If you used chemical hair relaxers and have been diagnosed with uterine cancer, you may be entitled to compensation. Manufacturers are responsible for making sure their products are safe. When they don’t, users can suffer severe consequences. Our experienced hair relaxer lawsuit attorneys specialize in product liability cases and are dedicated to holding these companies accountable. We investigate your case, build a strong claim, and fight for your rights, so you receive the money you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice and recovery.
Hair Relaxer Lawsuits
Why Are Women Filing Claims For Hair Relaxers?
MANUFACTURERS KNEW THE RISK
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 relaxer lawsuits. By speaking with an attorney experienced in defective product litigation, you can take the first step toward achieving justice.
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.
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 consistently (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 additional compensation for other medical conditions that resulted from the pelvic conditions hair relaxers caused. Examples include:
- Infertility
- Miscarriages
- Blood transfusions
- Preterm labor/delivery
- 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
November 2024 – Over 9,400 cases have been filed in courts across the country. These lawsuits represent just a fraction of the women whose lives have been impacted because of the negligence of global corporations, looking to capitalize on Black and Brown women. These companies knew the potential harm that could come from exposure to harsh chemicals and did not warn the public. Instead, they grew into an industry worth over $600 million annually.
October 2023 – A study of over 44,000 Black women from 1997 to 2019 showed an increased risk of uterine cancer for women with prolonged use of hair relaxers.
2022 – The Sister Study released their findings of a research study examining the link between the use of chemical hair relaxers and an increased rate of uterine cancer.
Contact a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit attorney today to speak about your case
At Rutter Mills, we have established a record of outstanding success holding major corporations accountable. 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.
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.
Any woman who used a chemical hair straightening product and later developed cancer in their reproductive systems can file a hair relaxer lawsuit. People who lost loved ones due to dangerous chemicals in these 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.
Misleading Advertising by Manufacturers
Manufactures of chemical hair relaxers knew there were health risks to the women using their products. They not only failed to warn consumers about the risks, but marketed these products as “natural” and “healthy.”
In 1990, a global manufacturer developed the “Just For Me” product line. It was created to capture a larger market share and expand a customer base by encouraging the use of harsh chemicals on children and young women. Through effective marketing campaigns using TV commercials and colorful packaging, these products had many families convinced they were safe for children by advertising them as having a “gentle formula.”
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Workers Compensation
If you’ve been injured on the job, workers’ compensation insurance may entitle you to critical assistance like medical treatment, lost wages, and more. But insurance companies will put up an aggressive fight to resist paying you the compensation you need and deserve. Rutter Mills can help get you the money you deserve.
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