East Texas Judge Weighs Dismissal of Tylenol Autism Lawsuit

Panola County judge considers motion to dismiss case against Tylenol makers over alleged risks to pregnant women.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A Panola County judge is hearing arguments on a motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against the makers of Tylenol. The lawsuit alleges the company failed to warn pregnant Texas women about a potential risk of autism and ADHD associated with the use of Tylenol during pregnancy.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing debates around pharmaceutical product liability and the duty of drug manufacturers to warn consumers about potential health risks, especially for vulnerable populations like pregnant women. The outcome could set an important precedent for similar lawsuits in the future.

The details

The lawsuit was filed in the courtroom of District Judge LeAnn Rafferty in Panola County. While the reason for filing the case in this particular county is unclear, the petition states the defendants have done business there and a substantial part of the events occurred in Panola County.

  • The lawsuit was filed in February 2026.

The players

Ken Paxton

The Texas Attorney General who filed the original lawsuit against the makers of Tylenol.

LeAnn Rafferty

The Panola County district judge presiding over the hearing on the motion to dismiss the Tylenol lawsuit.

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What’s next

The judge will decide whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed or dismiss the case against the Tylenol manufacturers.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles over pharmaceutical product liability and the responsibility of drug companies to adequately warn consumers, especially vulnerable populations, about potential health risks associated with their products.