When someone has been injured by a dangerous consumer project, they have the right to file a lawsuit. This is the case with hair straighteners (also called relaxers), as countless suits have been filed claiming these products caused women to develop cancer.
The objective of these hair straightener lawsuits is to seek monetary compensation called damages. What exactly do these damages cover? Which ones may be available in your case? The mass tort injury lawyers of Rueb Stoller Daniel provide guidance on what you may be able to claim.
Every Case Is Different, and So Are Damages
One thing to know about hair relaxer lawsuits is that each claim is different. The damages available to you may be unlike those sought by another victim. So while general statements can be made about potential damages, what is actually available will vary.
Some factors that could affect your damages claim include:
- The factual circumstances underlying your injuries
- How much medical treatment you’ve had and will need later
- When you file your lawsuit, and sometimes where
- The attorney you have advocating on your behalf
Damages are primarily intended to make a victim whole, returning them to where they were prior to the injury. Some damages are punitive in nature, meaning they are designed to punish particularly wrongful conduct. For the most part, however, damages are compensatory. They’re intended mainly to cover a victim’s economic (e.g. medical bills) and non-economic (e.g. pain and suffering) losses.
At Rueb Stoller Daniel, we work hard to seek the maximum damages available under the law. When you retain us to represent you, we immediately investigate the facts. That means acquiring the evidence needed to show the product manufacturer’s liability. It also means proving the extent of the damages you claim so you can be fairly compensated for your losses.
Damages You Might Be Able to Seek in a Hair Straightener Lawsuit
With the above in mind, here are the damages you could potentially seek in a hair straightener lawsuit.
Past, Present, and Future Medical Bills
Hair relaxer victims often develop cancer and other serious medical conditions. Treating these is an expensive process that may take months or even years. Surgery, prescription medications, x-rays, lab tests, and more may be needed. Follow-up visits and appointments with specialists will also likely be required.
Lost Earnings
Having to obtain medical treatments, go to court, and tend to other lawsuit-related matters takes time from work. This means lost income that could wreak financial havoc on a family. You can seek compensation for your lost earnings.
Lost Earning Capacity
This is also known as lost future income. If the cancer or other condition you develop renders you unable to work, it could mean the end of a once-promising career. This can cost you significant earnings over the course of your life, for which you can seek compensation.
Pain and Suffering and Emotional Distress
These are known generally as non-economic damages. Cancer, for instance, can cause serious emotional trauma and suffering. A victim can seek compensation for these injuries when they are caused by a party’s wrongful conduct.
Wrongful Death
If the hair straightener victim dies from cancer, certain family members may be eligible to seek wrongful death damages. These are designed to cover final medical costs, burial expenses, and more.
Put Our Experience to Work for You
Choosing the right attorney to represent you in your hair straightener lawsuit is critical. Once your case either goes to trial or is settled, you won’t get to ask for more money. That makes it important to accurately calculate and estimate all damages, including future ones. To get started on your hair relaxer lawsuit, reach out to Rueb Stoller Daniel today.
