Pregnancy and raising a child should be times of some sleeplessness, a dash of stress, and immense joy. It can be difficult for parents to figure everything out for each child, especially their first. Often, pregnant people must rely on their doctor’s advice to know what is and isn’t safe to do. Most of the time, this is to the pregnant person and the child’s benefit— it is doctors who help track vitamin and hormone levels, who warn you against the dangers of smoking and caffeine, and who help make your pregnancy as comfortable as possible.
But what happens when the doctors are wrong? When you place your trust in them, and your child is harmed as a result? Medical malpractice lawsuits don’t always involve a doctor who was malicious in their actions. Because doctors play such an essential role in our lives, they must be held accountable for their mistakes— and your child may need the help of compensation to get the assistance they need. Tylenol and its generics have been linked to a higher chance of children with neuro-divergences or developmental disorders and disabilities. Let’s take a closer look at Acetaminophen During Pregnancy lawsuits and how you can best care for your child.
What is a Birth Injury?
A birth injury is when the birth parent and/or the child are harmed during pregnancy or childbirth. These can lead to physical, developmental, or cognitive disabilities that affect the parent or child for their entire life. While Tylenol is safe for the parent, studies are beginning to show that high amounts of acetaminophen reaching the child through the umbilical cord can triple a child’s chance of being Autistic, having ADHD, or developing another neurodivergence.
Birth Injuries are a form of medical malpractice, though they often fall more under the ‘neglect’ umbrella than intentional. When we rely on doctors, we are placing our trust and health in their hands. They are held to high standards because their work is so important to everyone’s well-being, and they should be held accountable when they cause lasting harm to patients.
What is Neurodivergence?
Neurodivergence is a non-medical term people came up with to describe those whose minds work differently than others. This can mean people who have depression and anxiety, those with ADHD, those with Autism, and so on. While there has been a stigma attached to those who are neurodivergent, society is slowly learning how to accept and accommodate them.
Neurodivergence can count as a developmental disability if it dramatically affects a person’s life experiences, such as nonverbal autistics or those whose depression includes severe executive dysfunction. Luckily, several organizations have started to pop up across Illinois to help parents understand neurodivergence in their children and learn how best to help them through life. And as we learn more about these diagnoses, more and more adults are stepping forward to discuss their experiences and help better shape assistance for the younger generations.
Autism is often referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder because its effects can vary wildly. Some children are able to stay in classes with their peers, while others may need to transfer to special education courses. Some autistic people love to speak with their friends and have special interests, while others have trouble with standard communication and need help with tools like letterboards. While it was once common to discuss autistics as “high-functioning” or “low-functioning”, we are coming to understand that these labels do not appropriately describe the autistic experience— and many autistics find them ableist and limiting.
Why Hire a Chicago Lawyer if Neurodivergence is More Accepted?
If you were told to take Tylenol during your pregnancy and your child has been diagnosed with neurodivergence, then you should find a local Tylenol injury lawyer to help. On top of holding your doctor accountable for bad advice that impacted your child and their future, you may find yourself with piling expenses in their care.
Neurodivergence can lead to a need for therapy, whether physical, occupational, or emotional, medication, and other aids. Doctors’ appointments will be common, and you may need to modify your home to be accessible. All of this gets expensive, and compensation from a medical malpractice suit can help pay for your child’s needs. Even obtaining a service dog costs thousands of dollars due to breeding expenses and the intense training they must pass.
A qualified birth injury lawyer with experience in Tylenol/Autism lawsuits is your best bet to both build your case and negotiate an appropriate settlement. They can help you estimate costs, gather evidence, and turn in all necessary documents by any deadline. They will also represent you in negotiations or court, whatever is needed.
You can give your child a leg up in life and hold their doctor accountable for bad advice. You just need a local, experienced lawyer with a track record of success.
