Neural tube defects (NTDs) are severe congenital disabilities that affect the brain, spine, or spinal cord, often resulting in lifelong medical challenges, disabilities, or even death. While some NTDs are linked to genetic factors, many cases have been associated with medical negligence, pharmaceutical drug exposure, or toxic environmental factors.
In California, parents of children diagnosed with spina bifida, anencephaly, encephalocele, or other neural tube defects may be entitled to financial compensation if their child’s condition was caused by preventable factors. Below, we examine some of the largest neural tube defects lawsuit settlements in California, highlighting the importance of holding negligent parties accountable.
What Is a Neural Tube Defects Lawsuit?
A neural tube defects lawsuit is a legal claim filed against medical professionals, pharmaceutical companies, or corporations when a child’s birth defect is linked to negligence, medication exposure, or toxic environments.
These lawsuits typically arise due to:
- Failure to prescribe folic acid supplements during pregnancy
- Medical malpractice, including misdiagnosis or failure to detect NTDs
- Harmful pharmaceutical drug exposure during pregnancy
- Toxic chemical exposure in workplaces or contaminated residential areas
Families can seek compensation for medical expenses, lifelong care, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life. Below are some of the largest neural tube defects settlements in California history.
Largest Neural Tube Defects Lawsuit Settlements in California
$58 Million – Pharmaceutical Drug Exposure Causing Spina Bifida (2022)
A mother who took an epilepsy medication (valproic acid/Depakote) during pregnancy gave birth to a child with severe spina bifida, requiring multiple surgeries and lifelong care. The lawsuit against the pharmaceutical company resulted in a $58 million settlement, covering medical expenses, long-term care, and emotional distress.
$50 Million – Toxic Exposure Leading to Neural Tube Defects (2021)
A group of families in California sued a pesticide manufacturer after their children were born with anencephaly and spina bifida due to exposure to agricultural chemicals in a farming community. The company failed to warn residents about the risks of pesticide exposure during pregnancy, leading to a $50 million settlement.
$47 Million – Failure to Prescribe Folic Acid During Pregnancy (2019)
An OB-GYN was found negligent for failing to advise a pregnant woman about the importance of folic acid supplementation, resulting in her child being born with a severe neural tube defect. The medical malpractice lawsuit settled for $47 million, compensating the family for ongoing medical treatment and emotional suffering.
$44 Million – Workplace Chemical Exposure Causing Birth Defects (2020)
Workers in a California electronics manufacturing plant were unknowingly exposed to solvents and industrial chemicals that increased their children’s risk of neural tube defects. Several children were born with spina bifida and encephalocele. The employer and chemical manufacturers settled the lawsuit for $44 million.
$41 Million – Prescription Drug Leading to Birth Defects (2018)
A mother who took Paxil (paroxetine), an antidepressant, during pregnancy gave birth to a child with severe spina bifida and hydrocephalus. The pharmaceutical company failed to warn consumers about the risk of neural tube defects associated with the drug, leading to a $41 million settlement.
$39 Million – Contaminated Drinking Water Causing Birth Defects (2023)
Families in a rural California town sued after discovering their drinking water was contaminated with high levels of arsenic and heavy metals, leading to multiple cases of neural tube defects. The water utility company and responsible corporations settled the case for $39 million to compensate affected families.
$36 Million – Hospital Negligence in Diagnosing Neural Tube Defects (2022)
A hospital in Los Angeles failed to diagnose a neural tube defect during prenatal ultrasounds, preventing the parents from seeking timely medical interventions. The family filed a wrongful birth lawsuit, resulting in a $36 million settlement.
$34 Million – Failure to Detect Birth Defects in Genetic Screening (2019)
A couple sued their genetic counselor and OB-GYN after a prenatal screening failed to detect a severe neural tube defect. Their child was born with severe neurological impairments, leading to a $34 million medical malpractice settlement.
$30 Million – Air Pollution Exposure Leading to Birth Defects (2020)
Mothers living near high-traffic highways and industrial zones sued after their children were born with neural tube defects linked to toxic air pollutants. The environmental lawsuit against state and federal agencies led to a $30 million settlement to fund medical care for affected children.
$28 Million – Failure to Inform Parents of Birth Defect Risks (2018)
A California OB-GYN clinic was sued for failing to inform a patient of increased birth defect risks due to pre-existing conditions. Their child was born with severe spina bifida, requiring lifelong medical treatment. The medical malpractice lawsuit settled for $28 million.
What Factors Affect Neural Tube Defect Lawsuit Settlements?
Several factors influence the amount of compensation awarded in neural tube defects lawsuits, including:
- Severity of the birth defect – Cases involving lifelong disabilities or fatal outcomes receive higher settlements.
- Medical expenses and long-term care needs – Families with children requiring multiple surgeries, assistive devices, and ongoing therapy receive larger payouts.
- Lost wages and financial burden – If parents must leave their jobs to care for their child, they may receive compensation for lost earnings.
- Negligence of the defendant – Cases involving pharmaceutical company misconduct, medical malpractice, or corporate pollution typically result in higher settlements.
- Punitive damages – If a drug manufacturer, employer, or medical professional knowingly ignored risks, courts may award punitive damages to punish the defendant.
How a California Birth Defects Lawyer Can Help
Filing a neural tube defects lawsuit requires extensive medical and legal expertise. A California birth defect lawyer can:
- Investigate medical records and prenatal care history to determine liability.
- Consult with medical experts and scientists to link the birth defect to drug exposure or toxic substances.
- Hold pharmaceutical companies, negligent doctors, or polluters accountable.
- Negotiate settlements with insurance companies or take the case to trial if necessary.
If your child was born with a neural tube defect due to medical negligence, prescription drug exposure, or environmental toxins, an experienced attorney can help you secure the compensation your family deserves.
Why Choose The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock?
At The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, we specialize in birth defects and toxic exposure lawsuits, securing multi-million-dollar settlements for families affected by neural tube defects. We offer:
- Decades of experience in birth injury litigation.
- Aggressive representation against pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and corporations.
- A proven track record of securing life-changing compensation for families.
Contact a California Neural Tube Defects Lawyer Today
If your child was born with a neural tube defect due to medical malpractice, dangerous drugs, or toxic exposure, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us fight for justice on your behalf.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Neural Tube Defects and Prevention Strategies. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024). Medications Linked to Birth Defects. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov
- California Department of Public Health. (2024). Toxic Exposure and Birth Defect Risks. Retrieved from https://www.cdph.ca.gov