Law Office of John B. Jackson
Hair Relaxer Lawsuits
Seeking Justice for Hair Relaxer Exposure
OVER $50 MILLION RECOVERED FOR OUR CLIENTS
The Danger of Hair Relaxers
Hair relaxers are treatments, often in the form of lotion or cream, used by individuals with curls to straighten their hair. Millions of Americans use these products on a frequent basis, but recently, they have been under scrutiny following the negative effects that came to light. According to a 10-year-long study conducted by the National Institute of Health, the regular use of chemical hair-straightening products puts individuals at a higher risk of getting uterine cancer compared to those who don’t. After tracking over 30,000 products, the study revealed that certain chemicals might contribute to this, including formaldehyde, bisphenol A, parabens and metals.
As a result, there has been an increasing number of hair relaxer lawsuits against the manufacturers of these products, claiming negligence to include a warning label. If you or a loved one used these products and have experienced health issues as a result, you have the chance to hold them liable for damages like medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc. However, this is a relatively complex type of lawsuit that requires proper representation in order to protect your rights and hold those responsible accountable. The Law Office of John B. Jackson has a team of liability lawyers who can evaluate your claim and provide legal advice. A simple call at 770-626-4310 is all it takes to schedule a free consultation!
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What is the
Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?
The hair relaxer lawsuit refers to legal actions being taken by women who have developed health problems as a result of using chemical hair relaxers. The lawsuits allege that companies like L’Oreal, Soft Sheen-Carson, and Johnson & Johnson knowingly sold them hair relaxer products containing harmful chemicals, leading to health issues like uterine cancer, breast cancer, hair loss, scalp irritation and chemical burns.
The lawsuits have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) and are currently being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois under Judge Mary M. Rowland. The outcome of these cases is likely to have significant implications for the beauty industry.
Who Can File for a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?
In order to file a hair relaxer lawsuit, the individual is required to meet specific criteria. First, they must have used chemical hair relaxers on a regular basis, be it at home or the salon. They should demonstrate that they used these products habitually, with pictures, store or salon receipts and other types of documentation. In addition, they must have been diagnosed with uterine cancer, or ovarian cancer. Lastly, they must have experienced meaningful losses as a result of the condition. This can be physical, emotional and financial losses. A lawyer specializing in product liability can assist in establishing the links in the causation chain in order to prove your claim.
How to File a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
If you think you have been harmed by using a hair relaxer, there are a few things you can do to prepare for a potential lawsuit. It is a process that involves the following steps:
You may think you have grounds for a lawsuit, but only a seasoned lawyer can ascertain that. The first step is to look for a lawyer with experience in product liability and personal injury cases, especially mass torts. As mentioned earlier, most of these lawsuits are consolidated into multidistrict litigation, so it is imperative to have a legal representative who knows the process and how to incorporate your case into the big picture.
The appropriate attorney will assess your case, determine whether you have a claim and suggest the best route. Your lawsuit could involve conventional negligence issues, but there might be specific liability nuances that a lawyer can help identify. They know where to file the lawsuit and the steps to take to ensure the claim and defendants are addressed accordingly.
In most product liability cases, attorneys negotiate settlements without the need to file a lawsuit. However, hair relaxer lawsuits are still an uncharted area, and no major settlements have been made since the first one was filed back in October 2022. This implies that you may need to file a lawsuit if you want a chance to obtain a settlement. Your lawyer will know the best route to file the claim, be it via the local court or filing it directly in the MDL.
Cancer can ravage the victim’s body, harm their mental health and drain their finances. When it comes to a product liability claim, you have the right to seek a settlement that reflects the value of your losses. A hair relaxer claim damages are more likely to be extensive and may include both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages entail the monetary losses brought about by the harm of using chemical hair relaxers. Examples of damages include medical bills, surgery, lab tests, imaging, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, medication, hospital stays, lost wages, missed promotions, and reduced earning capacity. Non-economic damages are losses that are subjective in nature. They include pain and suffering, loss of consortium, loss of quality of life, loss of enjoyment, loss of service and support and loss of parental guidance.
High chances are the defendants’ representatives and their insurance providers will try to avoid paying any more than they have to in order to protect their bottom line. As such, it is advisable to visit your doctor as soon as the onset of the symptoms and keep up with the regular visits. This is imperative in preventing insurance carriers from claiming you neglected your health in a tactic to get a bigger settlement.
Additionally, you should avail of the services of a reputable personal injury attorney who can handle hair relaxer lawsuits. The sooner you initiate this process, the better, as all product liability claims are subject to a deadline as stipulated by the statute of limitations. This means that if you file beyond the given period, you won’t have any legal grounds to seek compensation.
Contact a Lawyer for Your Hair Relaxer Lawsuit!
Health problems like cancer are no joke, and the matter becomes more alarming when brought about by the negligence of a beauty product company. As a victim, you are encouraged to take legal action in order to hold the responsible parties accountable. With the complexities in personal injury or product liability law, however, it can be a daunting task, especially when you’re in pain. The team at The Law Office of John B. Jackson is dedicated to helping our clients protect their rights and seek the compensation they deserve. We have a habit of going above and beyond in our cases, and this applies to hair relaxer lawsuits. Call us today at 770-626-4310 to get started!
When will the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit be Settled?
Generally, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including hair relaxers and hair straightening products, is between one and four years. However, these lawsuits are still in their infancy stages and as of now, no ligation has led to a settlement or verdict. A recent update states that 20 cases will be chosen by 1st May, 2024, and undergo core fact discovery up to September 2024. Next, the parties will select four bellwether trial cases. If they can’t agree on four such cases, they’ll be allowed submit their own list, and the court will decide which four will be the first to go before juries by 4th October, 2024. It’s important to note that this information is subject to change, and it is best to consult your attorney for the latest and most accurate information.
At the Law Office of John B. Jackson, we are committed to demonstrating the validity of your case related to Hair Relaxers. Our team will handle all essential legal documentation for you, advocate on your behalf in court, and engage in negotiations with opposing parties. We are dedicated to safeguarding your rights and striving to secure the highest possible settlement for you.
If you believe you were caused harm by Hair Relaxers and need help filing a lawsuit, give us a call today at 770-626-4310 to discuss your different legal options.