Notable Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Settlements and Verdicts

Hair relaxers, a popular beauty treatment for decades, have faced links to various health problems, such as ovarian cancer, uterine fibroid, and endometrial cancer. In recent months, consumers who allege that chemical relaxer products caused them serious harm have filed numerous cancer lawsuits against the manufacturers.

Let’s discuss some hair relaxer cancer cases, the plaintiffs’ legal actions, and the outcomes.

Ohio Woman Files Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit Against Major Manufacturers

Alicia Smith, from Ohio, filed a hair relaxer cancer lawsuit in the Northern District of Illinois against several relaxer manufacturers, including L’Oreal and SoftSheen-Carson. Smith claimed that the chemical hair relaxer products caused her to develop uterine cancer in 2019. The lawsuit she filed alleged that the manufacturers knew about the potential harm their products could cause but continued selling them without warning consumers.

Plaintiff’s attorneys expect many hair relaxer cases. They have filed a motion to consolidate these cases into one multidistrict litigation in the Northern District of Illinois. Despite opposition from L’Oreal, a judge in Miami will hear the hair relaxer case on January 26. In similar cases, several relaxer manufacturers have settled for substantial amounts. In 2017, a woman received $1.3 Million in a hair relaxer lawsuit settlement from a major manufacturer after alleging that their product caused her to develop breast cancer.

Chemical Hair Relaxers and Hair Straighteners

Women use chemical hair relaxers to permanently straighten curly hair, while they use chemical hair straighteners to temporarily straighten any hair type.

  1. Both hair relaxers and straighteners use chemicals to permanently break down the hair’s natural protein structure and alter its texture.
  2. Both treatments can damage hair if not applied correctly, causing hair breakage, thinning, and scalp irritation.
  3. An experienced professional should apply both hair relaxing and hair straightening products to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals.

Study Links Hair Relaxer Products to Uterine Cancer

Recent peer-reviewed studies have established a connection between chemical hair relaxer products and an increased risk of breast cancer and uterine cancer.

Increased Risk of Breast Cancer from Hair Relaxer Use

The National Cancer Institute in a study found that women who used hair dye and chemical hair relaxers developed breast cancer at a higher rate than women who avoided chemical hair straightening products. Also since hair relaxer use is more common amongst Black women, they see higher levels of increased breast cancer.

Heightened Risk of Uterine Cancer Linked to Chemical Hair Relaxers

The study further revealed a heightened uterine cancer risk associated with the frequent use of chemical hair relaxers. The study assessed 33,497 U.S. women and found that women who used hair relaxers frequently were more likely to develop uterine cancer as opposed to those who did not use the products.

Furthermore, the study also highlighted that continuous exposure to chemicals found in hair relaxers had been associated with higher chances of developing health conditions that affect the female reproductive system, such as uterine fibroids and endometrial cancer.

The Hazards of Toxic Chemicals in Hair Relaxers

While research on the specifics is ongoing, it is known that many of the hair relaxers used by women in the studies include several chemical compounds, or endocrine disrupting chemicals, that are known to be human health hazards. Some of the carcinogens found in hair relaxers include:

  • Bisphenol A
  • Phthalates
  • Parabens
  • Formaldehyde
  • Metals

The Hazards of Toxic Chemicals in Hair Relaxers - Notable Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Settlements and Verdicts - Uptown Injury Law PLLC New York City - Kyle Newman Esq

Chemical hair straighteners contain toxic ingredients that the scalp can absorb and the user can inhale during application. Researchers have linked these endocrine disrupting chemicals to various health conditions, including uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and uterine fibroids.

Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Settlements: What You Need to Know

As the number of hair relaxer cancer lawsuits continues to rise, individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, uterine cancer, or other health issues related to using hair relaxer products may be eligible for compensation. Hair relaxer lawsuit settlements have provided substantial financial relief for plaintiffs, offering a sense of justice for those affected. Here’s what you should know about hair relaxer lawsuit settlements.

Determining Settlement Amounts

Settlement amounts can differ based on several factors, such as the severity of injuries sustained, the medical expenses incurred, and the economic and emotional toll on the plaintiff. In certain instances, hair relaxer lawsuit settlements have reached millions of dollars.

Influential Factors in Settlement Value

The degree of injury or harm experienced as a result of using chemical hair straightener products is the most critical factor affecting the potential settlement value. Medical costs, loss of earnings, and pain and suffering will also be considered. Furthermore, uterine fibroids or being diagnosed with uterine cancer may play a role in determining the settlement amount.

Navigating the Complexities of Hair Relaxer Lawsuits

The process of filing and pursuing chemical hair straightener lawsuits can be complicated. It’s essential to gather all relevant documentation and evidence related to your case, including medical records and details about the hair relaxer products you used. With the right legal representation, you can build a strong case to seek the compensation you deserve for the injuries and health impacts caused by these potentially harmful products.

Global Payout: The Hair Relaxer Class Action Lawsuit

Notable Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Settlements and Verdicts - The Hazards of Toxic Chemicals in Hair Relaxers - While research on the specifics is ongoing, it is known that many of the hair relaxers used by women in the studies include several chemical compounds, or endocrine disrupting chemicals, that are known to be human health hazards. Some of the carcinogens found in hair relaxers include: Bisphenol A , Phthalates , Parabens , Formaldehyde , Metals. Chemical hair straighteners contain toxic ingredients that can be absorbed through the scalp and inhaled during application. These endocrine disrupting chemicals have been linked to various health conditions, including uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and uterine fibroids. 

In recent months, plaintiffs have filed an increasing number of uterine cancer lawsuits against hair relaxer manufacturers, alleging that the manufacturers’ hair products caused serious harm to consumers. Often, these cases are consolidated into a hair relaxer class action lawsuit, allowing multiple plaintiffs to join together and sue a common defendant.

Product liability claims involving mass torts, such as the hair relaxer lawsuits, usually resolve in big settlement payout deals called “global settlements.” This means that the parties will reach a single settlement for all plaintiffs involved in the lawsuit, rather than negotiating individual settlements for each plaintiff.

Chemical Hair straightener Lawsuit

If you have suffered from an injury or illness caused by using a hair relaxer product, a personal injury law firm is what you need to help you file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer. Here are some ways to find the right hair relaxer lawyers who can assist you:

Evaluate your case: A personal injury law firm specializing in hair relaxer lawsuits can evaluate the details of your case and determine if you have a viable claim. They can also help gather evidence to support your claim. You can also take this instant quiz to know if you qualify for compensation.

File your claim: An experienced lawyer can help you file your product liability claim against the hair relaxer manufacturer. He will ensure that all necessary documentation and paperwork are properly filed and submitted within the appropriate time frame.

Represent you in court: If your case goes to trial, a personal injury law firm can represent you in court. They will argue your case and work to secure a fair settlement or award on your behalf.

A Comprehensive Guide to Hair Relaxer Lawsuits: Settlements and Verdicts

As we’ve discussed in this blog, there have been many hair relaxer lawsuit settlements and verdicts in recent years. While settlement amounts can vary widely, plaintiffs who have suffered harm from hair relaxer products have been able to secure substantial compensation for their injuries.

So, If you’re considering filing a hair relaxer lawsuit, it’s important to find a personal injury law firm that has experience and expertise in this area. Here are some factors to look for when searching for a law firm:

Experience

It’s important to find a law firm that has a proven track record of success in handling hair relaxer lawsuit cases. Look for a firm that has experience in negotiating settlements and winning jury trials.

Knowledge

A good personal injury team should have a deep understanding of the science and medical research linking hair relaxer products to cancer and other illnesses. They should also have an understanding of product liability laws and regulations.

Personalized Attention

You want a law firm that will give your case the attention and focus it deserves. Look for a firm that takes the time to understand your individual circumstances and concerns and will work with you to achieve the best possible outcome.

Communication

A good law firm should be accessible and responsive. Look for a team that is willing to communicate with you regularly and keep you informed of any updates or developments in your case.

If you or a loved one is suffering from uterine cancer, we at Uptown Injury Law understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help. Our dedicated personal injury law firm has experience in handling hair relaxer lawsuits, and we’ve been successful in helping clients just like you find justice and fair compensation. Reach out to us for a FREE consultation at 855-233-8728, and let us help you get justice.

GET FREE CASE EVALUATION

WRITTEN AND REVIEWED BY

Kyle Newman, Esq.

Kyle Newman Founder and Senior Trial Lawyer at Uptown Injury Law New York's Best Personal Injury Medical Malpractice and Accident Law firm New York's Top Trial Lawyers

This article was written and reviewed by Kyle Newman, Esq. Kyle is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum with over 15 years of practice as a New York trial attorney for serious injury and medical malpractice victims. Over that time Kyle Newman, Esq. has won record-setting verdicts and settlements in over a dozen different venues in the State and Federal Courts of New York. He has been consistently recognized as one of the top trial attorneys in America.

Kyle Newman, Esq. is the CEO and Founder of Uptown Injury Law PLLC, a personal injury and medical malpractice law firm with offices in Manhattan and the Bronx. 

Our goal is to provide you with accurate and relevant information. Before anything is published on our website, our editorial staff ensures that all of the information is scrutinized and fact-checked for accuracy. 

If you have questions about your legal topic that were not answered on this page, please contact us by clicking the button below

Kyle Newman Founder and Senior Trial Lawyer at Uptown Injury Law New York's Best Personal Injury Medical Malpractice and Accident Law firm New York's Top Trial Lawyers
LET'S GET STARTED

Free Case Review

This content is trustworthy because it has been thoroughly researched, fact-checked and reviewed by experts in the field. The information provided is accurate and reliable, and sources have been cited to ensure transparency and credibility. The authors or publishers of this content have a reputation for producing high-quality, unbiased material. Additionally, any potential conflicts of interest or biases have been disclosed. Overall, readers can trust that the information presented in this content is trustworthy and credible.