Delaware Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit

If you or a loved one experienced uterine cancer, breast cancer, or other serious health complications following the use of chemical hair relaxers or straighteners, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.

At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to dangerous hair products. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit Overview

Hair relaxer cancer lawsuits allege that manufacturers of chemical hair straighteners and relaxers failed to warn consumers about the increased risk of cancer associated with their products.

The litigation focuses on products containing harmful endocrine-disrupting chemicals that may lead to uterine cancer, breast cancer, and other serious health conditions.

Over 7,000 cases have been filed nationwide, with the FDA issuing safety communications regarding these products in 2023.

Latest Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Updates

• March 1, 2025 – The first hair relaxer cancer bellwether trial has been scheduled for September 2025 in the Northern District of Illinois, where Judge Mary Rowland is overseeing the multidistrict litigation (MDL 3060).
• January 15, 2025 – Research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute strengthens the link between chemical hair straighteners and increased uterine cancer risk, showing users have a 155% higher risk compared to non-users.
• December 5, 2024 – L’Oréal and Namaste Laboratories filed motions to dismiss multiple claims in the MDL, arguing insufficient scientific evidence linking their products to cancer. The judge denied these motions, allowing cases to proceed to discovery.
• October 17, 2024 – The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation reported that the Hair Relaxer MDL has grown to include over 7,000 plaintiffs nationwide, making it one of the largest mass torts in the country.

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to the FDA’s MAUDE database, there have been 342 adverse events reported related to chemical hair straighteners and relaxers between 2018 and 2024. These reports include:

• 76 cases of uterine cancer
• 89 cases of breast cancer
• 54 cases of endometriosis
• 123 cases of other reproductive issues

The FDA issued a safety communication in September 2023, warning consumers about potential health risks associated with chemical hair straighteners and recommending reduced exposure.

Hair Relaxer Injuries & Side Effects

Users of chemical hair relaxers and straighteners have reported numerous serious health complications that may be linked to toxic chemicals in these products.

• Uterine Cancer: Endometrial and other uterine cancers linked to endocrine-disrupting chemicals
• Breast Cancer: Increased risk, particularly in women who began using products before age 18
• Endometriosis: Painful condition affecting reproductive organs
• Uterine Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths in the uterus
• Preterm Birth: Higher rates of premature delivery
• Hormone Disruption: Irregular menstruation and fertility issues

Do You Qualify for a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a hair relaxer lawsuit if:

• You used chemical hair relaxers or straighteners regularly (at least 4 times per year) for a minimum of 5 years
• You used products such as Dark & Lovely, Motions, Namaste Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Relaxer, Soft & Beautiful, or Optimum Care
• You have been diagnosed with uterine cancer, breast cancer, endometriosis, or other qualifying conditions
• Your diagnosis occurred within 15 years of product use
• You can establish a timeline between product use and diagnosis

Evidence Required for a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit

To strengthen your hair relaxer cancer lawsuit, you’ll need to provide:

• Medical records confirming your diagnosis
• Documentation of hair relaxer use (receipts, salon records, photographs)
• Medical history showing no other significant risk factors
• Testimony regarding frequency and duration of product use

Damages You Can Recover

Successful plaintiffs in hair relaxer cancer lawsuits may be eligible to recover:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages against manufacturers

Hair Relaxer Recall Information

As of March 2025, the FDA has not mandated a recall of chemical hair relaxers. However, several manufacturers have voluntarily removed certain products from the market or reformulated their ingredients in response to growing concerns. Products containing formaldehyde, phthalates, and parabens have been subject to increased scrutiny and regulatory oversight.

Statute of Limitations for Hair Relaxer Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for filing a hair relaxer cancer lawsuit varies by state:

• Most states allow 2-3 years from the date of diagnosis
• Some states have discovery rules that extend the deadline to when you discovered or should have discovered the connection between your condition and hair relaxer use
• In Delaware, the statute of limitations is generally 2 years from diagnosis or discovery of cause

Consulting with a hair relaxer cancer attorney promptly is crucial to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable timeframe.

Related Articles:

• Colorado Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
• California Hair Relaxer Attorney

FAQs

1. How Do I Know If My Cancer Was Caused by Hair Relaxers?

Scientific studies have shown that regular use of chemical hair relaxers containing endocrine-disrupting chemicals increases cancer risk, particularly uterine and breast cancer. Your hair relaxer cancer attorney will work with medical experts to establish this connection based on your product usage history, medical records, and the absence of other risk factors.

2. Which Hair Relaxer Products Are Named in the Lawsuits?

Major brands named in hair relaxer cancer lawsuits include Dark & Lovely, Motions, Namaste Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Relaxer, Soft & Beautiful, and Optimum Care. Manufacturers facing litigation include L’Oréal, Softsheen-Carson, Revlon, and Strength of Nature. Any chemical hair straightener containing harmful chemicals may qualify.

3. How Much Compensation Can I Expect from a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?

While individual compensation varies, hair relaxer cancer settlements may range from $150,000 to $500,000 depending on factors such as severity of illness, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Some cases with catastrophic injuries or wrongful death claims may result in higher compensation.

4. What Is the Difference Between Chemical Hair Relaxers and Straighteners?

Chemical hair relaxers permanently alter hair structure by breaking down protein bonds, while straighteners temporarily straighten hair using heat. Both types of products are included in the litigation when they contain harmful chemicals. The lawsuits focus on products containing endocrine-disrupting chemicals regardless of whether they’re marketed as relaxers or straighteners.

5. How Long Does the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Process Take?

Most hair relaxer cancer lawsuits are expected to take 1-3 years to resolve. The first bellwether trials are scheduled for late 2025, which will provide insight into potential settlement values. Individual cases may resolve sooner through settlement negotiations, particularly after the initial bellwether trials establish precedent.

6. Can I Still File a Lawsuit If I Used Hair Relaxers Many Years Ago?

Yes, you may still qualify for a lawsuit even if you used hair relaxers years ago. The statute of limitations typically begins when you were diagnosed with cancer or when you reasonably should have discovered the connection between your diagnosis and hair relaxer use, not when you used the product.

7. Are There Any Upfront Costs to File a Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit?

Our hair relaxer cancer attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs to file your claim. Attorney fees are paid as a percentage of your settlement or verdict only if your case is successful. This ensures everyone has access to quality legal representation regardless of financial situation.

8. What Makes the Link Between Hair Relaxers and Cancer Different from Other Product Liability Cases?

The hair relaxer cancer litigation is unique because these products were marketed specifically to Black women for decades without adequate safety testing or warnings. Scientific studies have now established that long-term exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in these products significantly increases cancer risk, particularly for uterine and breast cancer.

See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys have covered so far.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for hair relaxer cancer cases. In most states, you have only 2-3 years from the date of diagnosis to file your claim. Waiting too long could permanently bar you from seeking the compensation you deserve.

Our experienced hair relaxer cancer attorneys offer:

• Free, confidential consultations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case
• Deep experience with similar product liability cases

Don’t wait until it’s too late. The hair relaxer cancer litigation is moving quickly, and important deadlines may affect your right to compensation.

START YOUR FREE CASE REVIEW NOW