A study published in Environmental Research in 2023 examined a large cohort of Black women and hair relaxer use and found that long-term use of these products was associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer.
Thousands of women are pursuing hair relaxer lawsuits against the manufacturers of these widely used products with science-backed support for their claims.
Contact us at Rutter Mills if you have used hair relaxers and have been diagnosed with a serious illness. We are strong advocates for those who have been harmed due to the negligence of other parties. Our team has the experience and resources to handle the most challenging cases involving serious injuries and illness from defective or dangerous products. We are here to help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
In October 2022, another study by The Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that postmenopausal Black women who used chemical hair straighteners were more likely to develop uterine cancer. Hair straighteners contain chemicals that break down the protein bonds in the hair and cause natural curls and waves to relax and soften. These same chemicals also disrupt the endocrine system, a phenomenon that lies at the root of hair softener cancer studies.
Black women have been disproportionately affected by the health risks of these products because they are more likely to use them and because product manufacturers have historically targeted their advertising for these products to women of color.
Black women who have developed cancer and other long-term health effects after using hair straighteners have legal options. If you or a loved one has developed cancer or another disease and you believe hair straightening products may be to blame, you have important rights you should know about.
A lawsuit allows you to hold a person or business that caused you harm accountable for your damages and losses. Compensation in hair straightener lawsuits is outlined more extensively in the FAQ section below. By speaking with an attorney experienced in defective product litigation, you can take the first step toward achieving justice.
As noted above, chemical hair relaxers are heavily marketed to and commonly used by women of color to straighten curly or tightly coiled hair. Hair straighteners once filled the shelves of hair and beauty sections at department stores and pharmacies without warning of possible health risks. Many companies produce or produced hair straightening products, including Revlon, L’Oréal, SoftSheen-Carson, Strength of Nature Global, and Namaste Laboratories.
It is critical to consult with a knowledgeable defective product lawyer before taking any steps with your lawsuit. Mistakes, oversights, and missed deadlines can derail your claim. While you are likely going up against a large corporation, a skilled lawyer can level the playing field and give you the best possible chance of obtaining fair and just compensation for the losses you have suffered.
Hair relaxer cancer lawsuits are fact-intensive. To prevail, you must demonstrate that you used a dangerous product and draw a clear causal link between your use of that product and the cancer or other health problem you developed. Our team at Rutter Mills knows how to collect the types of evidence that draw those links that prove persuasive in these cases.
Several important landmark studies have been published in the last year highlighting the link between chemical hair relaxers and the harm to the women who use them. Washington has also taken notice, and efforts are underway to ban these products. Judge Mary M. Rowland is presiding over multi-district litigation (MDL) with over 8,000 cases regarding Hair Relaxer Marketing, Sales Practices, And Products Liability Litigation.
Many women have suffered from uterine tumors, breast cancer, and other serious health issues. Women have had to undergo hysterectomies, mastectomies, and other painful and life-altering treatments as a result of the dangerous chemicals.
The sooner you consult with an experienced personal injury attorney, the better your chance of obtaining compensation for your losses. If you miss a filing deadline or the statute of limitations expires, you risk losing your rights and legal standing.
What Are the Health Risks Associated With Chemical Hair Straighteners?
Because they contain harsh chemicals such as formaldehyde, parabens, and phthalates, hair straighteners have been linked to disruptions in the hormonal and endocrine systems of women who have used them. These disruptions can result in uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and other life-threatening health problems.
Who Can File a Hair Straightener Lawsuit?
Anyone who used a hair straightening product and later developed a serious health problem can file a hair straightener lawsuit. People who lost loved ones due to dangerous chemicals in hair products can also seek justice and compensation through the court system.
What Are Compensable Damages in a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?
Victims in chemical hair straightener lawsuits may seek damages for their losses and hardships from using these products, which may include the following:
If you have lost a loved one due to a chemical hair straightener, you may seek compensation for their medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, and other hardships, such as loss of companionship and support.
At Rutter Mills, we have established a record of outstanding success serving people in Virginia and beyond. We are here to listen to your story, help you understand your legal options, and get you started on the best path to fair and reasonable compensation for your damages and losses. Schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney today by calling or contacting us online. Since we work on a contingency basis, there are no upfront legal fees unless we win compensation for your injuries.
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