Walmart Acetaminophen-Autism Suits Not Barred by Federal Law

Two mothers who link their children’s autism to their use of a Walmart Stores Inc. pain reliever during pregnancy saw their suits advance because federal law doesn’t preempt their claims.

Robin Hatfield and Lisa Roberts separately sued Walmart, connecting their children’s autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder with prenatal exposure to Equate, Walmart’s brand of over-the-counter acetaminophen.

The suits are part of a multidistrict proceeding before Judge Denise L. Cote of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York involving about 90 lawsuits against Walmart, CVS, and other retailers.

At the time Hatfield and Roberts used the ...