Can I File A Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?

If you’re looking for a simple way to change your hairstyle, you might consider hair relaxers. These products contain chemicals that can change the texture of hair within minutes. While you can visit a professional hairstylist, relaxers are available at low prices at drugstores and beauty supply stores, making them easy to use at home. Millions of Americans use hair relaxer products, which are most popular among Black and Hispanic demographics. These products advertise all-natural ingredients and don’t carry warning labels about health effects, so people assume they’re safe. While the FDA monitors hair relaxer products, the agency doesn’t approve hair relaxers before they hit the market — and that lack of regulation can be dangerous. 

In recent months, manufacturers have faced dozens of hair relaxer lawsuits from people who developed cancer after using the products. A 2022 National Institutes of Health study found that women who often used hair relaxers were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with uterine cancer. It’s unclear why relaxers increase cancer risk, but they contain strong chemicals that can affect hormones and change estrogen levels. Hair relaxers are also linked to an increased chance of developing reproductive problems and endometriosis. Manufacturers, including ​​L’Oreal, Dabur International, and Godrej Sun Holdings, have been named in hair straightener lawsuits nationwide. Plaintiffs allege that these manufacturers failed to warn consumers about the risk of uterine cancer and other illnesses.

Many of these cases have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) to streamline the process. These lawsuits still need to be settled, and there’s still time to file. You may wonder whether you have grounds to sue if you’ve used hair relaxers. You must show that a hair relaxer product harmed you to have a successful lawsuit. It’s important to talk to a lawyer specializing in hair relaxer lawsuits for guidance on the next steps. Our Childers, Schlueter & Smith team offers free case reviews for anyone eligible for a hair relaxer lawsuit. There are two questions you can ask to determine whether you might be able to file.

Did you use hair straightening products? Researchers have found a link between frequent hair relaxer use and adverse health effects. In the NIH uterine cancer study, frequent use was defined as four or more times a year. You or a loved one must have used hair relaxer products to be eligible for a lawsuit. You may have questions about whether you’ve used relaxers frequently enough to qualify; a lawyer can help you determine. 

Have you been diagnosed with uterine cancer, endometrial cancer or ovarian cancer? The next question is whether you’ve been diagnosed with a medical condition linked to hair relaxers. Using hair relaxers alone isn’t enough to qualify for a lawsuit — you must show that you experienced suffering as a result. Research is in the early stages, so the named conditions may grow over time. If you haven’t been diagnosed with a listed disease, you may still be able to collect damages.

How A Hair Relaxer Lawyer Can Help

How can a lawyer help you file a hair relaxer lawsuit? One of the benefits of an attorney is that they can maximize the amount you receive in a settlement. We can seek compensation for economic damages like medical bills and lost income. Still, we can also ask for damages for losses that aren’t quantifiable and harder to prove, like pain and suffering and mental anguish. Additionally, many attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win a settlement for you. A hair relaxer attorney will ensure your case is as strong as possible. They will gather medical records and evidence that you used the relevant products. They will also consult with experts and show proof of your losses and how your health diagnoses have changed your life.

Hair relaxer cases can be challenging, so it’s essential to find a law firm with the experience to advocate for you against manufacturers who may challenge the validity of your claim. Childers, Schlueter & Smith is accepting clients injured by hair relaxers, and we offer free reviews to discuss your potential case. Contact our team to set up a free consultation, or call (800) 641-0098.