The acetaminophen autism ADHD link is unclear as well. Once again, however, the effects are indisputable. When pregnant women take Tylenol and other acetaminophen-based products, the risk that their children will be autistic increases significantly. Despite the apparent connection, retailers like Safeway and Tylenol’s manufacturer, Johnson & Johnson, didn’t warn pregnant women about the risk.
Since these entities had many chances to do the right thing and refused to do so, lawyers filed a Tylenol class action lawsuit. This legal action demands that the responsible parties step up and make things right. In this context, making things right means compensating families and victims for the aforementioned economic costs. The plaintiffs also deserve compensation for lost enjoyment in life and other noneconomic damages.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Rain Man is an example of extreme autism. Many autistic people require lifelong care and constant supervision because they cannot function in the everyday world. In this film, Raymond exhibited all the symptoms above, which were overwhelming.
Other victims are much lower on the ASD spectrum. They might not like to leave home or seek new employment because these things disrupt their routines. Or they may occasionally say inappropriate things. But they require almost no care other than occasional therapy sessions and no supervision.
ASD is permanent but, at the same time, unpredictable. A victim’s place on the spectrum could vary at different times and situations.
The Tylenol Controversy
In their relentless pursuit of profits, drug manufacturers often sell their products before anyone fully understands their effects.
Aspirin, Tylenol’s pain relief predecessor, is a good example. This drug has so many effects on the body, mainly on the cardiovascular system, that it would probably be a prescription drug if introduced today.
Similarly, Tylenol consumption during pregnancy has wide-ranging and poorly-understood effects, but on a baby’s mind instead of a mother’s cardiovascular system. The producer’s and retailer’s failure to tell pregnant women about the possible risk is negligent.
Under the law, companies must effectively warn customers about potential side effects, such as the acetaminophen autism ADHD link, if they know about these effects. If a failure to warn causes injury, the victim is entitled to compensation.
These facts matter most in the Tylenol class action lawsuit. Public perception is important as well. Retailers like Safeway and Walmart and drug manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson have a brand to protect. These companies rely on public trust. If this trust drops, their profits drop as well.
Based on the facts and these perception issues, a Tylenol lawsuit settlement could cost tens of billions of dollars. Victims who come forward early and actively participate in the Tylenol class action lawsuit will receive most of this money.
Importance of Early Intervention and Support
Tylenol’s unanticipated effects on the human mind are irreversible but manageable, at least in many cases. Early and aggressive intervention is usually the key.
Because of the nature of autism, as mentioned above, the condition is tough to diagnose. Only a well-qualified professional can distinguish between a permanent medical condition like autism and a developmental phase that will shortly pass.
A solid medical diagnosis has legal significance as well. Only such a diagnosis triggers mandatory ARD meetings and other educational interventions that make an autistic child’s days in school a little easier. Furthermore, this diagnosis is a legal requirement in a lawsuit.
Caregivers must then pick up the ball and run with it. Caregivers must ensure their autistic children take prescribed medications and attend therapy sessions. Caregivers should also seek resources to help them fulfill their roles in the autism management process.
Conclusion
Actionmatters.org is more than a legal resource. We help families of autistic children overcome their conditions and thrive in the everyday world. Contact us now for a consultation with a legal professional, including a thorough case evaluation and determining your legal options.