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Does Tylenol Cause Autism in Babies?
Tylenol exposure in utero can expose babies to higher risks of autism. An expectant mother might experience various aches and pains during pregnancy. One pain reliever, Tylenol (also sold as the generic acetaminophen), is often the go-to pain medication for expecting moms. However, recent studies allege Tylenol use may cause autism in babies whose mothers had prolonged exposure to the drug while pregnant.
If your child was diagnosed with autism and you took Tylenol or its generic form while expecting, a Tylenol autism attorney in your area can help. You and other defendants could recover a range of economic and non-economic damages. With legal guidance and support, you can pursue the drug’s manufacturers or distributors by filing a Tylenol autism lawsuit.
What You Need to Know About the Harmful Link Between Tylenol and Autism
Diagnoses of autism have increased in recent years leading researchers to delve into its underlying causes. A 2019 National Institutes of Health (NIH)-supported study links Tylenol exposure during pregnancy to increased risks of not only autism but attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), too. In moms who used brand-name Tylenol or generic acetaminophen:
- 6% of children exposed to the drug in the womb received an autism diagnosis before their 9th birthday.
- Research cites a 2.86 times increased risk of autism in babies with the lowest level of exposure.
- Research cites a 2.14 times increased risk of autism in babies with the middle level of exposure.
- Research cites a 3.62 times increased risk of autism in babies with the highest level of exposure.
NIH also cites ongoing research that continues to delve into the use of Tylenol and other pain-relieving medications during pregnancy.
How Do I Prove I Took Tylenol While I Was Pregnant?
You do not have to prove Tylenol use on your own. When a personal injury attorney represents you, they will take on this challenging task for you. To bolster your autism Tylenol claim, your lawyer will build a case file that includes the following:
- Medical records throughout your pregnancy
- Medical bills for the duration of your pregnancy
- Retail drug store receipts and pharmacy prescriptions
- Credit card records and other proof of purchase
A Tylenol autism attorney will listen to your story with kindness and compassion. After hearing your account, they will build a case file to document your drug use pattern. It will include your recollections and documents that describe initial use and frequency of use.
How Does Tylenol Cause Autism in Babies?
When your child is diagnosed with autism, you want to understand how the disorder affects them immediately and throughout their lives. Harvard Health Publishing research reviews the cause of the link between Tylenol and acetaminophen. Because it is an endocrine disruptor, it can obstruct chemicals and hormones that promote healthy growth. Research into the matter is ongoing.
Tylenol use during pregnancy was prevalent as it was thought to be a safe treatment for expecting mothers. A Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) article from 2019, however, cites studies that assert a possible link between acetaminophen and autism. The study of 996 mothers and infants notes a correlation between its use and a higher risk of autism.
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Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of disorders, and one of the disorders on the spectrum is autism. A diagnosis of autism typically follows concerns about developmental delays. A definitive diagnosis can involve the following:
- Observation and assessment of social skills
- Speech, hearing, and developmental tests
- A review of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)
- Genetic testing
- Review of the mother’s pre- and postnatal medical records
The symptoms of autism can vary greatly, making diagnosis challenging and requiring input, testing, and evaluation from multiple medical professionals and specialists.
What Other Disorders Are on the Spectrum?
The conditions that now make up ASD were once considered individual illnesses, each requiring a distinctive diagnosis and treatment plan. According to the Mayo Clinic, the autism spectrum includes the following:
- Autism
- Asperger syndrome
- Childhood disintegrative disorder
- Pervasive developmental disorder
While ASD conditions cannot be cured, many forms of treatment are available. Early medical intervention can be beneficial for many children diagnosed with autism.
What Treatments Are Available for Children With Autism?
Autism is a lifelong disorder, and its symptoms and complications will vary according to its extent and severity. While it cannot be cured, treatments that help manage or reduce its symptoms can include:
- Occupational and behavior therapy
- Social and educational therapy
- Medications for individual symptoms
- Therapy and coping skills for family members
Early intervention is also important. When it begins in the toddler years, early intervention can improve physical, cognitive, speech, and emotional skills in children. The costs of treating autism linked to a Tylenol lawsuit could be recoverable as part of your potential lawsuit.
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How Class Action Lawsuits Work
Unlike individual personal injury cases, a class action lawsuit allows multiple plaintiffs (injured parties) to pursue a single defendant (at-fault party) for damages. A class action lawsuit follows the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. It will equitably and fairly protect the best interests of the class, and its members will share equally in any resulting financial award.
In general, you can expect the following:
- An attorney will file a lawsuit on behalf of the class.
- Each party in the class will be identified.
- Both sides’ representatives will conduct depositions.
- Multiple sessions of settlement negotiations.
If an acceptable settlement agreement cannot be reached, your attorney could take your case to trial. They will explain the merits of a class action versus an individual lawsuit. They will also clarify the anticipated timeline and the benefits you and your child can expect.
Who Is Eligible to Join a Tylenol Class Action Lawsuit?
More parents are joining lawsuits against Tylenol for autism disorders affecting their children. You can seek to join other parents in holding the manufacturer or distributor of the drug accountable for failure to disclose its potential danger.
You could be eligible to join an upcoming case if you meet the following criteria:
- You consumed Tylenol or acetaminophen products while pregnant.
- Your child has a disorder on the autism spectrum.
If you took Tylenol while pregnant and believe your baby’s autism resulted from that use, the attorney representing you will explain the benefits of joining a class action Tylenol autism suit.
Who Is the Defendant in Tylenol Autism Lawsuits?
A plaintiff filed the first Tylenol lawsuit against a big box retailer where the product was purchased. Lawsuits filed today allege Tylenol’s maker, Johnson & Johnson, was aware or should have been aware of the drug’s risks to babies in the womb. Manufacturers should have disclosed these risks to consumers.
Its failure to do so creates a window of opportunity for the parents of these children to seek appropriate compensation.
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Recoverable Compensation From a Tylenol Class Action Lawsuit
Every family affected by Tylenol use will have unique recoverable damages. As part of a “class” of people who file a Tylenol lawsuit for causing autism in babies will share equally in a financial award. To understand the financial effects of acetaminophen use and an autism diagnosis, an attorney will assess the following:
- Past, present, and future medical bills
- Past, present, and future lost income
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Diminished earning capacity
- Impaired quality of life
Autism affects the lives of the parent and the child with a diagnosis, having a lifelong physical, emotional, and financial impact. A legal professional can explain how you can start or join a class action lawsuit against Tylenol and how your family could benefit from a Tylenol claim autism settlement.
How Long Do I Have to File or Join a Tylenol Autism Lawsuit?
An autism and Tylenol lawsuit could face time limits imposed by the state where you live. The lawyer who reviews your case — many will do so at no cost or obligation — will explain the statute of limitations and how it affects your case.
Complying with the statute of limitations can be challenging since the filing deadline can shift. Your child’s age also plays an important role in accurately interpreting the filing deadline. When a lawyer handles your case, they can help you understand the timing of your potential lawsuit and meet the appropriate filing deadline.
An attorney will review existing Tylenol autism lawsuits and explain the importance of recent bellwether lawsuits. Bellwether cases test the facts of a proposed case, including witnesses and evidence. Your lawyer will also clarify the potential timeline of your case and address your questions and concerns.
Get a Free Review of Your Tylenol-Related Autism Case Today
If your child has received an autism diagnosis after you took Tylenol or acetaminophen while pregnant, our law firm can help you establish a link between the two and build a strong case for compensation if you believe Tylenol caused autism in your young one.
Contact our case review team at Anastopoulo Law Firm by calling (803) 222-2222 to get started today.
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