Around 6.1 million children aged between three and 17 years of age are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This grime statistic is backed by research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For several decades, researchers considered genetics the primary cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. However, recent studies suspect Tylenol or acetaminophen is the culprit behind ADHD in children.
Quite a few modern-day research has shown that exposure to Tylenol, an over-the-counter medicine during the prenatal period, increases the risk of babies being born with ADHD.
Consumption of Tylenol during pregnancy could also result in children being born with autism spectrum disorder because of the high levels of acetaminophen in their blood levels. Since then, many parents whose children developed ADHD or autism are filing lawsuits against Tylenol manufacturers and seeking financial damages.
In their lawsuit, plaintiffs accuse manufacturers and sellers of failing to warn doctors, pregnant women, and the general public about the potential risks of using acetaminophen during the prenatal period.
If you’re among those unfortunate parents whose child is born with ADHD or autism, you may qualify for compensation. Read this guide until the end to understand the Tylenol lawsuit and if you should file a compensation claim.
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The Tylenol Autism Lawsuit
Parents whose children are diagnosed with ADHD or autism are suing Tylenol manufacturers such as Johnson & Johnson. Along with the manufacturers, several people are taking legal action against sellers of generic acetaminophen products, namely Walmart, Walgreens, Target, Sam’s Warehouse, Safeway, Rite Aid, Family Dollar, Costco, and CVS.
The Tylenol ADHD/autism lawsuit states two things:
- Johnson & Johnson should have been aware of the fact that acetaminophen in Tylenol increases the likelihood of ADHD or autism in children, as scientific research exists.
- When countless studies state that acetaminophen or Tylenol are likely to expose children to autism or ADHD, they shouldn’t have been marketed as safe for use during the prenatal period.
Do You Qualify for a Tylenol ADHD or Autism Lawsuit?
You might be eligible to file a Tylenol ADHD/autism lawsuit if you ingested Tylenol throughout your pregnancy because of which your child was diagnosed with either of the two disorders.
Bear in mind that the unborn child must have been exposed to acetaminophen in the second or third trimester of gestation or pregnancy. However, an experienced product liability lawyer can ascertain whether you qualify for a Tylenol ADHD/autism lawsuit.
Estimated Settlement Payouts for Tylenol ADHD Lawsuits
None of the acetaminophen ADHD claims have been settled or gone to trial, which is why it’s relatively impossible to determine the Tylenol ADHD lawsuit payout and settlement amount.
However, on the basis of prior drug lawsuits, the lawyers of TorHoerman Law believe that the average trial value of the Tylenol ADHD lawsuit could be between $50,000 and $500,000+. Of course, to a great extent, the payout and settlement amount depends on the strength of the claim.
TorHoerman Law, a law firm in Chicago, Illinois, has solved more than 10,000 cases since 2009. Serving in all 50 states, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) accredited firm evaluates cases of victims for free, after which they can give a rough estimate of their Tylenol ADHD lawsuit payout.
Factors That Influence Tylenol ADHD Settlements
There are three factors that determine the payout and settlement amount in the Tylenol ADHD lawsuit. They are as follows:
1. Severity of Autism
Those whose children are diagnosed with severe autism will be entitled to a high settlement amount. That’s mainly because severely autistic children require medical care for a lifetime, which makes these cases similar to those of cerebral palsy or other serious birth injuries.
2. Amount of Acetaminophen Ingested by Mother
How much acetaminophen is ingested by the mother is yet another factor that determines the payout value of a Tylenol ADHD lawsuit. In simple words, the more acetaminophen the mother used while pregnant, the higher the potential value.
3. Risk Factors for ADHD or Autism
Last but not least, juries determine whether the mother and the child had any established risk factors for autism aside from acetaminophen or Tylenol use. Pregnancy complications such as hypertension, gestational diabetes, premature birth, or loss of oxygen during delivery are among the risk factors for ADHD or autism.
Seek Compensation From Tylenol Manufacturers by Filing a Lawsuit
Mothers who consumed high doses of acetaminophen or Tylenol throughout their pregnancy and their children were subsequently diagnosed with ADHD or autism qualify for a Tylenol ADHD lawsuit.
Prior to taking any legal action, consulting a product liability lawyer will be the best bet, as such cases aren’t easy to win. Only an experienced lawyer can help you secure fair compensation by filing a solid case on your behalf.
Also, make sure to keep medical records and other evidence handy, as they will help your lawyers decide your payout and settlement amount.