Hair Relaxer Lawsuit

Hair Relaxers Have Been Linked to Cancer—Our Product Liability Attorneys Fight for Justice

Chemical hair straightening products—commonly referred to as “hair relaxers”—have been linked to a higher risk of cancer. New studies have come out linking chemical hair relaxers to an increased risk of both breast cancer and uterine cancer. Alarmingly, black women are at an especially heightened risk due to higher levels of use. Victims are filing lawsuits against major companies, including L’Oréal, Pantene, Softsheen Carson, and Schwarzkopf.

At Bernheim Kelley, LLC, our product liability attorneys are actively investigating hair relaxer lawsuits. We fight tirelessly to get justice and full financial compensation for victims and their families. If you or your loved one developed breast cancer, uterine cancer, or another type of cancer after using a hair relaxer, we are here to help. To set up a free, no-obligation initial consultation with a hair relaxer lawsuit attorney, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Overview

Lawsuits are being filed against the companies that are responsible for the production, marketing, and selling of chemical hair straighteners (hair relaxers) because these products have been linked to cancer and some other serious health complications. More specifically, these products have been linked to a heightened risk of:

• Breast cancer;
• Uterine cancer;
• Endometrial cancer;
• Uterine Sarcoma;
• Uterine fibroids; and
• Endometriosis.

Black women are at especially high risk due to higher levels of use of these products. As reported by the local news station KSDK, studies have shown that black women account for as much as 60% of chemical hair relaxer use in the United States. This is despite the fact that black women make up just 6% of the total population.

Understanding the Connection Between Cancer and Hair Relaxers

The most important thing that you need to know is that chemical hair relaxers have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Here is a more comprehensive overview of the recent peer-reviewed studies which have established the connection:

• Breast Cancer (Increased Risk): The first major study on hair relaxers and cancer risk was published nearly three years ago. In December 2019, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences released the findings of a study on 46,709 women. Researchers determined that women who use permanent hair dye and chemical hair relaxers developed breast cancer at a higher rate than women who avoided those products. Here is one of the key findings from the study: women who used hair relaxers “at least every five to eight weeks were about 30% more likely to develop breast cancer.” As hair relaxer use is far more common amongst Black women, they saw higher levels of increased breast cancer.
• Uterine Cancer (Increased Risk): On October 17th, 2022, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released the findings of another comprehensive health and safety study on chemical hair relaxers. Alarmingly, the study found a heightened risk of uterine cancer. Researchers assessed 33,497 U.S. women. They were followed for 11 years as part of the study. Frequent use of chemical hair relaxers was linked to a higher rate of uterine cancer. The study defined frequent use as four uses per year. They found that women who use hair relaxers frequently “were more than twice as likely to go on to develop uterine cancer compared to those who did not use the products.” Once again, black women, due to more frequent use of hair relaxers, were at a higher risk of developing cancer.

The danger associated with chemical hair straighteners must be taken seriously. A more comprehensive investigation is currently happening to determine what major companies should have known and what they failed to do to protect the health and safety of innocent people.

Why are Hair Relaxers Dangerous? (Toxic Chemicals)

Why have chemical hair straighteners been linked to higher rates of breast cancer and uterine cancer? The NIH says that a lot of research still needs to be done on the specifics. That being said, we know that the hair relaxers used by women in the studies—the most common products available on the market—include several chemical compounds that are known human health hazards. The carcinogens found in hair relaxers include:

• Bisphenol A;
• Phthalates;
• Parabens;
• Formaldehyde; and
• Dangerous metals.

Which Brands May Be Affected By the Problem?

Many cosmetic companies manufacture, market, and sell chemical hair straighteners. In fact, several companies own multiple different hair relaxer brands. A number of different major corporations have been named as defendants in hair relaxer cancer lawsuits, including L’Oréal, Pantene, Softsheen Carson, and Schwarzkopf. The hair relaxer brands that may be affected include:

• Dark & Lovely;
• Just For Me;
• Africa’s Best;
• African Pride;
• Bantu;
• Creme of Nature;
• Optimum Care Relaxer;
• Soft and Beautiful;
• Motions Hair Relaxer;
• TCB Naturals Relaxer Creme; and
• ORS Olive Oil.

This is a non-exhaustive list. Many more chemical hair relaxer brands are affected by these safety issues. If you or your family member has used a hair relaxer and developed breast cancer or uterine cancer, you should consult with an experienced attorney regardless of whether or not you have seen any reports on the specific product. All hair relaxer cancer cases must be investigated.

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How Long Do You Have to File a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?

As with other types of product liability and mass tort claims, there is a statute of limitations that applies to hair relaxer cancer lawsuits. In effect, this means that you will only have a limited amount of time to file your claim. How long do you have to bring a hair relaxer lawsuit for breast cancer or uterine cancer? It depends on several factors, including your state or residence. The statute of limitations may be as little as one or two years.

That being said, in most jurisdictions, including Florida, there is a “discovery rule” when applying the statute of limitations. Do not assume that you are outside of the statute of limitations. The clock does not start ticking until the date that the plaintiff (victim or family) knew or should have known about their claim. Hair relaxer lawsuits are new cases. The time to take action is now: Contact an experienced hair relaxer lawsuit attorney for immediate help with your case.

Examples of Hair Relaxer Lawsuits

A number of different lawsuits have been filed against hair relaxer companies. With the recent study from the NIH linking chemical relaxers to uterine cancer, more lawsuits are expected in the coming months and years. Here are some recent examples of hair relaxer lawsuits:

• L’Oréal Sued By 32-Year-Old Woman: According to reporting from CNN, a 32-year-old woman from Missouri has filed a lawsuit against L’Oréal alleging that her uterine cancer (developed in 2018) was caused by toxic chemicals in the company’s hair relaxer.
• Florida Woman Sues Several Hair Relaxer Companies: In the case of Lee v. Strength of Nature Global, LLC et al. a Central Florida woman has sued several hair relaxer product makers after she was diagnosed with uterine fibroids at age 29 and later had to undergo a hysterectomy.   
• Woman in Illinois Sues L’Oréal and Other Brands: In the case of Smith v. L’Oréal USA, Inc, a woman has filed a lawsuit against L’Oréal and other hair relaxer brands after she developed uterine cancer at just 39 years old. She had used hair relaxer products for nearly three decades.

Who is Eligible for a Compensation Through a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?

Are you considering filing a hair relaxer lawsuit against a company? You may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the wrongful death of a family member. You may be eligible for compensation through a hair relaxer lawsuit if:

• You used a hair relaxer multiple times per year and developed breast cancer;
• You used a hair relaxer multiple times per year and developed uterine cancer; or
• Your family member (spouse, parent, or child) passed away from breast cancer or uterine cancer after using chemical hair relaxers.

What is the Potential Settlement Value of a Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit?

Compensation in a lawsuit is always determined on a case-by-case basis. A product liability attorney with the skills and experience to handle hair relaxer cancer claims should review your case in detail to determine the likely settlement value. Most of these cases are still in the early stages of litigation, meaning it is a bit premature to put a precise dollar figure on settlements or verdicts. That being said, cancer is serious. In many cancer-related product liability/mass tort cases, settlements reach six and seven figures.

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What is the Process for Filing a Lawsuit Against a Hair Relaxer Product Company?

Are you considering filing a lawsuit against one or more of the companies that produced and sold chemical hair relaxer products? It is imperative that you have an understanding of how the legal process works. These are highly complex cases. Your claim may be an individual lawsuit or part of a class action lawsuit. Here is a basic overview of the steps that you should take:

• Consult a Lawyer (Free Consultation): You should start by consulting with a qualified product liability attorney. Our firm offers free, no-obligation, and fully confidential consultations in hair relaxer lawsuit cases. We will answer all of your questions and explain exactly how the process works.
• Gather Evidence (Cancer Diagnose, Hair Relaxer Use): To bring a claim, you need to gather key evidence. Most notably, this includes evidence of cancer diagnosis and hair relaxer use.
• Initiate Legal Proceedings (Appropriate Court): An attorney will ensure that your case is filed in the proper manner in the appropriate court. This will put you in the best position to get justice and full financial compensation.

Why Should a Person Hire Bernheim Kelley for a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?

Manufacturers, marketers, distributors, and retailers have a responsibility to ensure that their products are reasonably safe for consumers. The corporations that make and sell hair relaxers are no exception, Unfortunately, serious safety questions are now being raised about chemical hair relaxing products and cancer risk. At Bernheim Kelley, LLC, our law firm is committed to helping victims and families get justice, accountability, and the maximum available financial support. We have deep experience handling complex dangerous and defective product claims. Among other things, our product liability attorneys are prepared to:

• Hear your story, answer questions, and explain the next steps of your hair relaxer case;
• Investigate your product liability claim—securing the evidence that you need;
• Handle paperwork and any correspondence or settlement negotiations; and
• Craft a comprehensive strategy to get you and your family real justice.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Attorneys Today

At Bernheim Kelley, LLC, our product liability and mass tort attorneys have the skills, experience, and legal expertise to represent people and families in hair relaxer lawsuits. If you or your loved one developed breast cancer or uterine cancer after using a chemical hair-relaxing product, we can help. Call us now or connect with us online to arrange a free, strictly private consultation. Our firm has offices in Florida and Massachusetts.