Tylenol® Autism and ADHD Lawsuit

For decades, millions of pregnant women have trusted that the common over-the-counter medication Tylenol® was safe. However, new research has linked the use of Tylenol during pregnancy to an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. See if you may be entitled to compensation from a Tylenol lawsuit.

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The Link Between Tylenol and Autism/ADHD

Long-term or late-stage use of Tylenol (also known as acetaminophen or paracetamol) during pregnancy may increase the risk of autism or ADHD in children.

Researchers from Johns Hopkins found that higher concentrations of acetaminophen in umbilical cord blood increased the chance that a child would develop ADHD or autism.

Children with the highest concentrations of the medication were 2.86 times more likely to have an ADHD diagnosis and 3.62 times more likely to have an autism diagnosis later in life, according to the study.

In 2021, an international group of 91 scientists and medical professionals published a statement in Nature Reviews Endocrinology, saying the Johns Hopkins study and other research warrants stronger warnings about the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy.

The group recommended that pregnant women be cautioned at the start of pregnancy to avoid taking acetaminophen “unless its use is medically indicated” and to “minimize exposure by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.”

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not come out against the use of Tylenol and other pain medications during pregnancy, the agency has warned that their use “should be carefully considered.”

Tylenol Autism Lawsuit Update 2024

As of March 2024, hundreds of families have filed Tylenol lawsuits against the companies that manufactured or sold this drug, seeking compensation and justice for their child’s condition.

Tylenol Lawsuits at a Glance

  • The defendants in these lawsuits typically include companies that made and sold generic acetaminophen, like CVS, Rite Aid, and Walmart.
  • The lawsuits allege the defendants knew about research linking Tylenol to autism and ADHD but failed to warn the public.
  • As of March 6, over 560 Tylenol lawsuits have been consolidated in a multidistrict class action in federal court in the Southern District of New York.

Historically, 65% of pregnant women have reported using Tylenol, according to multiple studies.

As the litigation moves forward, more plaintiffs are expected to join the Tylenol autism lawsuit. However, families only have a limited amount of time to take legal action.

Don’t miss out on your chance to seek justice and compensation for your child. Get a free case review now to see if you may be able to file a Tylenol lawsuit.

Eligibility for a Tylenol Lawsuit

Parents and guardians of children who have developed neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD from acetaminophen products may qualify for a Tylenol lawsuit.

You may be able to file a Tylenol pregnancy lawsuit if:

  • Tylenol was taken during the second or third trimester of pregnancy
  • Your child was later diagnosed with autism or ADHD

Compensation from a Tylenol lawsuit can help pay for expenses related to your child’s diagnosis, like therapy and schooling. The advocacy group Autism Speaks estimates that it costs between $1.4 million and $2.4 million to provide lifetime care to a person with autism.

Not sure if you qualify? Contact our case managers at (888) 726-9160 to see if you may be eligible to file a Tylenol autism lawsuit and take the first step toward justice for your family.

Filing a Tylenol Autism Lawsuit

Tylenol lawyers are dedicated to fighting for compensation on behalf of families harmed by negligent drug companies.

These lawyers understand the strain that often comes with raising a child with autism or ADHD, so they do everything they can to make filing a Tylenol autism lawsuit as easy and stress-free as possible.

While each Tylenol lawsuit is unique, most go through a similar set of steps. This basic process is outlined below.

1. Contact LawFirm.com

We work with a network of Tylenol lawyers who are at the forefront of this litigation. These lawyers provide free consultations, so you can find out whether you qualify for a Tylenol autism lawsuit without any financial risk and see if the lawyer is a good fit.

Find out if you may be able to file a Tylenol lawsuit now during a free, no-obligation case review.

2. Gather Evidence

Your Tylenol lawyer and their team of legal researchers and medical experts will collect evidence linking acetaminophen exposure to your child’s developmental disorder. This may include receipts showing that you purchased Tylenol and medical records related to your child’s diagnosis.

3. File Your Tylenol Lawsuit

Your lawyer will file your Tylenol lawsuit in the court most likely to result in a positive outcome. They will ensure that your lawsuit is filed before legal deadlines known as statutes of limitations expire and keep you updated as your case moves forward.

4. Negotiate a Tylenol Settlement

Your legal team will fight to get you as much compensation as quickly as possible from a Tylenol lawsuit settlement. Most product liability cases are resolved through settlements, which typically allow families to access compensation without ever stepping inside a courtroom.

However, if a settlement isn’t reached, your team will be prepared to go to trial and argue your case in front of a judge or jury.

Regardless of the path your Tylenol lawsuit takes, your attorney will handle all of the legal legwork, so you can focus on caring for your child.

Proving a Tylenol and Autism Lawsuit

Your legal team is responsible for establishing that your child’s ASD/ADHD was related to acetaminophen use during pregnancy. To do so, they will collect different types of evidence and reach out to medical experts to help prove your case.

Evidence needed to prove a Tylenol linked to autism lawsuit may include:

  • Doctor’s notes showing that Tylenol was recommended during pregnancy
  • Health care records indicating that your child was diagnosed with autism or ADHD
  • Medical bills for treatments related to your child’s condition
  • Receipts for the purchase of brand-name Tylenol or store-brand acetaminophen
  • Records from your child’s therapist

Fortunately, dangerous drug lawyers are well-versed in Tylenol lawsuits and can build a strong case on your behalf.

Contact our our case managers at (888) 726-9160 to see if we can connect you with a top dangerous drug attorney near you.

Companies Named in the Tylenol Lawsuit for ADHD/Autism

Acetaminophen lawsuits are typically filed against the companies that made and sold this pain reliever.

Some of these lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson, which manufactures Tylenol, and its distributors. However, most have been brought against retailers that manufactured and sold store-brand versions of the medicine.

Defendants in acetaminophen and autism lawsuits include:

  • Costco Wholesale Corp.
  • CVS Pharmacy Inc.
  • Dollar Tree Inc.
  • Family Dollar Stores Inc.
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • Rite Aid Corp.
  • Safeway Inc.
  • Target Corp.
  • Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc.
  • Walmart Inc.
  • 7-Eleven Inc.
Did you know?

In 2022, three Tylenol lawsuit defendants — CVS, Walmart, and Walgreens — agreed to pay $13 billion to settle opioid lawsuits that had been filed against them.

Companies that fail to warn consumers of the risks related to their products should be held accountable. By filing a Tylenol lawsuit, you can make your voice heard and force negligent drug manufacturers to take responsibility for the harm that they’ve caused.

Factors Impacting Tylenol Lawsuit Settlement Amounts

Legal experts predict that Tylenol settlement amounts could hit $500,000 or more in some cases. However, the Tylenol lawsuit payout per person will vary depending on a number of factors.

Factors that may impact Tylenol lawsuit settlements include:

  • Diagnosis: Cases involving children with more serious diagnoses may obtain larger settlements. For example, families raising children with autism who require lifelong care are likely to see the highest settlement amounts.
  • Damages: Settlement values will most likely consider the family’s related damages, like medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, and more.
  • Extent of use: Heavy acetaminophen use during pregnancy — both in dose and frequency — may result in a stronger case and as a result, a higher settlement value.
  • Strength of case: Cases with strong evidence linking a child’s condition to acetaminophen may result in a substantial settlement. This evidence may include notes in medical charts documenting the mother’s use of Tylenol or receipts showing frequent purchases of Tylenol during pregnancy.

LawFirm.com is closely monitoring this area of litigation and will report on settlement values as these cases are decided.

Get a free case review now to see if you may be able to file a Tylenol autism lawsuit and pursue a settlement.

Qualities of Top Tylenol ADHD Lawsuit Lawyers

Parents with a young child talk to a Tylenol attorneyTylenol lawyers are product liability attorneys who are fierce advocates of families forever impacted by the over-the-counter pain reliever.

The lawyers that Lawfirm.com works with stand out because of their successful track record. The Tylenol attorneys in our network have gone head-to-head with powerful drug companies and recovered over $1.5 billion for families across the country.

Our legal partners have:

  • A policy of never charging upfront or hourly fees
  • Decades of experience handling dangerous drug cases
  • In-depth knowledge about this new and evolving case type
  • Key resources enabling them to take on deep-pocketed pharmaceutical companies
  • Offices across the country, allowing them to help families in all 50 states

These legal professionals have the skills and experience to file a Tylenol autism ADHD lawsuit on behalf of affected families and fight for the compensation they deserve.

Get Help Filing an ADHD/Autism and Tylenol Lawsuit

Generations of women have relied on Tylenol for pain relief during pregnancy. They trusted that the over-the-counter medicine was safe for themselves and their unborn babies.

The simple truth is that millions of pregnant women wouldn’t have used acetaminophen if they had known of the potential risks.

By filing a Tylenol lawsuit, affected families can stand up to the companies that failed to warn them of the dangers of acetaminophen use during pregnancy and pursue compensation to help care for their child.

The Tylenol injury lawyers in our network have secured over $1.5 billion for families affected by dangerous drugs like acetaminophen.

Call our case managers at (888) 726-9160 right now or fill out our online form to see if one of our legal partners can help your family seek justice and compensation through a Tylenol lawsuit.

Acetaminophen and Autism/ADHD FAQs

Does Tylenol cause autism?

Possibly, yes. Tylenol linked to autism has been reported in multiple studies.

Notably, researchers from Johns Hopkins found that children with high levels of acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol) in their umbilical cord blood were nearly 4 times more likely to be diagnosed with autism and nearly 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD.

Is there a lawsuit against Tylenol?

Yes, hundreds of product liability lawsuits have been filed against the companies that manufactured and distributed Tylenol and generic versions of the drug (acetaminophen).

These lawsuits allege that the companies failed to warn consumers that use of the over-the-counter pain medication during pregnancy may cause autism and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Can you take Tylenol when pregnant?

Harvard Medical School recommends that pregnant women “[a]void acetaminophen during pregnancy when possible.” Prenatal exposure to acetaminophen has been linked to autism and ADHD in children.

Harvard suggests that pregnant women talk to a health professional about taking Tylenol and minimize use of the drug if they do decide to take it.

When will the Tylenol autism lawsuit be settled?

A settlement conference in the Tylenol autism lawsuit was scheduled for January 4, 2024. However, because of developments in the case, the hearing never took place.

As we wait to see what happens, it’s not too late to file a Tylenol lawsuit and pursue settlement compensation. Attorneys handling acetaminophen autism cases fight for quick settlements, so families get the compensation they need and deserve as soon as possible.

What proof do you need for Tylenol lawsuit?

A Tylenol lawyer can help you gather evidence to establish a connection between Tylenol use during pregnancy and your child’s autism and/or attention deficit activity disorder.

This proof may include:

  • Doctor’s notes indicating Tylenol use during pregnancy
  • Medical records and bills related to your child’s diagnosis
  • Receipts for Tylenol purchases

Your legal team can advise on specific evidence that may be needed in your case.

Is there a Tylenol class action lawsuit?

Yes. A multidistrict litigation (MDL) action, which is similar to a class action lawsuit, has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

In December 2023, Judge Denise Cote ruled that the plaintiffs in these cases lacked sufficient scientific evidence linking Tylenol usage during pregnancy to their children’s neurological disorders, but that ruling is being appealed.

Regardless, families continue to file Tylenol lawsuits to hold drug companies accountable for the harm they’ve caused and to seek the compensation they deserve.

Get a free case review now to see if you may be eligible for compensation.

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ReferencesView References
  1. Autism Speaks. “Financial Resources.” Retrieved March 1, 2024, from https://www.autismspeaks.org/financial-resources-autism-help#
  2. Blaser JA, Allan GM. “Acetaminophen in pregnancy and future risk of ADHD in offspring.” Can Fam Physician. Retrieved March 1, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4096264/#
  3. Harvard Health Publishing. (2021, October 29). “Is a common pain reliever safe during pregnancy?” Retrieved March 1, 2024, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/is-a-common-pain-reliever-safe-during-pregnancy-202110292627
  4. Johns Hopkins University. (2019, November 5). “Taking Tylenol during pregnancy associated with elevated risks for autism, ADHD.” Retrieved March 1, 2024, from https://hub.jhu.edu/2019/11/05/acetaminophen-pregnancy-autism-adhd/
  5. National Institutes of Health. (2019, October 30). “NIH-funded study suggests acetaminophen exposure in pregnancy linked to higher risk of ADHD, autism.” Retrieved March 1, 2024, from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-funded-study-suggests-acetaminophen-exposure-pregnancy-linked-higher-risk-adhd-autism
  6. Reuters. (2023, December 19). “Lawsuits claiming Tylenol causes autism lack scientific support, judge finds.” Retrieved March 1, 2024, from https://www.reuters.com/legal/lawsuits-claiming-tylenol-causes-autism-lack-scientific-support-judge-finds-2023-12-19/
  7. Sokolove Law. (2024, February 1). “Tylenol Autism and ADHD Lawsuit.” Retrieved March 1, 2024, from https://www.sokolovelaw.com/dangerous-drugs/tylenol/
  8. Spectrum. (2023, July 12). “Evidence linking acetaminophen to autism, ADHD under debate again.” Retrieved March 1, 2024, from https://www.spectrumnews.org/news/scientists-debate-evidence-linking-acetaminophen-to-autism-adhd/
  9. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2015, January 9). “FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA has reviewed possible risks of pain medicine use during pregnancy.” Retrieved March 1, 2024, from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-has-reviewed-possible-risks-pain-medicine-use-during-pregnancy
  10. U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. (2024, March). “MDL Statistics Report – Distribution of Pending MDL Dockets by District.” Retrieved March 6, 2024, from https://www.jpml.uscourts.gov/sites/jpml/files/Pending_MDL_Dockets_By_District-March-1-2024.pdf

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If you want to speak with a law firm about a potential case – or if you have a question or comment about LawFirm.com – you can call (888) 726-9160 or fill out the case review form on this page for a free consultation. You should hear back within 24 hours.

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