The evidence is convincing that acetaminophen (APAP), the active ingredient in Tylenol, can lead to autism. Scientists may have known about the connection since the 1980s. For example, according to several meta-analyses published over the past decade, those exposed to acetaminophen during pregnancy faced a higher risk of having a child with autism.
Does this mean that a Tylenol autism lawsuit might open the door to compensation? Well, maybe. Unfortunately, the makers of Tylenol have yet to be held accountable. Still, if you or your child has been impacted by Tylenol, or another medication containing acetaminophen, you may be able to recover compensation for these injuries.
Speak to an attorney about your Tylenol claim today.
How Do Class Action APAP Lawsuits Work?
A class action lawsuit is a civil action filed in order to protect the rights of a group of people who have been injured by the same defective product or service. When an action is filed in this manner, it is generally easier for the attorneys to obtain evidence to use against the defendants in the case.
It also makes it easier for plaintiffs to establish that they have been injured by the same product and have sustained similar damages as the other class members. Because of their potential for large financial recovery, class action lawsuits often result in settlements or judgments for plaintiffs.
If you have been injured by a medication containing acetaminophen, you may be able to pursue a class action lawsuit. This is because drug manufacturers cannot be held liable for injuries resulting from medications that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
However, if the FDA later determines that the medication is unsafe, the drug maker can be held responsible for injuries sustained in the past.
What Compensation is Available in APAP Autism Lawsuits?
If you or a loved one has been injured due to taking acetaminophen, you may be able to pursue a lawsuit to claim compensation for your injuries. You may be entitled to compensation for payments made to support your child, and for injuries resulting from your child’s autism if it is determined that your child’s condition was caused by APAP dosage.
Damages for these cases vary widely. This is because each state has a unique “statute of limitations” for filing medical malpractice claims, and the statutes run from three to ten years from the date of the alleged injury.
Individuals who have been affected by consumer drugs containing acetaminophen may be able to recover monetary damages. These damages may include:
- Medical costs relating to autism treatment
- Future medical costs relating to autism treatment
- Permanent disability from autism
- Pain and suffering from autism
- Lost wages from parents who must miss work to care for a disabled child
Awards in APAP autism class action lawsuits vary depending on the severity of the injuries sustained. Compensation may also be available in the form of an award of punitive damages, which are damages that are intended to punish the defendant and deter them from injuring anyone else.
Will I Have to Pay Anything to File a Lawsuit?
Some lawyers handling these cases may charge you a fee for their services. If you choose to work with a lawyer, hiring one who will work for a contingency fee is important. This means that you will not have to pay any upfront fees, and will only pay a portion of any money you recover from the lawsuit.
Hiring a lawyer who works on contingency gives you the freedom to continue dealing with the harm that the acetaminophen manufacturers caused in your life without introducing a significant amount of stress. This is a great benefit, especially for mothers who are already overwhelmed by the work associated with caring for a child with autism or ADHD.
It’s Time For You To Contact a Lawyer
Do not hesitate to reach out to a lawyer if you feel that your child developed autism or ADHD due to your acetaminophen use. These products were sold without warnings stating that this was a potential outcome, and now research shows a correlation between these disorders and acetaminophen.
Kwartler Manus, LLC is ready to assign you a lawyer who will help guide you through the legal process. Even if the case later becomes a class action lawsuit, we will stick by you to fight for your rights.
To learn more, call our personal injury attorneys at (267) 457-5570, or submit the contact form on this page.