acetaminophen, you can now proceed to hire a lawyer to assess your eligibility. We wouldn’t advise you to handle the case independently because the process is mentally and emotionally draining. You might also come across complicated legal terms that are hard to understand without legal experience. A good Tylenol lawsuit lawyer should let you know the expected outcome without sugarcoating anything and guide you along the process until you receive a verdict.
Potential damages in a Tylenol Autism ADHD lawsuit
The jury will connect your evidence and calculate all losses you have incurred. Here is a list of damages they will consider during the lawsuit:
- Loss of income
- Medical bills
- Permanent and irreversible disability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Wrapping up
In a nutshell, Tylenol is only safe for use during pregnancy at low dosage levels. Research has found that Tylenol could lead to developmental conditions like ADHD and ASD. If you have reason to believe that your child has developed autism owing to the use of Tylenol during pregnancy, then you should file a product liability claim. Speak to an experienced Tylenol Lawsuit lawyer to assess your eligibility for compensation.
