You might have recently heard about the class action lawsuit for acetaminophen, but isn’t this a safe drug? While acetaminophen is generally safe to use when taken in the right dose, it can cause significant liver damage if too much of it is taken or if someone is pregnant. In this new case against Johnson & Johnson, the victims are pregnant women and their children who are now suffering from the effects of autism or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
What is Acetaminophen?
Acetaminophen is the main ingredient in Tylenol, which is a drug commonly found in over-the-counter and prescription form. It is an effective painkiller but can also help to reduce fever. Taking too much acetaminophen can cause severe liver damage, so it is important to always follow the instructions on the bottle or package.
Sadly, Tylenol is also recommended for use in pregnant women, which can lead to serious complications for both the mother and her baby.
Link Between Acetaminophen and Autism
Studies have suggested a link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. More recently in 2019, a study conducted by researchers at John Hopkins University concluded that frequent use of acetaminophen during pregnancy was associated with a significantly higher risk of ASD and ADHD in the child. This study looked at acetaminophen levels in the umbilical cords of pregnant women and found that those with high levels were more likely to give birth to children who would later be diagnosed with ASD or ADHD.
The Major Tort Lawsuit
The lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson claims that the company failed to warn expectant mothers about the potential risks acetaminophen use could pose for their unborn babies. It also accuses them of failing to warn about the correlation between acetaminophen and autism spectrum disorder. The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of New York on behalf of the victims, who are now seeking damages from Johnson & Johnson.
In addition, the suit also names major pharmacies, including CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and Walmart – claiming that they too negligently sold a product without properly warning its consumers of the associated risks.
The lawsuit is still in the early stages but it’s a major tort law case that could potentially have far-reaching implications for both Johnson & Johnson and other large pharmacies across the United States.
Filing a Legal Claim
If you or a family member was affected by acetaminophen use during pregnancy and your child was later diagnosed with autism, then you may have a legal claim. It’s important to seek professional legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible so that you can understand your rights and the best course of action for your case.
It is important to remember that no two cases are alike and each claim must be evaluated on its own merits. An experienced attorney can review the facts of your case and help determine if you have a viable legal claim against Johnson & Johnson or other pharmacies. They can also provide guidance as to what kind of compensation you may be entitled to receive.
