Washington Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit

For many African-American women, these products have been a part of their hair care routine for years. However, recent lawsuits have raised concerns about the link between these products and an increased risk of cancer. Our Washington legal team at Schmidt & Clark is here to help.

This blog post will delve into the Washington hair relaxer cancer lawsuit, exploring the products involved, the health implications, and the legal process for those who have been affected. Read on to learn more about this unfolding issue and how it may impact you or a loved one.

Washington Hair Relaxer Lawsuit

The Washington hair relaxer lawsuit focuses on the connection between chemical hair relaxers and an increased risk of cancer, particularly among African-American women. The plaintiffs’ leadership committee is investigating uterine, ovarian, and endometrial cancers that may have developed due to the use of hair relaxer products.

Nearly 60 federal hair relaxer cancer lawsuits have been filed against L’Oreal, alleging that their hair relaxers have caused cancer, leading to hair relaxer litigation.

The L’Oreal hair relaxer lawsuit has been consolidated into a relaxer class action lawsuit. The initial status conference for the hair relaxer multidistrict litigation is set for March 2, 2023. The central issue is general causation, which encompasses two main aspects.

One is the association between hair relaxer products and various health conditions like uterine, ovarian, and endometrial cancers. Two, the medical conditions that these products may cause.

Prospective plaintiffs have the option to use the Judge Rowland-approved Short Form Complaint for their MDL claims. This pre-approved complaint streamlines the procedure for those intending to participate in the current hair relaxer litigation.

Anticipated to take effect in April 2024 is a ban on hair relaxers containing formaldehyde, a potential carcinogen.

What Is a Chemical Hair Relaxer?

Chemical hair relaxers are products used to straighten curly hair. They contain strong chemicals, which can be potentially dangerous and may lead to cancer. Garret Morgan produced the first chemical hair straightener in 1913. In 1971, Dark & Lovely (now owned by L’Oréal) developed commercial chemical hair relaxer products.

Some hair relaxers contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These chemicals interfere with the production, release, movement, binding, and breakdown of hormones in the body, affecting our development, behavior, fertility, and overall balance. DEHP, a chemical used in hair relaxers, is a probable human carcinogen and has been linked to significant adverse health effects.

The global African-American hair care market remains significant, with relaxers alone making up $718 million in 2020.

Health Implications

Hair relaxers have been linked to various cancers, such as uterine, ovarian, and breast cancer, due to the presence of carcinogenic and hormone-disrupting chemicals. The risk of developing uterine cancer for those who have used hair relaxer products is reported to be 4.05% [1]. In contrast, the estimated risk for those who have never used hair straighteners is 1.64%.

Black women are more likely to suffer from illnesses caused by hair relaxers and EDCs [2]. This disproportionate risk highlights the need for greater awareness of these dangers. The potential increased cancer risk from using hair relaxers highlights the need for further research and investigation into the health implications of these products.

Individuals who have used chemical hair straighteners and subsequently developed cancer should be informed about the ongoing hair relaxer lawsuits and potential compensation for their injuries. A consultation with a hair relaxer cancer lawyer can clarify legal options and eligibility for participation in chemical hair straightener lawsuits.

What Companies and Products are Involved in the Hair Relaxer Lawsuits?

Several companies and products have been implicated in the hair relaxer lawsuits, including:

• L’Oreal
• SoftSheen
• Strength of Nature
• Namaste
• Revlon

These companies have been named in the new hair relaxer lawsuits filed due to allegations that their hair relaxer products have caused cancer.

Numerous products have come under scrutiny within these legal proceedings. Notably, L’Oreal’s Dark & Lovely, as well as Optimum and Soft & Beautiful from SoftSheen, have been subjects of investigation. Additionally, products such as Strength of Nature’s Olive Miracle Deep Conditioning No-Lye Relaxer, and Mega Growth No-Lye Relaxer Regular, are included in these lawsuits. Another product under scrutiny is Namaste’s ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer.

Given the multiplicity of companies and products implicated in hair relaxer lawsuits, potential claimants must familiarize themselves with their legal rights and alternatives. A hair relaxer cancer lawyer can offer indispensable advice and assistance throughout the legal journey.

What Does It Cost To Hire a Washington Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawyer?

Hiring a Washington hair relaxer cancer lawyer typically involves a contingency fee arrangement. This means that the lawyer will only get paid if their client receives compensation. Contingency fees can vary, but for hair relaxer cancer attorneys in Washington DC, the fee is 35%. It’s essential to consult with a few lawyers to get an idea of their fees and payment structure.

Who Can File a Lawsuit for Hair Relaxer Products in Washington?

Anyone who has used hair relaxer products for an extended period and has been diagnosed with uterine, ovarian, or endometrial cancer is eligible to file a lawsuit in Washington. To file a hair relaxer lawsuit, you’ll need to have a record of your usage of chemical hair straighteners and any medical diagnoses related to it.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit in Washington?

The statute of limitations for initiating a hair relaxer lawsuit in Washington is typically three years from the injury discovery, though it can vary. Prompt action and professional legal consultation are vital to avoid missing your case’s deadline.

The timeframe for filing a hair relaxer lawsuit can differ, making it essential to consult with a hair relaxer cancer lawyer to understand the exact time frame for your case.

Settlements and Compensation

Settlements and compensation amounts in hair relaxer lawsuits differ, as they depend on each individual’s damages and health issues. Factors influencing settlement sums include:

• Disease severity
• Medical expenditures
• Lost income
• Other personal circumstances

Engaging a hair relaxer cancer attorney can provide a clearer picture of potential compensation for your unique case.

Compensation for hair relaxer damage can be obtained in two ways. The first is by settling with the responsible party outside of court. The second is by going through a trial and obtaining a verdict in your favor. A settlement is an amount of financial compensation agreed upon between your legal team and the defendant(s) for the damages in your case.

A verdict, on the other hand, is decided by the court. Settlements and verdicts can vary, making it crucial to have experienced legal representation to maximize your potential compensation.

The average settlement amount per person in a hair relaxer lawsuit can range between $100,000 to $1,500,000, but the actual amount may depend on various factors, such as the severity of the disease and other circumstances.

Speaking with a hair relaxer cancer lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process and work towards obtaining the compensation you deserve.

Related Articles:

• Utah Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
• Virginia Hair Relaxer Litigation
• Vermont Hair Relaxer Attorney

FAQs

How do hair relaxers potentially cause cancer?

Hair relaxers can cause cancer through prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals. These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin, inhaled during application, or enter through hair follicles, leading to increased cancer risk.

Who is most at risk for developing cancer from hair relaxers?

Women who use hair relaxers frequently, especially Black and Latina women, are most at risk. Those who use these products at least four times per year face a heightened risk, which increases with more frequent use.

What should I do if I have used hair relaxers and developed cancer?

Seek immediate medical attention and consult with a lawyer specializing in product liability cases. Preserving evidence such as the product, packaging, and medical records is crucial for your case.

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

Get in Touch With Our Washington Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit Attorneys

Should you or a loved one suffer from cancer due to the use of chemical hair relaxers, immediate legal help is crucial.

Our legal team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP specializing in Washington hair relaxer cancer lawsuits offers complimentary case evaluations and expert advice on pursuing compensation for injuries from dangerous hair straightening products.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced legal team for help with your hair relaxer cancer lawsuit. Let our attorneys guide you through the complex legal process and work towards obtaining the justice and compensation you deserve.

References

1. https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml
2. https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-021-00772-5