Hair Relaxer Lawsuits

Hair Relaxer Lawsuits

A study published in Environmental Research in 2023 examined a large cohort of Black women and hair relaxer use. The study found that long-term use of these products increases the risk of uterine cancer. Thousands of women are pursuing hair relaxer lawsuits against the manufacturers of these widely used products with scientific support for their claims.

If you used hair relaxers and were diagnosed with a serious illness, contact us at Rutter Mills. We are strong advocates for those who have been harmed due to the negligence of other parties, and we are here to help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Why Are Hair Softeners So Dangerous?

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.

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.

Black women have been disproportionately affected by the health risks of these products because they are more likely to use them. Product manufacturers have also historically targeted their advertising for these products to women of color.

How We Can Help

A lawsuit allows you to hold a person or business that caused you harm accountable for your damages and losses. The FAQ section below outlines compensation for hair straightener lawsuits. By speaking with an attorney experienced in defective product litigation, you can take the first step toward achieving justice.

Potentially Liable Parties

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.

Criteria For A Hair Relaxer Lawsuit

Must be able to identify products used (hair relaxers only)
Must be able to recall start and stop date
Must have used relaxers consistentely (6-8 weeks on average) for a minimum of five years (4 or more applications a year)
If a death case – must have a strong corroborating witness regarding product usage
Diagnosis date and/or medical procedure preformed in 2010 or later
Age at time of diagnosis: must be under 50
Diagnosed with Uterine or Ovarian Cancer

Exceptions to Criteria

Case can be accepted if the diagnosis was in 2010 or later or if diagnosis was before 2010 and medical procedure was after 2010.
Case can be accepted if a surgical procedure has not been preformed but has been recommended and/or scheduled.

Compensation for Related Medical Conditions

You may also be entitled to additonal compensation for other medical conditions that resulted from the pelvic conditions hair relaxers caused. Examples include:

Infertility
Miscarriges
Blood transfusions
Preterm labor/delivery
Early menarche/puberty
PCOS
Chronic thyroid or hormonal imbalances

You can and should seek compensation for your physical and mental anguish. Rutter Mills will help you hold those responsible for their negligence and recklessness towards your health.

Recent Developments

Hair relaxer cancer lawsuits are fact-intensive, and you must demonstrate you used a dangerous product and draw a clear 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.

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.

Hair Relaxer Litigation FAQs

Chemical hair straighteners contain harsh chemicals such as formaldehyde, parabens, and phthalates, which can cause 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.

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.

Victims in chemical hair straightener lawsuits may seek damages for their losses and hardships from using these products, which may include the following:

Medical bills arising from a diagnosis of uterine cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and other serious health problems caused by hormonal disruption
Lost wages and future earnings you will miss out on due to your health problem
Pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and diminished quality of life

If you 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.

Contact a Rutter Mills attorney today to speak about your case

At Rutter Mills, we have established a record of outstanding success serving Virginia and beyond. We will listen to your story, help you understand your legal options, and get you on the best path to fair 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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