Tylenol Lawsuit Guide: Link With Autism (November 2025)
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Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.
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What compensation might be available in Tylenol autism lawsuits? Quick Answer
Compensation amounts may vary significantly based on the severity of the autism spectrum disorder, with Level 1 cases typically resulting in tens of thousands of dollars, while Level 3 cases could potentially reach hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
Summary
- In 2024, Judge Cote issued a judgment ending the MDL
- Plaintiffs appealed, and the appeals court will hear arguments in November
- In the meantime, new studies have strengthened the plaintiffs’ case
Lawsuit Updates
- Oral Arguments Before Appeals Court Moved From October 6 to November 17.
- U.S. Health and Human Services Found an Old Tylenol Tweet Saying Products Shouldn’t Be Used During Pregnancy.
- U.S. Court of Appeals 2nd Circuit Scheduled Oral Arguments for October 6.
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Current Status of the Tylenol Litigation
In August 2024, Judge Denise Cote issued a summary judgment ending federal litigation. She stated that the plaintiffs’ expert witness, Dr. Roberta Ness, wasn’t qualified to argue that Tylenol caused autism.
The following month, plaintiffs filed an appeal. They claimed that Judge Cote chose one side of the scientific debate instead of allowing a jury to hear and weigh the evidence.
On September 25, 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services unearthed a tweet that appeared to have been posted by Tylenol in 2017. The tweet reads, “We actually don’t recommend using any of our products while pregnant. Thank you for taking the time to voice your concerns today.”
It’s unclear whether this tweet will have an impact on the case. On September 22, 2025, President Trump announced a press conference on autism and its alleged link to Tylenol. In light of that new development, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit pushed oral arguments back from October 6 to November 17.
The future of the Tylenol mass tort is up in the air, but there is an advantage to the delay. As the appeals process moves slowly forward, multiple new studies have come out, and their findings support the plaintiffs.
One of the most notable involved a review of 46 separate studies on acetaminophen use during pregnancy. It found that most studies showed a connection between autism (as well as ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disorders) and Tylenol exposure in utero.
What is the Tylenol Lawsuit?
Tylenol, a widely used over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, is known for its pain-relieving (analgesic) and fever-reducing (antipyretic) properties. It is often recommended for conditions such as headaches, osteoarthritis, and cold symptoms. Each week, approximately one-quarter (23%) of the U.S. population uses acetaminophen-containing medications, according to the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA).
In recent years, a handful of studies suggest that Tylenol use during pregnancy may be associated with neurological and developmental conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. A study released by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2019 suggested that a child’s exposure to acetaminophen (the generic drug name for the brand name Tylenol) in the mother’s womb may increase the risk of developing ASD and ADHD.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, about one in 36 children in the United States are estimated to have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). After the findings, hundreds of Tylenol autism lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of Tylenol and retailers.
In a typical Tylenol lawsuit, plaintiffs (parents whose children were diagnosed with ASD and/or ADHD) claim that manufacturers did not sufficiently warn consumers of the side effects of acetaminophen during pregnancy, similar to the Gardasil lawsuits where plaintiffs allege Merck failed to warn users of long-term side effects of the Gardasil vaccine. Many plaintiffs are joining class action lawsuits to take advantage of the power of numbers. The more people join a class action against Tylenol manufacturers, the more attention it will draw from other people who may have suffered similar harm.
Is the Tylenol autism lawsuit real?
The suggested link between the use of Tylenol and autism has given rise to hundreds of lawsuits on both the federal and state level. The lawsuits name Johnson & Johnson (J&J) as the defendant even though the brand name Tylenol is owned by McNeil Consumer Healthcare. However, after Johnson & Johnson’s acquisition of the company, J&J added Tylenol to its list of products. In these lawsuits, plaintiffs reference scientific evidence suggesting that the prolonged use of Tylenol during pregnancy increases the risk of autism and ADHD in children.
How much money can I get through a Tylenol autism lawsuit?
Many lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies – or, in the case of J&J, pharmaceutical conglomerates – are resolved through a settlement. Parties can reach a settlement either before a lawsuit is filed or during the pre-trial phase after the filing. However, many cases cannot be resolved through a settlement and require a trial. The amount of money you can get through a Tylenol lawsuit – either an individual lawsuit or a class action – depends on the specific details of your case and how badly you or your child was affected. Your case could potentially be worth tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. This could include compensation for medical bills, emotional distress, lost wages, and other damages.
Predicting the Tylenol Lawsuit Payout per Person
Although the Tylenol cases may be headed back to square one, it is still helpful to look at possible Tylenol autism lawsuit settlement amounts per person. Plaintiffs need to understand the compensation they can recover so they can make informed decisions about whether to refile in state or federal court.
As a preliminary matter, no Tylenol case alleging a link between a child’s autism or ADHD has settled. The manufacturers and retailers defending these lawsuits knocked out the majority of cases in the MDL fairly early in the process, so none had gone far enough to get a jury award or settlement.
Since there are no past awards to predict possible future awards, you must rely on remedies law to estimate them. When you win a lawsuit, you can pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic losses.
Economic losses represent the financial cost of your child’s condition. Medical bills, counseling, lost income, and caretaking might qualify as economic losses. Non-economic losses represent the erosion in their quality of life due to their conditions. These compensate your child for their mental anguish and inability to participate in activities.
How Much Is the Tylenol Autism Settlement for Various Levels of Autism?
The major factor that determines the payout is the seriousness of ADHD or Autism disorder and how much a pregnant woman takes acetaminophen. The seriousness and severity of these disorders, especially Autism, are measured in three distinct units: ASD level 1, ASD level 2, and ASD level 3. The first level is less severe, while the third level has greater severity of ASD.
Lawsuit settlements will likely depend on the seriousness of ASD or autism. Children who are diagnosed with one level of Autism will receive a low settlement, while children with level 3 Autism will receive more.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1
Level 1 Autism, often referred to as "high-functioning autism," generally results in compensation amounts in the tens of thousands of dollars. Children with this level can articulate well but struggle with social norms and executive functions similar to those with ADHD. However, even children at the lowest level will feel the effects of their condition for their entire lives.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 2
For Level 2 Autism, which involves more pronounced communication and behavioral issues, the estimated compensation is in the tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars. These children face challenges in adapting to and deviating from routine activities. As a result, they may need significant treatment and assistance.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 3
Level 3 Autism, the most severe form, can lead to compensation amounts in the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Children at this level face extreme difficulties in both verbal and non-verbal communication and are highly restricted in their activities and interactions. These children might need to pay for residential care or full-time caretakers.
Should I file a Tylenol lawsuit or join a class action?
If your child was diagnosed with autism or ADHD and you suspect the use of Tylenol during pregnancy to be the culprit, you may qualify to file a Tylenol lawsuit or join a class action against J&J or other defendants. However, you will need to prove the link between the use of Tylenol and your child’s condition. This may require the assistance of a knowledgeable lawyer who can build a compelling case on your behalf and establish the link between prenatal acetaminophen usage and the child’s autism, ADHD, or other conditions.
Not sure where to find the right lawyer for your case? ConsumerShield can help connect you with lawyers specialized in Tylenol lawsuits so you can better understand your legal rights and options for compensation.
Has Your Child Been Harmed by Tylenol Exposure?
Manufacturers of dangerous drugs must be held accountable for the harm they cause. If you suspect your child was harmed by Tylenol during your pregnancy, you could recover compensation in the future.
A product liability attorney can evaluate your case and help you determine the next steps, and ConsumerShield can help you find the right lawyer for you. Fill out our contact form to get started for free!
Tylenol Lawsuit Knowledge Base
Read the latest information on Tylenol Lawsuit and find answers to your questions. Currently there are 4 topics about Tylenol Lawsuit Lawsuits.
How to File
Settlements & Payouts
Frequently Asked Questions
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The main claim in the Tylenol autism lawsuits alleges that in-utero exposure to Tylenol may lead to higher rates of autism and other Tylenol and neurologic disorders in children.
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The class action lawsuit is significant because it allows a group of individuals who share similar claims to collectively pursue legal action against a common defendant, in this case, the manufacturer of Tylenol. Consolidating cases into a class action lawsuit can streamline legal proceedings, address common issues efficiently, and potentially lead to a collective resolution for affected individuals.
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Families who believe they have been affected by the alleged side effects of Tylenol and are considering joining the lawsuit can contact legal representatives who specialize in handling Tylenol lawsuits. These attorneys can provide information, evaluate individual cases, and guide families through the process of potentially joining the legal action.
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Settlement amounts generally depend on the severity of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD Level 1, 2, or 3) and the extent of acetaminophen use during pregnancy. Economic losses like medical bills and caretaking costs, as well as non-economic losses such as mental anguish and reduced quality of life, may also influence the compensation amount.
