Tylenol, the brand name for acetaminophen and diphenhydramine, is one of the most successful over-the-counter medications in history. It was first introduced to the market in 1955 as a non-prescription pain reliever for children and adults. However, after more than 60 years on the market, Tylenol has recently garnered some negative attention because of its connection with autism.
Many consumers have sued Tylenol manufacturers because of that. This article will explore those lawsuits, their impact on consumers, and what you need to know about pursuing compensation.
Background on Tylenol
Tylenol is a brand of acetaminophen, a common pain reliever. It’s also an ingredient in many other over-the-counter medicines. Acetaminophen is present in products like Sudafed and Excedrin Migraine.
While acetaminophen can help relieve pain, its toxicity can be very hazardous. It is the second most common cause of liver disease and the most common cause of liver transplantation in the US. It is responsible for around 56,000 ER visits, 2,600 hospitalizations, and 500 deaths annually in the United States.
Tylenol was first introduced by McNeil Consumer Healthcare in 1955 as the first non-prescription analgesic available at retail pharmacies. It did not contain caffeine or aspirin initially. Those ingredients were added later when Tylenol became available over-the-counter (OTC) for consumers to purchase without visiting their doctor first.
The Emergence of the Lawsuit
J&J has always faced several cases for its product Tylenol. It all started with a medicine tampering case. In 1982, seven people died after consuming cyanide-laced Tylenol in Chicago. The prime suspect, James Lewis, died at age 76 in 2023. The case remains unsolved as to who had laced the medicine. After this incident, J&J had come up with many security features to stop any tampering with their products at stores.
However, despite the security upgrades, J&J still faces lawsuits as now the product itself is being associated with autism. Many studies have proven the link between Tylenol’s ingredient, acetaminophen, and autism spectrum disorder.
According to an NCBI study, prenatal exposure to acetaminophen can lead to autism. The results concluded that prenatally exposed children were at a 19% higher risk of developing autism spectrum conditions.
It is not just J&J; several other manufacturers of acetaminophen tablets and even pharmacies selling them have been sued. According to TorHoerman Law, some other defendants of the cases include the following:
- CVS
- Costco
- Walgreens
- Rite Aid
- Safeway
Other businesses and pharmacies that sell generic acetaminophen are also facing these lawsuits.
After such studies came out, many mothers who used Tylenol and gave birth to children who developed autism have filed cases. If you have faced any such problem, you can also file the autism Tylenol lawsuit. You will need to find a legal representative for your lawsuit. Try to find someone who has experience with such cases.
Legal Details and Arguments
The legal argument against Tylenol is that the manufacturers knew about the risks of taking acetaminophen but failed to warn consumers.
It was assumed that problems with acetaminophen are mostly a common cause of overdose poisoning, with side effects like coma, seizures, and nausea. People with liver disease are more likely to develop complications. Anything above 3,000 mg of single-ingredient acetaminophen a day is harmful. However, more and more studies are now establishing the link between acetaminophen and autism.
How to Find a Lawyer for Tylenol Lawsuits
If you’re considering filing a lawsuit related to Tylenol, it’s important to find a lawyer who specializes in product liability cases. Here are steps you can take to find a lawyer for Tylenol lawsuits:
- Identify your needs: Determine the specific details of your case, such as the injuries or damages you’ve suffered due to Tylenol. Understanding your case’s specifics will help you find a lawyer with the right expertise.
- Seek recommendations: Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Someone you know may have had a similar experience or know of a lawyer who specializes in product liability or pharmaceutical cases.
- Online directories: Use online lawyer directories and databases to find lawyers in your area who handle product liability or personal injury cases. Websites like Avvo, FindLaw, and Martindale-Hubbell can be helpful.
- Bar associations: Contact your local or state bar association. They often have referral services that can connect you with lawyers who specialize in your type of case.
- Research their background: Research the lawyer’s background and credentials. Look for information about their education, experience, and any past cases they’ve handled. You can often find this information on their law firm’s website or through online legal databases.
- Check references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who have similar cases. Contact these references to get a sense of the lawyer’s reputation and how they handled their cases.
- Sign a retainer agreement: If you’re comfortable with your chosen lawyer, sign a retainer agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of your legal representation. Make sure to ask any questions you have about the agreement before signing.
What Is the Tylenol Lawsuit Settlement Amount?
Tylenol has been linked to numerous health conditions. For instance, it is linked with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and liver damage. The settlement amount will depend on what condition you or a loved one has developed by consuming acetaminophen.
It also depends on how many cases there are. For example, due to piling cases against J&J, the company agreed to settle over 200 liver damage lawsuits. On the other hand, even small and big players in the generic acetaminophen market are also affected due to the Tylenol controversy. Rite-Aid has filed bankruptcy due to the lawsuits it faces on Tylenol and its connection with autism and ADHD.
This shows that the settlement amounts can be huge, as defendants have to go to the extreme that they are filing for bankruptcy. Regardless of that, the settlements are supposed to vary widely based on various factors. Some of the factors that can influence the amounts are severity, longevity, medical expenses, lost wages, etc.
Conclusion
The Tylenol lawsuit is a complicated case that has had a huge impact on the world of consumer health care. As the legal battle continues, more lawsuits are expected to be filed against manufacturers and pharmacies. If you have faced any such problem due to Tylenol or acetaminophen consumption, you can also file a case.