If you or someone you love has been harmed by a chemical hair straightener product, your injuries may be serious. These could translate to major expenses and losses like medical bills and missed time from work. You have the right to take legal action to seek compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.
But what qualities should you look for in a hair straightener attorney and law firm? Rueb Stoller Daniel has some advice.
Has the Attorney/Law Firm Handled Cases Like This?
Hair straightener injury claims often take the form of what are known as mass tort lawsuits. These are cases in which many individuals are victimized in a similar way by similar products. This may sound very much like a class action lawsuit, but there are some differences.
With a class action lawsuit, the victims are grouped together into a single “class.” They are represented by one or several named plaintiffs in a single lawsuit instead of numerous individual ones.
With mass tort lawsuits, each claim is pursued individually and settlements are reached on a case-by-case basis. There is no need to have the case certified as a class action matter, which is relatively difficult. Mass torts have the advantage of allowing variability in damages. This will be advantageous if you have suffered particularly significant losses due to your injuries.
Our law firm regularly handles mass tort claims involving dangerous and defective products like chemical hair straighteners. We are experienced litigators who understand what it takes to build a strong case.
Does Your Hair Straightener Attorney Have Reliable Expert Witnesses?
Lawsuits like those involving hair straighteners are complicated. Your attorney will need to present a case that includes:
- A scientific link between the chemicals in the hair straightener product and your specific injury
- A medical explanation of your injury or disease and how it will likely be treated
- Projected future losses you will incur, including medical bills
- The impact your injuries will have on your ability to work in the future
These and related matters require input from expert witnesses. These are individuals who can explain complex topics to a jury. Medical expert witnesses, for instance, can discuss the nature of your illness and required future treatments. A vocational expert witness can explain what sort of work you may be able to do in light of your condition.
Expert witness testimony is critical to determining the monetary value of your hair relaxer case. We have a network of trusted expert witnesses who can deliver compelling testimony on your behalf.
Can Your Attorney/Law Firm Negotiate With the Defendant Company’s Insurer?
Many mass tort claims are settled outside of court. In deciding whether to settle, you and your lawyer will weigh the benefits of settling versus the risks of going to trial. That calculation will include factors such as:
- The amount of money settled or awarded by juries in other, similar cases
- The nature of the damages you have already suffered
- A reasonable projection of the future damages you will likely incur
- How willing the defendant, the defendant’s lawyer, and the defendant’s insurance company are to settle
- The likely willingness of a jury to award the compensation you seek
- How long litigation may take, including any potential appeals
The decision of whether to settle is ultimately made between the client and the lawyer. We always endeavor to negotiate settlements that fairly and adequately compensate our clients. But we are also seasoned litigators who are not afraid to take your case to trial if necessary.
Talk to Rueb Stoller Daniel About Your Legal Options
Our legal team at Rueb Stoller Daniel is ready to handle your hair straightener case. However, we also know that you probably have some questions as you select your legal counsel. We’re here to answer those questions and help you understand how the legal process works.
If you retain us as your law firm, we will get to work immediately seeking the maximum damages available. Call us today to learn more.
