Chemical Hair Relaxer Uterine Cancer Lawsuit

Hire a Lawyer: Hair Straightener Uterine Cancer Lawsuits

You would expect products such as chemical hair straighteners to be safe for use. However, new data links these products with increased risk of uterine cancer. Read on to learn more about your rights if you have been affected.

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A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute has connected the use of chemical hair straightener or relaxer products with double the risk of uterine cancer in women.

This risk applies to “frequent users of chemical relaxers,” which the study defined as anyone who treated their hair with chemical straightening products at least four times within a year. Frequent users include specific demographics of the population, namely, black women.  

Such products are typically used to help style curly or wavy hair. However, their repeated use is now believed to put users at increased risk for uterine cancer and other health hazards.

If you or a loved one used chemical hair straightening products and were diagnosed with uterine cancer afterwards, you may be eligible for significant compensation for your losses. Contact the lawyers of Osborne, Francis & Pettis at (561) 293-2600 for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation to discuss your options.

Which Products Are Being Named in Hair Straightener Uterine Cancer Lawsuits?

So far, legal action has already been filed against several manufacturers in hair straightener uterine cancer lawsuits.

Manufacturers being sued include:

• L’Oreal
• SoftSheen Carson
• Strength of Nature
• Dabur
• Namaste Laboratories
• Revlon
• Optimum Care
• Dark & Lovely
• Just for Me
• Motions

These are trusted household brands and giants in the cosmetics industry. Many consumers now feel deceived and hurt by such brands, which may have failed to take steps to warn them of the risks associated with their products.

If you’ve been affected, you should speak to a defective products lawyer to learn what your rights are moving forward.

What Damages Are Available in a Chemical Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?

While each case may vary, the damages from a chemical hair straightener lawsuit can provide much-needed financial relief for the injured person and their family.

Damages can cover costs like:

• Medical costs and hospital bills
• Expenses associated with medications and rehab treatments
• Travel costs to and from treatment (often daily or weekly visits)
• Lost wages
• Loss of the ability to generate future income
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship and intimacy
• In certain cases, wrongful death costs

The costs and expenses associated with uterine and breast cancer treatments can be overwhelming. Treatment may extend over long periods of time, and will often involve repeat visits to the doctor. Get in touch with a lawyer soon so you don’t miss your opportunity to file a legal claim.

At Osborne, Francis & Pettis, we have a proven track record of obtaining highly favorable and significant verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients.

Can Hair Relaxers Cause Cancer?

Chemical Hair Straightener Usage and Uterine Cancer Statistics

You may be wondering, “can hair straighteners cause cancer?” The aforementioned study reviewed data from the larger Sister Study at the National Cancer Institute. It followed 33,947 U.S. women for 11 years to identify factors for cancer and other health risks.

The study found 378 cases of uterine diagnosis. Only 1.64% of women who never used hair straightening products developed uterine cancer by age 70. However, 4.05% of women who reported using chemical hair straighteners developed uterine cancer by age 70.

This essentially indicates that uterine cancer rates may be doubled for users of chemical hair straightening and relaxer products. “The doubling rate is concerning,” said Dr. Alexandra White, lead author of the study.

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Black Women May Be Affected Most Heavily By Chemical Hair Straightening Products

Black women make up the main consumer demographic for chemical hair relaxing products. This is due to societal pressures to conform to Western beauty standards, as well as desires for more cosmetic options.

This particular demographic consumes chemical hair straightening products more than women of other races. Black women constituted just 7.4% of those in the study, yet they accounted for 60% of those who reported using chemical hair straightener products in the previous year.

Not only that, they begin using them much earlier in life, and may use multiple different products at the same time. This combination of factors may place black women at increased risk of developing uterine cancer from chemical hair relaxing products.

“Because Black women use hair straightening or relaxer products more frequently, and tend to initiate use at earlier ages than other races and ethnicities, these findings may be even more relevant for them” - Che-Jung, Ph.D., co-author of the study and a research fellow at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

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What Are the Symptoms of Uterine Cancer? How Do I Know if I Should File a Chemical Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?

Uterine Cancer Signs & Symptoms

You should seek medical treatment immediately if you used a chemical hair straightener or relaxer product and are noticing any of these symptoms:

• Pain or cramping in the pelvic region or the area below your belly
• Frequent or prolonged vaginal bleeding, especially for women over the age of 40
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods (before or after menopause)
• Unusual or abnormal discharge in postmenopausal women

The chemical compounds in hair relaxer products are being linked with many medical conditions and emergencies, including uterine fibroids, preterm deliveries, endometriosis, and breast cancer.

In addition to seeking medical treatment, you should speak with a lawyer to learn what you can do about filing a lawsuit. Your attorney can help trace the injuries to the product(s) that caused the medical condition. They can also research the laws to determine what compensation you may be eligible for.

‍You should contact an attorney as soon as possible, as filing deadlines and other restrictions may apply.

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How Can an Attorney Help Me? 

A lawyer can help provide the legal services and skills that the average citizen just isn’t trained to handle. Your attorney can help by: 

• Reviewing the facts surrounding your cancer diagnosis
• Researching the laws that apply to your claim
• Gathering the necessary evidence and documents 
• Negotiating with the other side on your behalf
• Formulating a strong legal strategy for trial
• Obtaining the maximum amount of damages available under law

It may be difficult to approach a hair straightener uterine cancer lawsuit on your own. Contact the attorneys at Osborne, Francis & Pettis for a free, no-obligation consultation to review your case.