The Schmidt Firm, LLP is actively handling HLHS lawsuits in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant while pregnant and your child has hypoplastic left heart syndrome, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and our law firm can help.

Michael E. Schmidt of The Schmidt Firm, LLP has stated, “Our law firm has represented thousands of victims in pharmaceutical side effect and recall cases, however being a father of four, this particular litigation [antidepressant-induced birth defects] really strikes home. We are actively representing the children and families affected by the manufacturer’s inability to warn the mothers of the potential for congenital birth defects when taken during pregnancy.”

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: An Overview

HLHS is a rare congenital birth defect in which the heart’s left side is underdeveloped. In infants born with this condition, the aorta and left ventricle are very small, and the aortic and mitral valves are either too small to allow sufficient blood flow or are closed altogether. With these structures underdeveloped, blood cannot circulate to other organs, and the right ventricle must pump blood to both the lungs and to the rest of the body, a situation which cannot be sustained for long and is not compatible with life. Approximately ten percent of newborns with HLHS will also have other birth defects.

What Antidepressants Are Linked to HLHS?

The following antidepressants are linked to the development of HLHS in newborn babies, infants, and children if their mothers took them while pregnant:

• Paxil (Paroxetine)
• Zoloft (Sertraline)
• Celexa (Citalopram)
• Prozac (Fluoxetine)
• Lexapro (Escitalopram)
• Symbyax (fluoxetine and olanzapine)
• Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
• Effexor (Venlafaxine)

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) Life Expectancy & Survival Rate

When parents are faced with a diagnosis of HLHS, there are several options for treatment. The first is to do nothing, called compassionate care, where the baby is allowed to die naturally without suffering through multiple surgeries. A second option is Fontan surgery, which consists of a series of procedures performed over 3-4 years that merely ‘buy time’ for the child. Many parents wish to avoid the multiple surgeries and choose total heart transplantation instead. A successful heart transplant means relatively few limitations and total heart health.

Do I Have a Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) Lawsuit?

Our attorneys are currently accepting HLHS cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant during pregnancy and your child was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug & Products Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us your case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.

Related Posts

• Spina Bifida Birth Defect Lawsuit
• Celexa Patients at Risk of Abnormal Heart Activity
• Anal Atresia Congenital Birth Defects in Children Linked to Antidepressants if Taken by Mothers During Pregnancy
• Clubfoot Birth Defects in Children Linked to Antidepressants if Taken by Mothers While Pregnant
• Esophageal Stenosis Congenital Birth Defects in Children Linked to Antidepressants if Taken by Mothers During Pregnancy