The recent lawsuits alleging acetaminophen (Tylenol) increases the risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism in some children who were exposed to it in utero has been gaining a lot of attention in the news lately.
If successful, these civil action lawsuits could have far-reaching consequences. Anyone who believes that their child’s autism or ADHD diagnosis could be linked to Tylenol use during pregnancy may benefit from contacting a qualified product liability lawyer near them as soon as possible. The statute of limitations in your case may be based on when your child was diagnosed, not necessarily when you took acetaminophen.
If you are in the Houston area and believe that your (or your spouse’s) Tylenol use during pregnancy might have led to your child’s Autism or ADHD diagnosis, the Weycer Law Firm may be able to help you file a claim.
What Are the Tylenol Autism and ADHD Lawsuits About?
The Tylenol Autism and ADHD lawsuits are civil actions being brought against Johnson & Johnson for allegedly causing children to develop autism and ADHD through the use of Tylenol medication.
The lawsuit asserts that Johnson & Johnson were aware of the risks involved with using their product but failed to take proper steps to mitigate the associated dangers or adequately warn parents, leading to the harm of multitudes of families, including many in the Houston area.
If you’ve watched television or walked into a store at any point in the last 50 or 60 years, you’re likely familiar with Tylenol. It’s a popular name-brand acetaminophen medication sold over the counter. Over the past ten years there has been growing evidence that suggests that acetaminophen, the primary ingredient in Tylenol, may be linked to the development of autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disorders in children when used at an early age or during pregnancy.
In 2021, the journal Nature Reviews Endocrinology published a consensus statement from a group of 91 doctors and scientists alerting the medical community and the public about the potential of an increased risk of developing autism or ADHD following the use of Tylenol.
In recent years, there has been a rise in parents filing lawsuits alleging that their children have been adversely affected by taking Tylenol during pregnancy or while they were infants. The lawsuit claims that Johnson & Johnson was aware of the risks associated with taking Tylenol and failed to adequately warn consumers of the potential risks.
The lawsuits seek to hold Johnson & Johnson responsible for the financial damages, medical expenses and emotional distress that families have suffered due to their children developing autism and/or ADHD. Those who are filing the lawsuit are sometimes seeking both compensatory and punitive damages, as well as legal fees.
If you or your child have been adversely affected by taking Tylenol, you may be eligible to participate in the Tylenol Autism and ADHD lawsuit.
What Kind of Evidence Do You Need to Present a Successful Case?
The evidence needed to present a successful Tylenol Autism and ADHD claim generally includes proof that you (or the affected child’s mother) used acetaminophen during pregnancy and that your son or daughter developed autism, ADHD or another neurodevelopmental disorder. The frequency of use and the dosage may play a role in establishing a probable link and the success of your claim.
Evidence can include medical records, pharmacy records, receipts and any other type of documentation showing acetaminophen use before or during pregnancy.
In order to prove that a causal connection exists between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism/ADHD in your child, expert testimony from qualified medical professionals may be necessary.
Expert testimony can provide a comprehensive explanation of the possible link between the two, as well as provide a detailed analysis of the facts and circumstances of each individual case.
Speed Matters When Filing a Tylenol Injury Claim in Texas
The normal statute of limitations for an injury claim in Texas is two years. However, there are sometimes situational exceptions. In product liability and medical malpractice cases, the actual countdown may not begin until you discover the injury (potentially when your child was diagnosed with ADHD or autism). Waiting too long may invalidate your claim or make it more difficult to successfully negotiate.
How Can I Find Out if I or My Child May Have Been Impacted?
If you believe that you or your child may have been impacted by the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and that it contributed to their development of autism, ADHD or another neurodevelopmental condition, it is important to get a diagnosis from a qualified healthcare provider.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened for ASD at their 18-month and 24-month well-child visits.
The Weycer Law Firm Can Help Houston Parents Who Believe Their Family May Have Been Affected
The Weycer Law Firm has experience working with product liability law and is not afraid to fight large companies for your rights. If you or a loved one lives in the Houston area, used Tylenol while pregnant and believe that it may have led to the development of either autism and/or ADHD, contact the Weycer Law Firm.
If a physician prescribed acetaminophen to you in recent years and there is evidence to suggest that this prescription contributed to your child’s autism or ADHD diagnosis you may also want to discuss potential medical malpractice claims with an attorney. Contact us online or at (713)668-4545.
