For decades, women of color were heavily targeted with advertising promoting a European look with straight hair. They were encouraged to use hair relaxers and hair straighteners. As a result of continuous use of these dangerous products, many women developed various types of cancer.
An experienced mass tort lawyer at Rueb Stoller Daniel can help you obtain fair compensation by joining the active multi-district litigation against the producers of these products. Let us discuss in detail the history of this case and the legal solutions for plaintiffs.
What Is the Hair Straightener and Relaxer Case About?
In October 2022, a medical study linked ovarian, endometrial and uterine cancer with the ongoing use of hair straightener and hair relaxer products. The researchers found that these products contain hazardous chemicals which disrupt the functioning of the endocrine system and have carcinogenic properties.
Older studies also found that the chemicals in hair straighteners increase the risk of breast cancer and uterine fibroids.
In the same month when the study showing the link between cancer and hair straightener products was published, the first lawsuits against producers of these cosmetic products were filed.
The Defendants Named in the Lawsuits
At the present, 15 companies are defendants in the hair relaxer multi-district litigation (MDL). Among these are:
- L’Oréal
- Strength of Nature
- Soft Sheen
- Revlon
- Namaste,
If you believe that a hair-straightening product caused you one of the types of cancer presented here, consult with an experienced mass tort lawyer at Rueb Stoller Daniel.
Major Milestones in the Hair Straightener and Hair Relaxer Litigation
One year after the initial lawsuits were filed, there was a sudden surge in legal actions against hair straightener producers. By October 2023, there were over 6,000 active and pending lawsuits against the defendants.
During the same month, the Federal Drug Administration started considering a ban on chemical hair-straightening products containing formaldehyde and other hazardous substances.
November 2023 brought two major events in the litigation process. First, on November 2, the Plaintiffs Steering Committee proposed to use 11% of the gross settlement to be allocated for costs:
- 8% for work benefitting all parties
- 3% for associated costs
If it is approved, this arrangement would not impact the compensation awarded to plaintiffs.
On November 13, U.S. District Judge Mary Rowland gave the go-ahead for the majority of claims in the hair relaxer and hair straightener litigation. While some legal arguments were dismissed, the following were admitted:
- Design defect claim: plaintiffs claim that the products were defectively designed, resulting in serious health conditions
- Failure to warn: plaintiffs claim that the producers failed to warn consumers about the risk of endometrial, uterine and ovarian cancer
- Warranties claim
- Unjust enrichment, punitive damages and derivative claims
Eligibility to Join the Hair Relaxer Multi-District Litigation
Plaintiffs in the hair-straightening MDL must show the following:
- They used a chemical hair relaxer or hair straightener for a period of time
- They were diagnosed with ovarian, uterine or endometrial cancer
- The cancer may be diagnosed both before and after the onset of menopause
It is important to have your condition properly diagnosed and be able to demonstrate the use of the products named in the lawsuit.
Bring Your Evidence to an Experienced Mass Tort Lawyer!
Fighting for your legal rights while fighting a potentially fatal condition can be extremely difficult. However, with the assistance of a mass tort lawyer at Rueb Stoller Daniel, you can be assured that your legal battle is handled by a skilled professional who advocates for your rights.
We encourage you to gather all available evidence and bring it to us for a free case evaluation. We will give you reliable legal advice and represent you on a contingency fee basis if you have a valid case.
Call us today at 1-866-CALL-RSD!
