Have you noticed that your child shows signs of autism, such as delayed speech and socialization skills? If so, it’s probably not a coincidence. A recent study found a link between prenatal exposure to acetaminophen and the development of autism. This article will discuss what that means for parents who suspect their children developed autism due to acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy.
What Is Autism?
Autism is a common developmental disorder that affects the brain. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), autism affects around 1 in 100 children worldwide. It can cause various brain-related difficulties. For instance, it can impact someone’s communication, interaction, and social skills. Autism symptoms vary from person to person, but they often include the following:
- Difficulty communicating with others
- Repetitive behaviors or interests
Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning that people with autism have different levels of severity. Some individuals require minimal support, while others may need intensive care. Treatment and resolution are possible if diagnosed early on.
The good news is that autism treatment has come a long way. With technical advancements, autism treatment can help limit the condition’s symptoms. According to Growth Plus Reports, the global autism treatment market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% between 2022 to 2030.
The Link Between Tylenol and Autism
Tylenol is a brand name for acetaminophen, which is an over-the-counter pain reliever that you can find in any pharmacy or grocery store. Most patients take the drug for regular fever and pain-related symptoms, as it has an efficacy rate of 71%. As with any medication you take regularly, there are side effects associated with too much acetaminophen.
Various studies have found a link between acetaminophen and autism. For instance, a recently published study on the NCBI website states that prenatal acetaminophen can increase the risk of developing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
This means that if you have taken Tylenol or other acetaminophen medication, there is a high chance that your baby can develop autism. However, if that’s the case, you can seek help for the challenges you have faced. Many parents whose children had autism due to Tylenol exposure are filing lawsuits against manufacturers, and you can, too.
The Tylenol Autism Lawsuit
The Tylenol Autism Lawsuit is a class action lawsuit filed against Johnson & Johnson and other acetaminophen manufacturers by parents of children diagnosed with ASD. The lawsuit alleges that the company failed to warn consumers about the dangers of exposing prenatal children to acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol.
Due to the increasing number of claims, the lawsuit has been transferred to a mass tort. According to data from Reuters, around 66 cases have been consolidated in the Manhattan federal court for the mass tort action.
While many cases were already sent to the mass tort, It all started when the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, St. Louis, consolidated around 18 cases. The panel then sent another 44 cases to mass tort.
How to Proceed With the Tylenol Autism Lawsuit
If you have been affected by this, or if you are the parent of a child who has been affected by this, there are several things you can do. First and foremost, it’s essential to know that the Tylenol autism lawsuit is still ongoing. The court will hear arguments regarding whether or not the manufacturers should pay out damages for all those affected by their product.
If you feel that your child’s autism is due to Tylenol exposure, the first thing to proceed with the lawsuit is to find an attorney. The attorney will help you file the Tylenol autism lawsuit. Next, work with the lawyer to collect the required evidence to win the claim.
When you claim that Tylenol caused your child’s autism, you must also have the right pieces of evidence. These pieces can be your child’s autism report and medical bills that show you were consuming acetaminophen when you were pregnant.
Besides proceeding legally, you must also ensure that your child is safe. If you know you consumed Tylenol when pregnant, you should consult a doctor and get the required checkups.
How to Choose the Right Attorney for Your Tylenol Autism Lawsuit
As you start the process of finding an attorney, here are some things to look for:
- Choose a lawyer with relevant experience in mass torts. Suppose someone else has already won a similar case against Tylenol. In that case, they may be able to refer you to their own lawyer or recommend another reputable one who could help fight for what’s rightfully yours.
- Choose an attorney familiar with the court system you’ll be using. If it’s federal court, find someone familiar with those rules and procedures. If it’s state court or whichever local jurisdiction applies, do likewise. You don’t want any surprises along the way because ignorance is no excuse when it comes down.
- Select someone who communicates well. You need someone who can communicate frequently and keep you in the loop of what’s happening. Moreover, you should choose an attorney who can answer all your queries.
What Expenses Can the Tylenol Autism Lawsuit Cover?
The Tylenol autism lawsuit can cover the following expenses:
- Medical expenses – If your child was diagnosed with autism due to Tylenol, you would likely have to pay for medical care. This includes both routine care and any necessary therapies or treatments.
- Lost wages – If your child could not work due to his or her diagnosis, you may be eligible for lost wages compensation under this lawsuit.
- Funeral expenses – If an individual dies from an overdose of acetaminophen, their family members may be eligible for funeral costs if they were financially dependent on them at the time of death.
Conclusion
If your child has been diagnosed with autism due to acetaminophen exposure, it is best to take the required legal actions to get your rights. Suppose your child was exposed to high levels of this drug during his or her development period.
In that case, there is a chance that Tylenol could have contributed to the onset of symptoms such as impaired social interaction skills, repetitive behaviors, or speech delays, all common traits seen in individuals with ASD.
