Recent studies show how chemical hair relaxers are responsible for health problems, including uterine and ovarian cancer. This is because chemicals in their composition interfere with hormones leading to health issues.

Hair relaxer law suit involves personal injury claims that can bring both economic and non-economic damages. Such as medical bills, physical therapy costs and the pain and suffering caused by the damage of the injury itself. 

Companies that distribute these products have failed to sufficiently alert consumers of the toxic ingredients contained. These hair care products are defectively designed because they cause serious injuries and death.

The most common injuries associated with these products are uterine cancer and ovarian cancer, but other diseases and injuries may qualify for compensation. It is important to note that the total number of diseases associated with these products is still unknown. All these litigations are at an early stage and despite no litigation has resulted in a settlement or verdict yet, many cases are being consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL).

If you have a family history of reproductive cancer or you have used chemical hair straighteners with regularity over an extended period of time, you should be aware of the symptoms associated with these health issues.

What are the Brands Related to these Lawsuits?

Currently, four major manufacturers of hair-relaxing products are being sued. These companies are:

• L’Oréal
• Namaste Laboratories LLC
• Dabur International Ltd.
• Godrej Consumer Products

Some of the most popular brands of hair relaxers and chemical straighteners involved are: 

• Just for Me
• Dark & Lovely
• Soft & Beautiful
• Motions
• Olive Oil Girls

Black Women are the Most Affected Minority

The study also revealed that black women are more likely to use hair relaxer products because their hair is naturally curly. The research found that approximately 60% of the participants who reported using straighteners in the previous year were self-identified Black women. Although the study did not find a relationship between straightener use and uterine cancer incidence was different by race, the adverse health effects may be greater for Black women due to the higher prevalence of use.

Consumer groups are warning against the use of lye-based hair straighteners and relaxers as there seems to be a strong correlation between their use and an increased risk for several cancers.

How Do I Qualify to File A Lawsuit?

You could qualify for a lawsuit if you used chemical hair relaxers and later developed cancer or another qualifying condition or injury. Depending on the state where you live, most lawsuits will require to be filed within two to three years of an injury. 

Some of the qualifying injuries are uterine cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer have all been linked to the chemicals found in these hair care products.

Types of Lawsuits You Can File – 

Personal Injury Lawsuits

If you want to sue over an injury you believe was caused by a hair relaxer product, you’ll need to be diagnosed with uterine cancer, ovarian cancer or some other provable injury that can be linked to the hair relaxer.

Common claims include negligence, product liability, and false advertising. An experienced attorney, particularly experienced mass tort cases lawyers, can help you analyze your situation and your chances for compensation.

Mass Tort

Most lawsuits are filed as personal injury lawsuits, not proposed mass tort files. Rather than lawsuits proposing to represent mass, many hair relaxer lawsuits have been combined into multidistrict litigation that operates similarly to mass tort cases but still handles claims on an individual basis.

Still, some proposed cases have been filed, including one against manufacturers that accuse them of failing to warn consumers.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits

Lawyers can pursue a wrongful death claim if they believe using a hair relaxer product resulted in a person’s death. The decedent’s family or a person representing the decedent’s estate should contact an experienced personal injury and wrongful death attorney to discuss their options.

If You Believe You’ve Been Harmed, Contact a Lawyer

If you believe you’ve been injured or developed some of the conditions described above, it is recommended to discontinue use immediately, consult your doctor, and get in touch with an attorney to discuss your options.

Mass tort cases lawyers can help you investigate and determine if you can get compensation for the damage suffered by these hair relaxer products. Most hair relaxer lawsuits are going to multidistrict litigation (MDL), so it’s important to find an attorney who understands that process and how your lawsuit would fit. Your lawyer can help you in:

• Evaluate Your Case

Your lawyer will know how to investigate your situation and determine your options. Your case can involve negligence or product liability claims. Your lawyer will identify which suits your case better and how to take the proper steps to ensure a potential claim.

• File Your Claim or Lawsuit

Your Lawyer may help you negotiate a settlement without filing a lawsuit. But hair relaxer lawsuits are in the early stages of lawsuits, and no major settlements have been announced since the first lawsuit was filed in October 2022. This means you may not get a settlement offer before you file a lawsuit, but your attorney will know the best way to file your claim.

Get the Compensation You Deserve

It is in your best interest to hire a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible so they can begin collecting evidence and establishing a convincing claim for damages. They can then effectively negotiate a substantial settlement and represent you in court, if necessary. You can take advantage of a free consultation with our product liability attorneys to learn more about how we can assist you in recovering compensation for your chemical hair relaxer injuries.

Here at People for Law we have specialization in Mass Tort litigation. We aim to accomplish a favorable award that benefits a large number of affected persons, and we offer sharp legal assistance throughout till the end. Contact us now!