Depakote lawsuits for babies with birth defects

Many mothers who took the drug Depakote during pregnancy report birth defects and health problems in their newborn babies. Now, a lawsuit against the drug’s manufacturer may allow these mothers to receive compensation for their children’s injuries.

In 2009, the FDA issued a warning to users and distributors of Depakote about possible harm caused by the drug.

According to the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry, babies of women who took drugs containing valproic acid were four times as likely to develop certain malformations and disorders. Depakote is one of these drugs.

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicate that 1 to 2 percent of babies whose mothers took Depakote while pregnant developed spinal defects, such as spina bifida. This figure greatly exceeds the normal rate.

One major disorder linked to Depakote ingestion is the defect of neural tubes in the brain and spinal cord. Babies whose mothers took Depakote may also be born with craniofacial defects, or improperly formed faces and skulls. Some infants may also experience malformations of the heart or blood vessels.

If you or a loved one took Depakote while pregnant and have a baby that suffers from a birth defect, you may be eligible to participate in a Depakote lawsuit. Contact us today to have our experienced attorneys provide a free evaluation of your case.