Depakote Birth Defects Lawyer
Depakote is a prescription medication containing valproic acid that’s designed to treat a variety of neurological and psychological conditions, including seizures, mood disorders, and depression. The drug works by increasing transmission of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
The Massachusetts General Hospital found that the unborn children of pregnant women who take Depakote or other drugs containing valproic acid may be at high risk of developing serious birth defects. If you were prescribed Depakote and your child was born with birth defects, the Depakote lawyers at Ferrer Poirot Feller Daniel want to fight for the compensation your family deserves. Just dial (888) 485-8844 or fill out a free initial consultation form.
Depakote Birth Defects
This disorder occurs when parts of the vertebrae, including the embryonic neural tube, don’t fully form. Sometimes the tube may leave an opening in the infant’s back, exposing the spinal cord. Babies born with spina bifida often suffer severe physical disabilities.
Babies exposed to valproic acid while in the womb have an increased risk of developing autism during childhood. Children who suffer from autism may have difficulty learning in school, forming personal relationships, and finding employment later in life.
A study found that children of women who took Depakote or drugs containing valproic acid had children with IQs that were nine points lower than children born to mothers who didn’t take the drug.
Children who are born with Depakote-related birth defects may be physically and developmentally challenged for life. In addition, they may need frequent expensive medical treatments. Our Depakote lawyers have helped families who are dealing with drug-related injuries and birth defects, and we can help you, too.
Juries Award Millions to Families Affected by Depakote Birth Defects
In June 2017, an Illinois federal jury found that Abbott Laboratories, the manufacturer of Depakote, failed to warn doctors and patients about the drug’s risk for causing birth defects in the unborn children of pregnant women who were prescribed the medication.
Because of the jury’s decision, the family of a 10-year-old boy who was born with birth defects related to Depakote was awarded $15 million. After deliberation, the jury found that the boy’s doctors weren’t made aware by the drug’s manufacturer that prescribing his pregnant mother Depakote would increase his chances of being born with spina bifida and other major malformations by more than 10 percent.
In May 2015, a jury in Missouri awarded a group of 25 plaintiffs $38 million after they and their loved ones suffered adverse health effects after taking Depakote.
We’re Here to Help
At Ferrer Poirot Feller Daniel, it’s our goal to help innocent families and children get compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by birth defects. Call today, and let us hold the negligent drug manufacturer accountable for your expenses.
Depakote® is a registered trademark of Abbott Laboratories.
This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with Abbott Laboratories or Massachusetts General Hospital.
Do not stop taking a prescription medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor’s advice can result in injury or death.
Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.