Lawsuit Says Son’s Skull Defects Were Caused by Zoloft

Caroline Tyndall, a mother from North Carolina, is suing Pfizer over birth defects her child allegedly suffered due to Tyndall’s use of antidepressants throughout her pregnancy. 

During the pregnancy, Tyndall took Pfizer’s blockbuster antidepressant Zoloft (Sertraline Hydrochloride). This drug belongs to the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, a class of antidepressants that includes many common drugs, including Paxil, Lexapro and Prozac, among others. 

Tyndall’s child, identified in court documents only as “W.A.T.,” was born on September 12, 2008 in North Carolina. At birth, it was discovered that W.A.T. suffered from birth defects, including craniosynostosis. In this condition, the sutures of the skull (the places where various bones meet) prematurely fuse. This makes the skull grow in unusual ways, deforming the child’s head. In many cases, the deformation can lead to brain damage since the brain box does not have enough room for a developing brain. 

The Zoloft birth defect lawsuit alleges that the manufacturers of Zoloft knew – or reasonably should have known, based on clinical trials, standard postmarket surveillance, and peer-reviewed studies – that the drug could cause serious birth defects. The lawsuit cites studies dating back to the 1990s that postulate a link between SSRIs like Zoloft and birth defects of the heart and skull. 

The Zoloft lawsuit further asserts that not only did the manufacturers know about these risks, but actively suppressed them, preventing patients and their prescribing physicians from having all of the information they needed to make informed decisions regarding their medical care. Per the complaint, Tyndall asserts that she would have never used Zoloft during her pregnancy had she been aware of the risks of Zoloft side effects. 

Tyndall is seeking damages related to W.A.T.’s birth defects, including medical expenses, lost wages, and lost earning potential. 

The Zoloft birth defect lawsuit is Caroline B. Tyndall, et al. v. Pfizer Inc., et al., Case No. 2:13-cv-05103-CMR. 

It was transferred into multidistrict litigation consolidating hundreds of other Zoloft birth defect lawsuits pending in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The Zoloft birth defect MDL is In Re: Zoloft (Sertraline Hydrochloride) Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2342.

Obtain a Free Zoloft Birth Defect Lawsuit Review

If you, or someone you care about, took an antidepressant like Zoloft during pregnancy and went on to give birth to a child with birth defects, you are most likely facing daunting challenges. Birth defects can catch a family completely off guard. In addition to the sudden emotional burden of the situation, substantial financial hardship can follow — including medical costs, lost wages for parents, and lost earning potential for the child. 

It’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed when facing this type of situation. However, you need to remember that you still have rights, and there are steps that you can take to regain control over your situation. You can start by visiting the Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, Lexapro, Depakote & Prozac SSRI Antidepressant Birth Defect Class Action Lawsuit Investigation and obtaining a free legal review of your case.