Is There a Deadline to File a Hair Straightener Lawsuit?

Victims of dangerous consumer products, such as hair relaxers, have the right to file injury lawsuits. The objective is to win monetary damages to cover your medical bills and other losses. However, you should understand that you do not have an unlimited amount of time to file a hair straightener lawsuit.

Deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, will apply to your case. Statutes of limitations vary by state and by claim. It is important to have an experienced law firm handle your hair relaxer lawsuit so you don’t miss any deadlines.

If you were made sick by a hair straightener product, count on Rueb Stoller Daniel to stand up for you.

What Is a Statute of Limitations?

When a company makes an unsafe product, someone harmed by that product can demand compensation in civil court. But there are deadlines to file these claims.

Known as statutes of limitations, these laws bar lawsuits once a certain amount of time has passed. No matter how strong your case is, missing a statute of limitation destroys your right to seek damages. This is why you should not wait if a hair straightener product has caused you injury.

Statutes of limitations vary by state and by legal claim. Retaining knowledgeable legal counsel will help you understand how long you have to take action.

Other Reasons to Not Wait

Filing your lawsuit before the deadline passes is critical. However, it is not the only reason you should not delay. It can be much more difficult to obtain the proof you need to present a good case if you wait too long.

Evidence can be lost, destroyed, or forgotten. Memories can fade. Medical records can be difficult to locate. It is up to the victim to develop his or her own case and present the evidence needed to support it. Losing bits and pieces of that evidence over the years will weaken your claim.

Suppose, for instance, there is a three-year deadline to file a hair straightener lawsuit. At the two-and-a-half-year mark, you decide to see an attorney. This gives you about six months to gather the evidence you need and work with your attorney to file a complaint.

If you’re interested in learning more about what types of medical damages that you can seek in a hair straightener lawsuit, visit this page. The lawyer you hire will present the best possible case, in any event. But your hair straightener lawsuit might have been stronger if you had acted sooner.

Gathering Your Own Evidence

For any number of reasons, you may not be able to see an attorney right away. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t begin building your own case. Start by collecting whatever evidence related to your hair straightener injury claim you can.

Depending on your circumstances, that evidence may include:

  • Purchase receipts of hair straighteners from retail businesses
  • Receipts of visits you made to a salon that used these products
  • Medical records concerning any illnesses you developed
  • Lists of medications your doctor has prescribed for you

You should also begin making personal notes about the product or products you used. For instance:

  • The brand names of the products you used
  • When you began using them
  • How you applied the products (or had someone else apply them for you)
  • Any sickness you developed because of the products, your symptoms, and your overall condition

Hair straighteners have been linked to cancer and other illnesses, so you may need extensive treatments. Continue taking notes as you are treated, and err on the side of more rather than less detail. Then, when you are ready, reach out to a skilled hair relaxer injury attorney.

We’re Here to Help You Win Justice

Companies that make dangerous products must be held accountable for the harm they cause to consumers. You have the right to seek damages if a hair straightener manufacturer made you sick. But don’t wait too long. Give Rueb Stoller Daniel a call to learn more about your legal options today.