Deskin Law Firm

For patients suffering from conditions like depression and anxiety, SSRI drugs like Lexapro can prove significantly helpful in combating the unsettling symptoms. However, Lexapro is also connected with the increased risk of autism and birth defects in children whose mothers took these drugs during pregnancy. Up to 25% of women experience bouts with depression or anxiety during pregnancy however the College of Obstetrics and Gynecology states that women facing these issues should seek an alternative course of treatment not including the use of SSRI anti-depressants.

Personal injury lawsuits abound in the United States surrounding the issues of childhood autism, birth defects and Lexapro. Drug manufacturers have failed to warn unsuspecting pregnant women of the dangers associated with exposing their children to the effects of Lexapro and many parents have commenced suits for damages in order to recover some of the costs of treating their child’s condition.

Birth defects can range in severity including cleft palate and limb defects to congenital heart defects and infant death. Most children facing birth defects require extensive corrective surgical procedures in order to restore their organ systems to typical function. Depending on the defect, certain children require lifelong care and monitoring to ensure their symptoms do not interfere with their adult lives. Many children with heart and lung defects are severely limited in their daily physical activity.

Autism is a developmental disorder affecting millions of American children. It varies in severity and some children are able to thrive in mainstream public or private schools with little intervention or special education. Other children with more severe forms of the illness require round-the-clock care, therapy and prescription medications to help control the effects of their illness. Autism spectrum disorders are so-named due to their symptoms which closely mimic traditional autism.

If you were prescribed Lexapro during pregnancy and your child developed a birth defect or autism, you may be entitled to compensation for your child’s injuries. This compensation could be in the form of reimbursement for specialists, doctor visits, prescription medications and therapy. Contact us today to get started on your case.