Was your child recently diagnosed with ADHD? Did you take Tylenol while you were pregnant? Then you may be entitled to compensation. After a decades-long research project ended in 2019, Chicago lawyers have been helping parents seek compensation from manufacturers for neurodivergence in children.
Neurodivergence refers to developmental conditions like autism and ADHD, where a child’s mind functions differently than the average person’s. This can lead to differences in behavior and learning process, as well as communication and other areas of life. Depending on the level of care your child needs or any accessibility assistance, you may be subject to more costs than you would have were your child neurotypical.
A Look at the Research Linking Tylenol to ADHD
For twenty years, researchers collected samples of blood from umbilical cords post-birth. They tested the blood and then checked in with the families as the children aged. The study was run by researchers at John Hopkins University and funded by NIH. Data found that children with high concentrations of acetaminophen in their umbilical cords were three times as likely to develop neurodivergence, generally autism or ADHD.
Knowing What Legal Aid is Available
Since the findings were published in 2019, families have been taking the manufacturers of Tylenol and generic variants to court. A Tylenol ADHD lawsuit serves two main purposes: it holds pharmaceutical manufacturers responsible for the harm their product caused and helps give families a leg-up with extra expenditures that can come from these conditions. Experienced Chicago attorneys can help families gather the evidence and documentation they need to seek justice and compensation from those responsible for their child’s neurodivergence since these conditions will affect their life and future.
The Dos and Don’ts of Pregnancy
As medical science continues to evolve, we’ve learned much about what is and isn’t safe when growing a fetus. For example, did you know pregnant parents were once encouraged to smoke? We now know that can be bad for babies. So can drinking alcohol or too much caffeine. We’ve developed prenatal vitamins for pregnant people and even vegan supplements so parents can ensure they get all of their vitamins without having to sacrifice their beliefs.
And now, we know that pregnant parents shouldn’t take painkillers like acetaminophen.
The Basics of Neurodivergence
Neurodivergence is the laymen’s term for when someone’s mind works differently than what is considered the standard. This can affect multiple areas of their life, from communication to learning and daily activities.
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a disorder that causes children (and adults) to struggle with focus and restlessness. Families can manage ADHD with a combination of routines, encouragement, and potential medication. There are classes for parents and those with ADHD to learn more about the condition and ways to manage it, including behavioral therapy and social skill counseling.
Why You Should Get a Lawyer’s Help With Seeking Compensation
While some parents may be tempted to represent themselves or avoid a lawsuit altogether, there are many reasons why you should seek the help of a qualified Chicago lawyer. Chicago lawyers are well-versed in the legal requirements for setting up and supporting a case, and they can help parents with processes like gathering the necessary evidence and negotiating with the opposing party.
Settlement negotiation and court procedures are lengthy, complicated processes, and allowing a lawyer to handle these aspects can bring you peace of mind and allow you to focus on your family. They will also be familiar with any sneaky habits company attorneys may use to convince you to take a lower settlement than you and your child are due.
Holding Pharmaceutical Companies Accountable, One Lawsuit At a Time
When we seek medical care or take medication, we are putting our well-being into the hands of doctors and medicine manufacturers. Because of the importance of their work and the life-long consequences patients can experience, we must hold them to a high standard. When medicines bring lasting harm to a patient, the company responsible needs to face the consequences and help the families their mistakes have impacted. You may also face more expenses for your child’s care than average, and compensation from a lawsuit can help cover these additional costs.
These are the reasons Chicago lawyers are stepping up to help families build their cases. Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations, which gives you a chance to discuss the potential case and see if you get along with the lawyer who would represent you. If your child was diagnosed with a condition like ADHD after you took Tylenol while pregnant, don’t wait— seek a consultation with an experienced Chicago attorney today.
