Multiple scientific studies suggest that Tylenol taken during pregnancy may be linked to an increased risk of a baby having autism.
Did you take Tylenol or a generic form of acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) during pregnancy? Has your child also been diagnosed with autism, ADHD or a neurodevelopmental disorder? If so, you may be eligible to seek compensation in a lawsuit against the manufacturers and retailers of Tylenol.
Contact Lynch Law Firm, PC to learn more about this lawsuit. A licensed attorney at our firm is prepared to discuss the details of your unique situation and determine whether you may have legal options. There is no cost or risk for this initial consultation, and you do not have to come to our office in person.
It is important to note that deadlines apply, so you should call our law offices as soon as possible.
Request your FREE case review today. (800) 518-0508
What Are The Tylenol Autism Lawsuits About?
As a result of extensive scientific research, mounting evidence has linked the frequent use of acetaminophen during pregnancy to a higher risk of a child being diagnosed with autism.
The class action lawsuit, which is being handled as a multidistrict litigation, or MDL, alleges that Tylenol, its manufacturers and retailers breached its state-law duty of care by failing to warn about the link between frequent acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism.
Defendants named in the lawsuits are not limited to, but include:
- Tylenol
- Walmart
- Johnson & Johnson
- Family Dollar
- 7-Eleven
- Dollar Tree
Parents of children with autism allege that Tylenol should have provided a warning and details of these studies. Having this knowledge before using this product would have given parents the power to make an informed decision for their unborn children during pregnancy.
What Is Multidistrict Litigation?
Multidistrict litigation (MDL) is a legal procedure used in the United States federal court system to streamline the handling of complex civil cases involving multiple plaintiffs and defendants. In an MDL, similar lawsuits filed in different federal districts are transferred to a single federal district court for pretrial proceedings. This consolidation aims to avoid duplicative discovery, prevent inconsistent rulings, and conserve judicial resources.
While the cases of an MDL are centralized for pretrial purposes, they remain distinct and may return to their original districts for trial if a settlement is not reached. MDLs are commonly used in cases involving product liability, mass torts, and other complex litigation where numerous plaintiffs allege similar injuries or damages against one or more defendants.
Scientific Evidence Linking Prenatal Tylenol Use to Autism and ADHD
The Nature Reviews Endocrinology medical journal published a Consensus Statement back in September 2021 on the use of Tylenol during pregnancy. The statement, issued by a group of 91 leading medical experts, followed significant scientific evidence and warned consumers about the potential link between acetaminophen, also called paracetamol, and autism.
Other studies linking prenatal Tylenol use to autism and ADHD include:
- 2015 – the Danish Epidemiology Science Centre
- 2017 – a survey of Norwegian Patient Registry Data
- 2019 – Johns Hopkins University Birth Cohort Study
- 2021 – the Analysis from the European Journal of Epidemiology
- 2021 – a Consensus Statement from Yale Researchers
Who May Have a Valid Tylenol Autism Case?
If you took Tylenol during your pregnancy and your child was diagnosed with autism on the spectrum, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturers and retailers of Tylenol. However, you cannot just say you took some form of acetaminophen during pregnancy, you must be able to provide some evidence.
To determine if you may have a case, you will need to discuss the details of your situation with an experienced attorney. This case review is completely free and can be done in person or over the phone.
To help establish evidence of prenatal Tylenol use, we may ask these and other questions:
- Do you have medical records where a doctor either noted or prescribed Tylenol use during your pregnancy?
- Do you have any receipts that show you purchased Tylenol or a generic form of Acetaminophen during pregnancy?
- Do you have medical records or doctor’s notes from other healthcare providers, such as if you went to an urgent care center for a seasonal bug while pregnant and were prescribed Tylenol?
- Were you prescribed Tylenol for pain after getting a dental cleaning or other dental work done during pregnancy?
- Do your child’s medical records indicate any diagnosis of autism, ADHD or other neurodevelopmental disorders that may be associated with exposure to Acetaminophen?
- Does either parent have autism or have they been diagnosed with autism on the spectrum?
- Is your child now taking any medication prescribed for autism spectrum disorder?
How Much Compensation Could a Tylenol Autism Lawsuit Be Worth?
Estimations are difficult to make in advance of any lawsuit, especially given there may be other contributing factors that could have an impact on the outcome of a case.
If eligible, compensation could be significant. Compensation awarded could help with the ongoing costs related to your child’s medical costs and other treatments or therapy related to your child’s autism diagnosis.
What Are the Most Recent Updates Related to the Tylenol Class Action Lawsuit?
As of April 2024, the Tylenol autism MDL includes 524 cases for plaintiffs claiming for autism and ADHD cases. As of the same date, another MDL for Acetaminophen had over 600 plaintiffs.
Health professionals maintain their stance on the use of Tylenol or its generic forms during pregnancy.
In December 2023, Denise Cote, the MDL judge in the case, rejected all five of the plaintiff’s expert witnesses. Despite this legal blow to the case, Judge Cote is allowing a new opportunity in the Tylenol MDL case.
On March 18, 2024, Judge Cota will allow a new expert, Dr. Roberta Ness, to introduce new expert testimony. Defendants in the case have until July 2024 to object to this expert’s testimony.
Contact Lynch Law Firm, PC To Discuss Your Eligibility
At Lynch Law Firm, PC, we have been representing injured victims and their families for decades.
Big brands, like Tylenol, as well as their manufacturers and retailers, have a legal duty to warn consumers about potential side effects or harm that could result from using their product.
Our experienced dangerous drug attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and recovering the maximum possible compensation on your behalf.
Request your free case review today. There is no risk and no obligation to file a claim. If you have a case and you choose our firm to represent you, there is nothing to pay up front. We only get paid if you do.
Experienced Lawyers. Proven Result. (800) 518-0508