The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is actively handling Ebstein’s Anomaly lawsuits in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant while pregnant and your child has Ebstein’s Anomaly, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and our law firm can help.
Michael E. Schmidt of The Schmidt Firm, PLLC 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.”
Ebstein’s Anomaly: An Overview
Ebstein’s anomaly – also often referred to as Ebstein’s malformation – is a rare congenital heart defect in which parts of the tricuspid valve are malformed and placed lower than normal in the right ventricle. The tricuspid valve separates the right ventricle from the right upper heart chamber (right atrium), and normally has three flaps or leaflets. In Ebstein’s anomaly, one or more of the leaflets are stuck to the wall and don’t work normally. Blood leaks back through the valve, making the heart work harder and less efficiently. Ebstein’s Anomaly may also be accompanied by an atrial septal defect (ASD).
Which Antidepressants are Linked to Ebstein’s Anomaly?
The following antidepressants are linked to the development of Ebstein’s Anomaly 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)
Ebstein’s Anomaly Prognosis
The natural course of Ebstein’s Anomaly typically varies according to the severity of the defect. Sadly, newborn babies presenting symptoms in infancy generally have an unfavorable prognosis. The mean age of presentation of symptoms is in the middle teenage years. According to observational data, approximately 5% of these patients survive beyond age 50. The oldest recorded patient lived to age 85.
Do I Have an Ebstein’s Anomaly Lawsuit?
Our attorneys are currently accepting Ebstein’s Anomaly cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant during pregnancy and your child was born with Ebstein’s Anomaly, 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.
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The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs' law firms and handles cases in all 50 states. We are very proud of our legal achievements, but equally self-respecting of our firm's reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client we represent.
