Tylenol (acetaminophen) is one of the most widely used and prescribed over-the-counter medications in the nation and has seen broad use since its introduction in the 1950s. It’s not only used by those purchasing it in the local pharmacy but it is also prescribed by doctors to deal with common aches and pains. Tylenol’s widespread use of over 25 billion doses a year is due to its reported safety and broad usefulness in pain treatment. However, recent testing shows that Tylenol may not be as safe as originally believed. To answer is there a lawsuit against Tylenol the answer is yes there is, and it is not the first. One area of particular concern is a possible link between Tylenol and autism or ADHD in children.
Tylenol and Autism
The possible link between Tylenol and autism in children occurs during pregnancy. The ingestion of Tylenol or acetaminophen during pregnancy may increase the chances of autism in the baby. Testing was done by the National Institutes of Health and the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality in October 2019. This research led by Dr. Xiaobing Wang was also supported by other doctors and researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland. The resulting research showed possible links between the medication and not only autism by also ADHD. It is these results that have led to lawsuits due to harm done by using Tylenol.
Other Reported Issues
Tylenol use during pregnancy could lead to other health issues in addition to autism and ADHD. Reported issues could include other neurological developmental issues, undescended testicles, behavioral issues, learning issues, sleep problems, fertility problems, and early puberty in girls.
Lawsuits Past and Present
Defendants in this case include not only the companies involved in the production and distribution of Tylenol but also retail stores such as Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, and others. Currently, there are over 20 separate lawsuits in various districts of the federal court system. As it relates to autism, lawsuits seek damages to be paid in many specific areas. Damages sought in recovery include medical costs for the treatment of autism, future medical expenses, permanent disability due to the condition, pain and anguish, and lost earning potential by caregivers.
It is also worth noting that this is far from the first lawsuit related to harm caused by Tylenol. A lawsuit in 1993 charged that proper warning was not given as it related to the harm Tylenol can cause to the liver when combined with alcohol. This case resulted in a total judgment of nearly 9 million dollars. This was not the end, as by June 2014 lawsuits had been filed by 187 people related to liver damage caused by Tylenol.
You Deserve Legal Representation
If your child has autism spectrum disorder or ADHD and you think Tylenol could have been the cause, you deserve to have your voice heard in court. A legal professional can help you document and collect the medical records that show how and when Tylenol (or acetaminophen) was used and the possible impact this could have had. Consulting a lawyer can tell you if you qualify for such a lawsuit and what the next best course of action will be.
Pexel photo
