Hair relaxers are a popular solution for those seeking to straighten their hair, but they can also be incredibly harmful. These products contain a range of harsh chemicals, including phthalates, which have been associated with an increased risk of cancer.
If you or a loved one used hair relaxers regularly and were later diagnosed with cancer, you deserve justice. At Estey & Bomberger, LLP, our attorneys can help you file a lawsuit against the manufacturer and hold the company accountable for its dangerous products. With a 99% case success rate, you can trust us to fight tirelessly for your right to compensation.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit?
- Our firm has recovered over $500 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients in the last five years alone. We will work closely with you to secure the highest possible settlement in your case.
- Our attorneys have received numerous awards and recognitions from organizations such as the Daily Journal, SuperLawyers.com, National Trial Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, and more, which demonstrate our commitment to excellence in the legal field.
- We pride ourselves on providing tenacity and personal attention to detail. We are committed to justice and will work tirelessly to hold the hair relaxer manufacturer accountable for your losses.
Hair Relaxers Contain Dangerous Chemicals
Hair relaxers are a popular beauty industry product used to straighten hair by breaking down the cell bonds within the hair strand. These products are widely available at salons and retail stores but are predominantly used within the Black community due to historical societal pressures to conform to European beauty standards.
Companies like L’Oréal USA, Inc. have marketed their chemical relaxer products to Black women and children for decades. However, these products contain hazardous chemicals such as phthalates, which are associated with high cancer risk.
These chemicals are often combined with fragrance to act as scent preservatives. Unfortunately, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require chemicals to be labeled individually when combined with fragrance, which makes it difficult for consumers to know what exactly is inside the products they purchase.
What Types of Cancer Can Hair Relaxers Cause?
Chemical hair relaxer products have been linked to several types of cancer, which can cause severe harm to an individual’s health and well-being. These include uterine cancer, which affects the uterus, and ovarian cancer, which affects the ovaries. Lawsuits against beauty manufacturers allege that these companies knew or should have been aware of this dangerous risk and failed to warn consumers.
Ovarian Cancer
Hair relaxers may increase the risk of ovarian cancer, a relatively rare but deadly condition. According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, and the disease has a relatively low five-year survival rate.
A 2021 study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that women who regularly used hair relaxers (more than 4 times per year) can have as much as a 50% increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer often goes undetected and does not show any signs until it has spread throughout the body. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:
- Fatigue
- Back pain
- Discomfort in the pelvic area
- Abdominal bloating or swelling
- Feeling full quickly after eating
- Unexplained weight loss
- Needing to urinate frequently
- Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
Uterine Cancer
Uterine cancer is a disease that affects the tissues of the uterus. There are two types of uterine cancer: rare uterine sarcoma, and endometrial cancer, which is much more common and affects the uterine lining. According to the American Cancer Society, endometrial cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in women, with about 66,000 new cases diagnosed each year.
Recent medical studies have established a definitive connection between the use of hair relaxers and uterine cancer. A groundbreaking 10-year study found that women who regularly used hair relaxers were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with uterine cancer compared to non-users, and the risk increased with more frequent use.
Like ovarian cancer, uterine cancer often does not show any symptoms until its later stages. Common signs of uterine cancer may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Vaginal bleeding between periods before menopause
- Pain or cramping in the lower abdomen or pelvis
- Thin white or clear vaginal discharge in postmenopausal women
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting post menopause
- Prolonged, frequent vaginal bleeding
What Compensation Is Available in a Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit?
If you have been diagnosed with cancer or suffered harm as a result of using a chemical hair relaxer product, you may be entitled to financial compensation. In a hair relaxer cancer lawsuit, you can recover a settlement to pay for your financial, physical, and emotional losses. These damages are typically divided into two categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to the financial losses that a victim has suffered as a direct result of his or her injury or illness, such as medical expenses, lost income, and property damage. In the context of a hair relaxer cancer lawsuit, these damages may include:
- Past and Future Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of all medical treatment associated with your cancer diagnosis, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hospitalization. The cost of ongoing medical care, such as medication and doctor visits, may also be included.
- Lost Wages and Benefits: If your cancer diagnosis has prevented you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the income and benefits you have lost while seeking treatment or in recovery. If you are unable to work at all due to your diagnosis, you could also claim compensation for lost earning capacity and future income.
- Disability Accommodations: If you require any disability accommodations due to your cancer diagnosis, you can recover compensation to help pay for these costs. These accommodations may include home and vehicle modifications, mobility equipment, and caregivers.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, also known as pain and suffering, refer to the intangible losses that a victim has suffered as a result of their injury or illness. These may include chronic pain, emotional trauma, and a diminished quality of life. Non-economic damages in a hair relaxer cancer lawsuit may include:
- Chronic Pain: Many cancer patients experience ongoing pain and discomfort that can greatly affect their quality of life. If you have suffered from chronic pain, you could recover pain and suffering damages.
- Emotional Distress: A cancer diagnosis can be incredibly traumatic. If you have suffered emotional distress due to your diagnosis, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Cancer can significantly disrupt your life. If your cancer diagnosis has affected your ability to participate in activities that you once enjoyed, such as hobbies, travel, or social events, you could recover damages for the loss of enjoyment of life.
How Much Is the Average Hair Relaxer Settlement?
Hair relaxer cancer lawsuits can result in different settlement amounts, as the compensation awarded will depend on the specific facts of each case. Some of the factors that can impact the amount of the settlement include the severity of the plaintiff’s condition, the economic losses suffered as a result of the cancer diagnosis, the cost of medical treatment, and the defendant’s willingness to negotiate a settlement.
If you have suffered from harm or have been diagnosed with cancer due to using hair relaxer products, it is crucial to seek the assistance of a specialized dangerous and defective products attorney. Your lawyer can evaluate your case and determine the value of your claim.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Hair Relaxer Lawsuits?
If you want to file a hair relaxer lawsuit, it is important to be aware of the statute of limitations in your state. Every state has a deadline, typically between 2-6 years, for filing a product liability lawsuit. This time period and its exceptions may vary depending on where you live.
Most states follow the discovery rule, which means the limitation period begins to run when you discover or reasonably should have discovered that you have grounds for a lawsuit. However, some states do not follow the discovery rule and may have a statute of repose, which puts a maximum time limit for filing a product liability claim.
Below are a few examples of statutes of limitations for hair relaxer lawsuits:
- In Kentucky and Louisiana, you must file your lawsuit within one year from the date of discovery.
- In California, Colorado, and Hawaii, you must file your lawsuit within two years from the date of discovery.
- In Arizona, you must file your claim within two years from the date of discovery but no more than 12 years from the date the product was first purchased.
- In Maryland, Massachusetts, and New York, you must file your lawsuit within three years from the date of discovery.
- In Florida, you must file a lawsuit within four years from the date of discovery. There is also a 12-year statute of repose, which is subject to certain exceptions.
- In Missouri, a product liability lawsuit must be filed within five years from the date of discovery.
There are various exceptions to the statute of limitations, which vary by state. However, they are rare and do not apply to every case. If you file your lawsuit after the appropriate deadline passes, the court will most likely dismiss your lawsuit and prevent you from recovering compensation.
To protect your right to recovery, it’s important to consult with an attorney who can advise you on the statute of limitations in your state, identify your appropriate filing deadline, and determine the best course of action for your case. Contact a lawyer at Estey & Bomberger, LLP as soon as possible following your diagnosis to discuss your next steps.
Do You Need a Lawyer for Your Hair Relaxer Claim?
If you or a loved one has suffered harm from a hair relaxer product, you may be wondering whether you need a lawyer to pursue your claim. While it is possible to file a lawsuit on your own, it can be challenging to navigate the legal process without the help of an attorney.
A lawyer with experience representing hair relaxer lawsuits can offer many benefits, including:
- Legal Expertise: A specialized product liability lawyer who has experience in hair relaxer lawsuits can offer valuable legal guidance and support. Your attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, as well as navigate complex legal procedures.
- Strong Advocacy: Your lawyer can act as a strong advocate on your behalf, fighting to protect your rights and working to secure the compensation you deserve. Your attorney can negotiate with insurance companies and defendants to fight for the highest possible settlement.
- Resources: Pursuing a hair relaxer lawsuit can be expensive, and a lawyer can help you access the resources you need to build a strong case. They can enlist the help of expert witnesses, obtain medical records, and gather evidence to support your claim and prove your right to recovery.
- Peace of Mind: Pursuing a hair relaxer lawsuit can be stressful and time-consuming, especially while you are battling cancer. Hiring a lawyer can give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on your recovery while he or she handles the legal aspects of your case.
- Maximizing Compensation: A lawyer can help you obtain the maximum compensation for your hair relaxer cancer claim. Your attorney will work tirelessly to accurately calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Many hair relaxer cancer lawyers, including the attorneys at Estey & Bomberger, LLP, work on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, you will not be charged any upfront fees and will only pay legal fees unless your attorney wins your case. This can make it more affordable for you to hire a lawyer and file a lawsuit against a hair relaxer manufacturer.
Contact Estey & Bomberger, LLP Today
Hair relaxers can be incredibly dangerous, and if you have been harmed by one of these products, you need a lawyer on your side. The product liability attorneys at Estey & Bomberger, LLP represent hair relaxer cancer lawsuits nationwide and will fight aggressively for your right to financial recovery. Our team of attorneys specialize in dangerous and defective product claims and can help represent you with your case. If you were diagnosed with cancer after using a hair relaxer product, do not wait to seek justice. Contact us today at (800) 260-7197 to schedule your free case consultation and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve.