Health professionals advise pregnant women they should avoid taking medication or supplements during pregnancy without first consulting their doctors. Until recently, Tylenol (and generic acetaminophen) has been considered a safe pain reliever and fever reduction option for women during pregnancy.
Unfortunately, scientific research has identified a link between Tylenol use and children born with certain developmental disorders, particularly autism and ADHD. We feel confident that in-utero acetaminophen exposure has a negative impact on fetal development.
As a result, hundreds of Tylenol autism lawsuits have been filed targeting Tylenol's manufacturers and retailers for the harm caused to children due to acetaminophen usage during pregnancy. The team of Tylenol Autism Lawsuit lawyers at Lawsuit Legal News (LLN) is committed to seeking justice for injury victims who were exposed to acetaminophen in utero and their families. The potential risk of neurodevelopmental disorders is simply too great to ignore.
Tylenol Autism Lawsuit Attorney, Matt Dolman
Don't wait any longer, call 866-535-9515 or submit your case for review today!
You Can Trust Lawsuit Legal News to Protect Your Child's Rights After an Autism Diagnosis
If your child was exposed to Tylenol during pregnancy and later diagnosed with autism, ADHD, or another neurodevelopmental condition, turn to the skilled lawyers at LLN to learn all about your rights. Our team has represented more than 40,000 injured clients and helped them recover more than $400 million to compensate them for their losses.
The award-winning attorneys at LLN have 120 years of combined experience, and we are currently handling several Tylenol autism lawsuits on behalf of innocent families who had no idea that taking acetaminophen during pregnancy could lead to autism. Reach out today to learn more about your legal rights and what you can do next.
Tylenol Autism Lawsuit Updates
Here is the most up-to-date information on the Tylenol Autism Lawsuit timeline. Bookmark this page to continue to updated on this lawsuit.
April 1, 2024 - Defendants Must Object to New Expert Testimony By July
The judge in charge of the Tylenol autism MDL has agreed to hear evidence from a new expert on the topic of whether the prenatal use of Tylenol (acetaminophen) can be linked to a later autism diagnosis in the child exposed during pregnancy. Now, the defendants have until July to file any motions in opposition to this expert testimony.
The LLN team expects a quick decision from the judge, probably by the end of the summer or the start of autumn. We will provide an update as soon as the judge acts. While we wait, our team is still accepting autism cases related to toxic baby food situations. Reach out to learn more.
March 18, 2024 – A New Opportunity in the Tylenol Case
After the crucial court decision by Judge Cote, the MOTA plaintiffs finally introduced their new expert, Dr. Roberta Ness, to their team. For more details about this complicated legal process, take a look at the February 23rd update below. The defendants now have until July to challenge whether this new expert should be allowed. We are waiting for the court's decision to learn whether Dr. Ness can help the case before taking any new Tylenol Autism cases. Time will tell.
In the meantime, the legal team at Lawsuit Legal News is actively accepting cases from parents whose children were diagnosed with autism after consuming certain baby foods. To learn more about these lawsuits, read our page on baby food and its link to autism.
February 23, 2024 - New Evidence Allowed in Specific Tylenol Autism Cases, Judge Cote Rules
In December 2023, nearly all of the cases in the federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) involving the link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism were dismissed. Judge Cote released her Daubert opinion, stating that there was a lack of scientific evidence and "cherry-picking" on the part of the plaintiff's experts.
However, this past week, Judge Cote ruled that she would allow a certain group of plaintiffs to have their expert testimony heard separately since they were not part of the MDL when the December judgment was made.
This group of plaintiffs, known as the Mota plaintiffs, is a group of families who are suing Johnson & Johnson on the claim that their children developed autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) because of prenatal acetaminophen (Tylenol) use that they were not warned about.
Because these plaintiffs filed their lawsuit against J&J in a separate court, Judge Cote held a separate Daubert hearing for their expert witness. This hearing will determine whether their expert witnesses' testimony about the link between Tylenol and ADHD is admissible in court.
So, who is the Mota plaintiffs' expert witness? Her name is Dr. Roberta Ness, and she has been fighting for women to know about the alleged link between acetaminophen and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD.
Dr. Roberta Ness has a distinguished background in public health, including roles at the University of Texas School of Public Health and advisory positions with major health institutions. For years, she has been vocal about research, including 29 studies, that predominantly show a connection between acetaminophen use by pregnant women and neurodevelopmental disorders in their children.
Dr. Ness emphasizes the need for caution and minimal use of acetaminophen during pregnancy, criticizes the lack of public awareness and transparency, and expresses concern over how few women know this important health information. Her goal has been to empower women with knowledge to make informed decisions about their health, and now she is taking that concern to a federal court.
The Mota plaintiffs' case is one of the few remaining legal challenges against Tylenol manufacturers regarding the potential risks of Tylenol use during pregnancy. If their expert is allowed to testify and their case proceeds, it could potentially reignite the debate about Tylenol's safety and set a precedent for future lawsuits. We will have to wait and see. Follow LLN to keep up to date.
February 2, 2024 - State Claims are Expected to Accelerate, Parents May Have Other Legal Paths
After Judge Cote dismissed the federal multi-district litigation in December, many people were concerned that parents with children on the Autism spectrum had no further legal recourse. However, we expect state court actions against Tylenol and acetaminophen makers will be kicking off in the Spring. Many lawyers on the plaintiff steering committee will be leading the charge on this. We’ll keep you posted with timely updates.
Also, parents who fed their children certain brands of baby food and later received a diagnosis of autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions may have a legal claim against the baby food manufacturers. You can learn more about the pending baby food autism lawsuits that we are following as well.
January 3, 2024 - Acetaminophen Manufacturer Saw Brief Stock Market Boost From Results of Daubert Hearings
Following Judge Cote’s ruling on the plaintiffs’ expert witnesses’ testimony, investors expressed greater confidence in Kenvue, which formerly operated under Johnson & Johnson. Without the support of this scientific evidence, it was clear that plaintiffs would not have a foundation for a viable case. Kenvue stock enjoyed a temporary 4% bump in the stock market the day the decision to dismiss the Tylenol autism claims was released because Judge Cote’s ruling meant the company would not be involved in further litigation in federal court on this issue for the time being, nor would it be required to pay out large settlements in the immediate future.
That being said, Kenvue’s stock value quickly stabilized at its prior level in the last weeks of December 2023. Unlike product liability lawyers for plaintiffs, as well as counsel for retailers like CVS, representatives for the former Johnson & Johnson company, issued a statement about the dismissal of the Tylenol autism MDL. A spokesperson for Kenvue reiterated that Tylenol treats conditions that are known threats to expecting women and their pregnancies. The Kenvue representative also criticized the Tylenol autism lawsuits based on the manufacturer’s view that they “created confusion on the safety of one of the most studied medications in history.”
Does Tylenol Cause Children to Develop Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Scientific studies suggest that acetaminophen exposure in pregnant women may contribute to an increased risk of having a baby with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or other developmental disorders. The plaintiffs in the Tylenol autism lawsuits maintain that the manufacturers and distributors of these products have a responsibility to warn consumers about the potential health risks. The legal theory presented is that the failure to warn about health risks has resulted in harm to their children.
Our team of dangerous drug mass tort lawyers is accepting Tylenol autism lawsuits to help recover compensation for families affected by prenatal acetaminophen exposure. If your child or a loved one developed autism spectrum disorder following in-utero exposure to acetaminophen, help is available. Our Tylenol autism lawyers can help you determine your legal options.
Find Out If You Qualify for a Baby Food Autism Lawsuit or Tylenol Autism Lawsuit Today!
Tylenol and Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Research Linking the Two
Tylenol (acetaminophen) is a pain reliever commonly used to reduce fever and relieve mild to moderate pain. Estimates show that 65% of pregnant women in the United States have used acetaminophen while pregnant.
Although this pain relief drug is generally considered safe, we now know fetuses are particularly vulnerable to the chemically active substances that can impact their development.
Currently, the scientific community is amassing more and more evidence that suggests a strong link between Tylenol (and generic acetaminophen) exposure during pregnancy to an increased risk that the child will develop autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or another developmental disorder. A 2018 study conducted among 132,738 mother and child pairs over several years indicated a 20% increased risk of autism and a 30% higher risk of ADHD after prolonged exposure to acetaminophen.
Potential adverse outcomes of acetaminophen use during pregnancy include:
Autism spectrum disorder and ADHD
Multiple studies now draw a connection between Tylenol, autism, ADHD, and the propensity to develop one or more of these conditions following fetal exposure. In data from the Boston Birth Cohort study, umbilical cord blood samples revealed a correlation between Tylenol usage and neurological disorders. Doctors diagnosed 25.8% of children who were exposed to the drug with ADHD and 6.6% with an autism spectrum disorder.
Hormonal and genital abnormalities
The active ingredient in Tylenol is considered an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with normal hormonal processes involved in healthy development. Research suggests that depleted hormones can lead to unexpected consequences in babies who received prenatal exposure to Tylenol or generic acetaminophen. These include genital deformities at birth, low sperm count in boys, or early puberty in girls.
Lowered IQ and behavioral issues
Research has found that acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy seems to correlate with a lower IQ score in young children. Research has also linked Tylenol exposure in pregnant women to greater social difficulties, such as emotional and conduct problems, in their children.
The Long-Term Effects of Tylenol Use During Pregnancy
Autism spectrum disorder is a complex developmental disorder that can affect an individual's ability to learn, socialize, and work. These issues can affect both the person with ASD and their family or caregivers, often at a steep economic cost. For example, your child may have specialized medical or psychiatric needs and require regular visits to see healthcare practitioners or therapists.
A child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who needs routine special care may require a parent to put aside other duties or job opportunities to meet their needs. School-age children with autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may require special tutoring to advance. They may also require therapy and medication to address these conditions' emotional difficulties.
Symptoms of autism spectrum disorder may include:
- Difficulty with social skills
- Delayed language skills
- Understanding expectations in school or the workplace
- Unusual mood changes or emotional reactions
In addition to these common ASD symptoms, autism spectrum disorder can also bring about a higher incidence of co-morbidity with anxiety, depression, and certain neurological disorders. In some instances, the severity of the condition may cause the affected person to require lifelong care, which comes at great expense.
Symptoms of ADHD may include:
- Hyperactivity
- Difficulty organizing or concentrating
- Excessive physical movement or fidgeting
- Increased risk-taking
These factors can all bring increased stress and economic strain to a family. The associated costs brought on by caring for someone with autism spectrum disorder or ADHD may qualify as legal damages in a Tylenol autism lawsuit. Your family may recover compensation in an autism/ADHD lawsuit if you can establish a connection to acetaminophen use during pregnancy. Learn how our experienced team of mass tort lawyers can strengthen your claim for financial compensation during a free consultation.
Do You Have a Viable Tylenol Autism Claim?
A dedicated product liability attorney will gather as much medical evidence as possible to prove your child's ASD or ADHD diagnosis is connected to acetaminophen use during pregnancy. Usually, this will involve requesting copies of medical records from the time of the pregnancy. Additional information, such as receipts and purchase history, can also confirm prolonged exposure to Tylenol.
Your attorney will guide you through the process of proving Tylenol use during pregnancy and ensure that all relevant evidence is properly presented to support your claim. Keep in mind that numerous studies have demonstrated a correlation between the use of acetaminophen while pregnant with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.
Throughout the studies, we note that higher levels of acetaminophen exposure equates to higher rates of autism. In fact, autism rates nearly mimic the levels of exposure, demonstrating a dose-dependent relationship in multiple published peer-reviewed studies. Further, numerous confounding factors were accounted for in demonstrating an elevated risk for autism.
How Much Can You Recover in a Tylenol Autism Lawsuit?
Projected settlement values in Tylenol autism lawsuits are still being analyzed and reviewed according to the relevant data available and the outcomes of other prior mass tort cases. Individual values will likely depend heavily on the severity of the autism.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is classified into three main categories. ASD 1 is the least severe manifestation of the disorder, and ASD 3 is the most severe. Early settlement projections suggest the following potential values for ASD-level claims in acetaminophen autism lawsuits:
- ASD Level 1: $150,000 to $225,000
- ASD Level 2: $250,000 to $500,000
- ASD Level 3: Exceeding $500,000
Your potential settlement amount will vary depending on the amount of your economic and non-economic damages. Your unique financial losses may include pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses, among others. When you partner with a skilled mass tort attorney at LLN, they can work with you to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation available and create a solid legal strategy that will strengthen your claim.
Is There an Autism Class Action Lawsuit Against Tylenol?
Class action lawsuits involve multiple plaintiffs suffering the same injuries bringing suit against the same defendant or defendants. Tylenol autism lawsuits do not qualify as a class action because the plaintiffs are claiming a variety of injuries with varying degrees of severity, and the defendants are not necessarily the same. However, since so many lawsuits have been filed by injured plaintiffs around the country, the federal court system adopted a different strategy.
Instead of forming a class action, a multi-district litigation (MDL) has been created to coordinate pre-trial discovery and motion hearings. A Tylenol MDL ensures more efficient legal proceedings and consistent rulings across the nation. In general, the complaints claim that prenatal use of acetaminophen inhibits fetal brain development and increases the risk of autism spectrum diagnosis.
The Tylenol MDL
Once the Joint Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) consolidated all lawsuits filed in United States Federal Courts all over the nation, all previously filed Tylenol autism lawsuits were consolidated before Judge Denise Cote in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. This allows for coordinated discovery and streamlines an entire litigation process for the Tylenol autism lawsuit.
One group of defendants named in the MDL includes retailers of Tylenol and generic acetaminophen, such as Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Costco, and Rite Aid. In June 2023, three more retailers were named as defendants - Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, and 7-Eleven. The other main group of defendants are the drug's manufacturers, including Johnson & Johnson, who distribute it under the brand name Tylenol.
We thoroughly believe consumers have the right to receive fair compensation for the damages caused by these manufacturers. On behalf of our clients, we have filed lawsuits alleging the makers and retailers of Tylenol ignored warnings from health professionals regarding the connection between Tylenol and autism and failed to warn users about these devastating results.
In our experience, drug manufacturers don't like to settle out of court. Commercial retailers prefer to settle rather than litigate in court because they don't want to damage their public reputations. If you believe your child's autism or ADHD diagnosis is a result of prenatal exposure to Tylenol, our law firm can evaluate your potential compensable damages and help determine the value of your claim against Tylenol's manufacturers and sellers.
How Can Our Mass Tort Attorneys Recover Compensation For You?
Our experienced mass tort attorneys can assist at every stage of your Tylenol autism or ADHD lawsuit. Our legal team can gather evidence, build your case, and develop a strategy to support your claim to help you recover the maximum compensation possible.
With our skilled lawyers fighting for you, you may receive compensation for economic and non-economic damages due to Tylenol or generic acetaminophen exposure, including:
- Medical expenses and future treatment costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Lost wages or income
- Permanent disability
- Lifelong personal care and shelter
We are committed to ensuring that our clients can pursue the best course of action to benefit them emotionally and financially. Throughout the lifecycle of your case, we will do our utmost to ensure that you understand your options, answer your questions, and prove you can depend on us to guide you through the legal process.
Reviewing Tylenol Autism Lawsuits in a Multidistrict Litigation Process
This MDL involves numerous cases that could recover millions of dollars of compensation for individuals who can demonstrate that prenatal exposure to Tylenol caused their autism or ADHD diagnosis.
At LLN, we believe that in light of scientific research, consumers have a right to fair compensation for the damages caused by these drug manufacturers and retailers. Furthermore, we believe these defendants have ignored salient advice from health professionals who warned them about the connection between prenatal Tylenol exposure and autism diagnoses.
Our legal team can assess your specific potential damages and help determine the value of your claim against Tylenol's manufacturers and retailers in relation to your child's autism diagnosis.
Current Status of Acetaminophen Autism Lawsuits
Judge Cote was aggressive from the outset, and this might be the fastest-moving mass tort in history. In fact, Judge Cote had expressly stated her goal to hold Daubert hearings before the end of 2023.
Daubert is the scientific standard by which expert testimony is admitted or excluded by a Court. Thus, the hearings will allow experts retained by the plaintiffs and defendants to testify about whether prenatal use of acetaminophen increases the risk of autism. In other words, the Court will be provided an opportunity to screen potential causation evidence concerning typical legal claims in the Tylenol autism lawsuit. If the plaintiffs were successful in the Daubert hearings, Judge Cote would pick several cases to serve as bellwether trials.
Johnson & Johnson previously filed a motion to dismiss all pending lawsuits. That motion was denied by Judge Cote in late April. Johnson & Johnson's motion to dismiss was based on preemption and was denied in full. For more recent details about the current status of the MDL, be sure to read the updates at the top of this page.
We are Tylenol Autism Lawyers You Can Trust
We understand the confusion and distress that may arise from discovering that a commonly used household pain reliever could be linked to your child's significant health issues. The difficulties of diagnosing autism spectrum disorder and ADHD in early life mean that you may have endured years of hardship without understanding the potential connection to acetaminophen use during pregnancy.
If prenatal Tylenol use injured you or someone you love, you have legal rights and may be able to seek reparations. Our legal team is committed to standing up for the rights of injury victims. We have the experience and tenacity to navigate the most complex cases and the resources to take on the pharmaceutical giants and corporate retailers responsible for your losses.
The LLN legal team was one of the first to investigate Tylenol autism lawsuits, and we believe that the studies linking acetaminophen use during pregnancy to autism diagnoses cannot be ignored. Your right to recover a fair settlement for the damages brought upon by this negligent dismissal of scientific research is our priority.
Don't wait any longer, call 866-535-9515 or submit your case for review today!
Reach out to Lawsuit Legal News to Begin Your Tylenol Autism Lawsuit
Our attorneys are committed to seeking justice for injury victims, including those exposed to acetaminophen during pregnancy. We strongly believe the research and the scientific evidence linking Tylenol and generic acetaminophen to autism spectrum disorders and ADHD, and we are prepared to take the legal steps necessary to protect those affected. Our lawyers fight for the compensation and justice injured parties deserve in these autism and ADHD lawsuits with every resource available to us.
If someone you love was diagnosed with one of these neurodevelopmental disorders after prenatal exposure to Tylenol, we implore you to reach out to us for a free consultation and case review. Call 866-535-9515 today or complete our online contact form for a free consultation.