Stephanie R. Lindsey: Your Hair Relaxer Lawyer
Black women across the United States have used chemical hair straighteners, chemical hair relaxers, and other similar hair products for decades to straighten and manage curly hair.
Recent scientific research has found that long-term use of hair straightening products can cause severe health conditions. Chemical hair relaxer products may increase the risk of developing uterine cancer, uterine fibroids, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer.
Hair relaxer lawsuits are now being filed on behalf of women who have been diagnosed with related health conditions.
If you or a loved one used chemical hair relaxers and were subsequently diagnosed with uterine cancer, uterine fibroids, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, or other health problems, you may qualify for a lawsuit.
Contact The Lindsey Firm for a free, no-obligation consultation, or use the instant case evaluator on this page to determine if you qualify for a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit.
Stephanie R. Lindsey founded The Lindsey Firm in 2000 and has helped countless people recover the compensation they are rightfully owed. We are a team of passionate advocates and believe that every one of our clients deserves unique and comprehensive legal support.
Reach out to us today for more information.
Hair Relaxer Litigation: Current Update
On the heels of scientific research that found chemical hair straightening products to potentially contribute to serious health problems in women, several manufacturers were named in lawsuits filed across the country.
On February 6th, 2023, the Hair Relaxer Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation (MDL 3060) was formed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Since then, several hair relaxer lawsuits have been added to the MDL, and the litigation is taking shape.
Multidistrict litigation (MDL) is a federal legal procedure designed to speed up the process of handling lawsuits by consolidating multiple civil cases involving similar issues into one court.
The creation of a multidistrict litigation (MDL) means that new hair relaxer lawsuits will be transferred to the Northern District of Illinois, and all pretrial procedures will be addressed in one court.
Hair Relaxer Litigation: Previous Updates
February 27, 2023 – Increase in Hair Relaxer Lawsuits Filed in Federal Courts
Over the past week, there has been a surge in new hair relaxer product liability lawsuits filed in federal courts, with 24 cases being filed in total. Fourteen of these cases were filed on Thursday, and the remaining ten were filed on Friday. Almost all of the new cases (21 out of 24) were filed in the Northern District of Illinois, which is the venue for the hair relaxer MDL.
It is noteworthy that if our prediction of over 100,000 claims in the MDL class action holds up, then these updates of just a few dozen hair relaxer lawsuits being filed will seem insignificant in hindsight.
February 16, 2023 – Additional Hair Relaxer Lawsuits Filed
Since the beginning of February, eleven more hair relaxer product liability lawsuits have been filed in federal courts. Seven of these cases were filed in the Northern District of Illinois, while the other four were filed in districts across the country. However, all of the cases will be transferred into the new Hair Relaxer class action MDL.
February 7, 2023 – Update on New MDL for Hair Relaxer Lawsuits
In a follow-up to yesterday’s announcement, the JPML has decided to centralize all hair relaxer lawsuits in federal courts into a new class action MDL. The new MDL will be presided over by Judge Mary Rowland in the Northern District of Illinois in Chicago. Judge Rowland has significant experience with similar cases, having previously served as a Magistrate Judge in Chicago before being elevated to the federal bench in 2019. Currently, there are approximately 60 cases pending in federal courts nationwide.
February 6, 2023 – Hair Relaxer Class Action Lawsuit Approved by JPML
The JPML panel has approved the hair straightener class action lawsuit, which means that all federal hair relaxer lawsuits will be consolidated in Illinois. More information regarding this development will be provided in tomorrow’s update.
February 5, 2023 – EPA to Regulate Hair Relaxer Chemicals
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced its intention to add certain phthalates, such as DINP, to its list of harmful toxic chemicals. DINP and other phthalates are commonly found in hair relaxer products and are believed to be linked to uterine and ovarian cancer. This decision by the EPA is based on scientific evidence of their potential harm.
February 1, 2023 – Increase in Hair Relaxer Lawsuits Filed in Federal Courts
Over the past ten days, seven new hair relaxer product liability lawsuits have been filed in federal courts across the United States. These cases were filed in five different federal districts in Maryland, Washington, California, Missouri, and Illinois. In January, a total of 23 hair relaxer lawsuits were filed in federal courts. A ruling from the JPML regarding the centralization of these cases into a new class action MDL is expected later this week.
Hair Relaxer Lawsuit: An Overview
Millions of African American women are frequent users of hair relaxer products and have been for decades.
Hair relaxer products are chemical treatments used to straighten curly or kinky hair. They work by breaking down the protein bonds in hair, making it easier to straighten and style. Hair relaxers can be applied at home or in a salon and are available in various strengths and formulas to suit different hair types and textures.
Researchers from prestigious agencies like the National Cancer Institute have found that using chemical hair relaxer products may present an increased risk for severe health conditions like uterine cancer, endometrial cancer, uterine fibroids, ovarian cancer, and other risk factors.
Lawsuits are being filed in all 50 states against companies and manufacturers that produce and sell hair relaxer products.
What Cosmetic Companies are Named in Hair Relaxer Lawsuits?
Several large cosmetic companies and hair product manufacturers have been named defendants in the Hair Relaxer Litigation.
Hair relaxer products manufactured by other companies are also being investigated for potential risk factors.
These companies (and their respective hair relaxer products) named in the Hair Relaxer MDL include the following:
- L’Oreal USA
- Dark & Lovely
- SoftSheen-Carson LLC
- Optimum Care
- Care Free Curl
- Strength of Nature Global LLC & Godrej SON Holdings, Inc
- Strength of Nature Relaxers
- Just For Me
- Dabur International Ltd & Namasté Laboratories LLC
- Organic Root Stimulator (ORS)
- House of Cheatham
- Africa’s Best
- Aunt Jackie’s
Scientific Research on the Links Hair Relaxer Use and Risk Factors
The National Cancer Institute published a study in October 2022 stating that chemical hair straighteners were associated with higher uterine cancer risk and that black women may be more affected due to higher use.
Conducted by a division of the National Institutes of Health called the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), the Sister Study initially sought to identify risk factors for breast cancer and other health conditions.
Throughout the 11-year-long study, researchers identified 378 cases of uterine cancer in 33,497 participants. Among those identified, researchers found that frequent users of hair straighteners and hair relaxers were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer compared to those who did not use the products.
The same researchers also previously found a link between permanent hair dye and breast cancer and ovarian cancer risk.
Black Women and Uterine Cancer Risk
Researchers have found that black women are diagnosed with uterine cancer at higher rates and suffer from fatal cases of uterine cancer at higher rates than other ethnic groups.
The National Cancer Institute found that in a study conducted on uterine cancer patients that rates of uterine cancer are rising across all groups.
- From 2010 to 2017, deaths of women from all racial and ethnic groups increased 1.8% per year.
- Over the same period, deaths from non-endometrioid subtypes of uterine cancer increased by 2.7%
Researchers found that black women had more than twice the rate of deaths from both general uterine cancer and aggressive subtypes overall.
What Health Problems are Linked to Hair Relaxer Use?
Several serious health problems may be linked to hair relaxer usage:
- Uterine cancer
- Uterine fibroids
- Endometrial cancer
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Other hormone related cancers
- Chronic hormonal imbalance
- Sarcoidosis
- Thyroid problems
- Other health problems
If you or a loved one used chemical hair straightening products and subsequently developed uterine cancer, endometrial cancer, uterine fibroids, ovarian cancer, or other serious health problems, you may qualify for a lawsuit.
Contact the Lindsey Firm for a free case evaluation, or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for legal action instantly. We are here to help.
What Medical Procedures Have Patients Undergone?
Health problems from hair relaxer use may require serious and life-altering medical care. Cancer care is financially costly and can greatly impact a patient’s quality of life.
The following medical procedures may be necessary to treat health problems associated with hair relaxer use:
- Hysterectomy
- Chemotherapy
- Endometrial ablation
- Endometriosis excision
- Laparoscopy
- Laparotomy
- Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS)
- Morcellation
- Myomectomy
- Radiation therapy
- Transcervical radio-frequency ablation
- Uterine fibroid embolization
- Other surgeries and treatments
What are Other Risk Factors Associated with Hair Relaxer Health Problems?
Several other health issues may be associated with the significant health effects linked to using chemical hair relaxers.
These health impacts include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Uterine damage
- Early menopause
- Early menarche/menstruation
- Fallopian tube damage
- Infertility
- Miscarriage
- Ovulation disorders
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Premature birth
- Vaginal bleeding
- Other severe health impacts
Do You Qualify for the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one frequently used hair relaxers and were subsequently diagnosed with uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or other significant health problems, you may be eligible for a lawsuit.
The Lindsey Firm is gathering clients impacted by toxic chemical hair relaxers and filing suit on their behalf. Our goal is to compensate women for what they’ve gone through and hold manufacturers accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
If you believe that you may qualify for a hair relaxer lawsuit, you should begin to gather relevant evidence and search for an experienced lawyer.
The Lindsey Firm can help you complete the crucial tasks necessary to filing suit, including gathering evidence and assessing your damages.
Gathering Evidence for a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
Evidence is extremely important in product liability lawsuits, especially in the hair relaxer litigation.
Below are different types of evidence you can collect and retain for use in your hair relaxer case:
- Medical records
- Medical bills
- Receipts of purchase for hair relaxer products
- Receipts from hair salons for chemical hair straightener treatments
- Witness testimony (family members, hair stylists, etc.)
- Photos and videos proving hair relaxer use
- Any other proof that you used hair relaxers
What Damages can be Claimed in Hair Relaxer Lawsuits?
Damages are the total amount of losses incurred as a result of using hair relaxers. Damages can be both economic (financial losses) or non-economic.
Below are types of damages that can potentially be claimed in a hair relaxer lawsuit:
- Medical bills
- Lost income or earning capability
- Pain and suffering
- Lost quality of life
- Permanent disability
- Mental health effects
- Other compensatory and punitive damages
The damages you can claim for your hair relaxer lawsuit will depend on the facts of your case. The Lindsey Firm can help you determine and calculate your damages.
Get a Free Consultation and Find Out if You Qualify
If you or a loved one have been affected by toxic chemical hair straighteners and are considering legal action, contact The Lindsey Firm for a free consultation.
We have secured millions for people harmed at no fault of their own. Our founder, Stephanie R. Lindsey, has made it her goal to aggressively represent and advocate for her clients. We aren’t afraid to take on big companies and manufacturers to secure the compensation you are rightfully owed.
The Lindsey Firm: Filing Hair Straightener Lawsuits
The Lindsey Firm is accepting clients for hair relaxer cases.
If you or a loved one have used hair relaxers, chemical hair straighteners, or other similar hair products and subsequently suffered adverse health effects, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.
Contact us for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for a hair relaxer lawsuit instantly.
We are experts in helping people who have been harmed at no fault of their own file suit and secure compensation for what they’ve gone through. We’re prepared to go the extra mile to ensure that your story is heard and you are rightfully compensated for what happened.
Don’t hesitate, reach out to The Lindsey Firm for help with your hair relaxer lawsuit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Chemicals in Hair Relaxers Cause Cancer?
According to the National Cancer Institute, exposure to certain endocrine disrupting chemicals present in chemical hair straighteners and hair relaxer products result in an increased risk of developing uterine cancer, ovarian cancer and other hormone related cancers.
Harmful chemicals in hair relaxer products may include:
- Phthalates
- Parabens
- Bisphenol A
- Metals
- Formaldehyde
- Guanidine carbonate
- Ammonium thioglycolate
- Dimethyl sulfoxide
- Cyclosiloxanes
- Diethanolamine
What is the Hair Relaxer Class Action Lawsuit?
Many law firms are referring to the Hair Relaxer MDL as the “Hair Relaxer Class Action Lawsuit”.
MDL is different from a class action lawsuit in several ways. While class actions involve one trial or settlement, MDL cases involve individual trials or settlements for each plaintiff.
While it is confusing and the terms are used synonymously, MDL is different from class action. The Hair Relaxer Lawsuit is a multidistrict litigation and not a class action lawsuit.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Chemical Hair Straightener Lawsuits?
“Statute of limitations” refers to the deadline placed on how long a person can wait before filing a lawsuit.
Deadlines for filing product liability lawsuits across the United States are between two (2) and six (6) years, depending on the state you live in and where the injury occurred.
With hair relaxer lawsuits, most women diagnosed with uterine cancer or another serious injury did not know at the time that their diagnosis could have been caused by hair relaxer use. In most states, the statute of limitations would begin at the time you discovered that hair straightener use could be linked to your diagnosis.
Who is at Risk for Health Problems from Hair Relaxers?
Any woman who frequently used hair relaxer products could be at risk for significant adverse health effects. Chronic exposure to these products has the potential to cause serious health problems, and these issues can be compounded if a person has a weakened immune system or other underlying conditions.
When was the First Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Filed?
The first hair relaxer lawsuits were filed in October 2022, soon after the NCI study came out about the links between hair relaxer use and cancer.
Citations
Arnette, Robin. “Permanent Hair Dye and Straighteners May Increase Breast Cancer Risk.” National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, https://www.niehs.nih.gov/news/newsroom/releases/2019/december4/index.cfm.
“Hair Straightening Chemicals Associated with Higher Uterine Cancer Risk.” National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 17 Oct. 2022, https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/hair-straightening-chemicals-associated-higher-uterine-cancer-risk.
IN RE: HAIR RELAXER MARKETING, SALES PRACTICES, AND PRODUCTS LIABILITY LITIGATION . United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation , 6 Feb. 2023, https://www.jpml.uscourts.gov/sites/jpml/files/MDL-3060-Transfer_Order-1-23.pdf.
Novak Jones, Diana. “L’OREAL to Face Ben Crump among Other Lead Counsel in Hair Relaxer Litigation.” Reuters, Thomson Reuters, 3 Mar. 2023, https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/loreal-face-ben-crump-among-other-lead-counsel-hair-relaxer-litigation-2023-03-03/.
“The Sister Study.” National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, https://sisterstudy.niehs.nih.gov/English/index1.htm.
“Uterine Cancer Deaths Rising among Black Women.” National Cancer Institute, NCI Press Office, https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/press-releases/2022/uterine-cancer-deaths-black-women.