Did you know that a seemingly harmless hair care product could put your health at risk? In recent years, a growing number of individuals, particularly African-American women, have found themselves in the midst of a legal battle against manufacturers of chemical hair relaxers. The Delaware hair relaxer cancer lawsuit aims to address the link between these products and an increased risk of uterine cancer.
We, at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, are resolutely committed to assisting you in comprehending and dealing with the Delaware hair relaxer cancer lawsuit, providing steadfast support every step of the way.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the details of the Delaware hair relaxer cancer lawsuit, explore the science behind these products, and discuss how you can seek legal help if you’ve been affected.
Table Of Contents
- Delaware Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
- What is a Chemical Hair Relaxer?
- Health Implications
- What Companies and Products are Involved in the Hair Relaxer Lawsuits?
- What Does It Cost To Hire a Delaware Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawyer?
- Who Can File a Lawsuit for Hair Relaxer Products in Delaware?
- Settlements and Compensation
- FAQs
- Consult With Our Delaware Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit Attorneys
Delaware Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
Legal action is being taken against manufacturers of chemical hair relaxers in Delaware, with plaintiffs alleging that these products caused their cancer. Hair relaxer cancer lawsuits in Delaware pertain to women who have developed endocrine-related cancers, such as uterine and ovarian cancer, subsequent to the use of chemical hair relaxers.
To qualify for such a lawsuit, one must have a history of using chemical hair relaxers or straighteners and subsequently receive a diagnosis of uterine or related cancer.
Since the release of the 2022 National Institutes of Health (NIH) study, more than 100 hair relaxer lawsuits have been initiated, including 35 new cases introduced during Judge Rowland’s recent initial conference [1]. Given that these lawsuits typically take three to five years to reach resolution, it is advisable to take prompt action if you are contemplating filing a claim.
As the legal battle progresses, awareness regarding the potential risks of hair relaxer products continues to grow, prompting more individuals to seek justice. If you are among those affected, it is strongly recommended to take immediate action and seek guidance from an experienced hair relaxer cancer attorney.
What is a Chemical Hair Relaxer?
Chemical hair relaxers are products that break down the protein bonds in your hair to straighten it. They work by breaking down the disulfide bonds in the cortex, which loosens curls and straightens on contact, similar to other hair straightening products. Unfortunately, they often contain some pretty nasty endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in chemical hair relaxer products. If you’re looking for a safer alternative, consider trying a new hair relaxer.
Chemical hair relaxers usually contain parabens, bisphenol A, and formaldehyde, which can cause women to develop uterine cancer. Many women use hair relaxers to maintain their hairstyle, but some have filed chemical hair straightener lawsuits due to the health risks associated with these products.
Having established that chemical hair relaxers carry significant health risks, we now turn our attention to the health implications and the ties between these products and various cancers.
Health Implications
Chemical hair relaxers have been linked to an increased risk of uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and other hormone-related cancers due to the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that can interfere with the endocrine system, which is responsible for controlling hormones in the body [2]. Hair relaxer use can expose individuals to these harmful chemicals.
EDCs can cause cells to become overactive and may contribute to the development of hormonal cancers. Research has shown that frequent users of hair relaxers with chemical ingredients have a higher risk of developing uterine cancer than those who don’t use them.
Chemical hair relaxers can also increase the risk of breast cancer and other hormone-related cancers because of the endocrine-disrupting chemicals they contain. Highlighting these health implications underscores the need to comprehend the risks of chemical hair relaxers and seek legal assistance if affected.
What Companies and Products are Involved in the Hair Relaxer Lawsuits?
Companies such as L’Oreal, Revlon, and Strength of Nature face lawsuits for their chemical hair relaxer products, which allegedly caused cancer in users. L’Oréal is standing by their hair relaxer products and their safety, claiming they don’t think the lawsuits against them have any legal basis.
The Delaware Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit also includes hair relaxer manufacturers such as Johnson & Johnson, Soft & Beautiful, and Optimum Care. Other popular brands of chemical hair straighteners that may be involved in hair straightener cancer lawsuits include Dark & Lovely, Motions, and Namaste Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Relaxer.
What Does It Cost To Hire a Delaware Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawyer?
Most Delaware hair relaxer cancer lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay no upfront costs and fees are taken from successful settlements or verdicts. A contingency fee is when a lawyer takes a percentage of the settlement or verdict they get for a client.
This means that you wouldn’t have to pay anything upfront to hire a Delaware hair relaxer cancer lawyer. Their fees would be taken from any successful settlements or verdicts.
Having understood the costs associated with legal representation, we can now explore the eligibility criteria for filing a hair relaxer lawsuit in Delaware.
Who Can File a Lawsuit for Hair Relaxer Products in Delaware?
Individuals who have developed cancer after using chemical hair relaxers may be eligible to file a lawsuit in Delaware. If you’ve been diagnosed with uterine cancer or ovarian cancer after using hair straightener products four or more times a year for several years, you may be eligible to take legal action.
To determine your eligibility, it’s best to consult with a lawyer.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit in Delaware?
The statute of limitations for filing a hair relaxer lawsuit in Delaware varies, so it’s essential to consult with a lawyer to determine eligibility.
Consulting with a seasoned attorney can provide a clearer understanding of the time limit for filing a hair relaxer lawsuit in Delaware, ensuring no crucial deadlines are missed.
Settlements and Compensation
Settlement amounts for hair relaxer cancer lawsuits depend on various factors, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Depending on the severity of the uterine cancer, the settlement payout could be anywhere from $300,000 to $1,750,000. However, the actual settlement amounts may be affected by other factors.
Grasping the potential settlements and compensation aids in making an informed decision about initiating legal action. If cancer has developed after the use of chemical hair relaxers, you or your loved one should consult with seasoned attorneys to discuss the case.
Related Articles:
FAQs
What legal rights do I have if I developed cancer from hair relaxers?
You have the right to seek compensation for your injuries through a lawsuit. This includes reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Consulting a lawyer can help you understand your rights and the legal process.
Can hair relaxer manufacturers be held liable for cancer diagnoses?
Yes, manufacturers can be held liable if it is proven that their products caused cancer. This can include failing to warn consumers about the risks or using harmful ingredients without proper safety testing.
How can I avoid exposure to harmful chemicals in hair relaxers?
Avoid products with known carcinogens like formaldehyde, parabens, and phthalates. Opt for natural or organic alternatives and thoroughly research product ingredients before use.
See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys have covered so far.
Consult With Our Delaware Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit Attorneys
The Delaware hair relaxer cancer lawsuit sheds light on the risks associated with chemical hair relaxers and their potential link to various cancers, particularly uterine cancer. If you or a loved one has developed cancer after using chemical hair relaxers, consult with our experienced Delaware hair relaxer cancer lawsuit attorneys at Schmidt & Clark, LLP for a free case evaluation.
References
- https://nihrecord.nih.gov/2023/01/06/study-finds-hair-straightening-chemicals-raised-uterine-cancer-risk
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2726844/