Tennessee Hair Relaxer Lawyer

In 2022, a link was suggested between chemical hair relaxer products and various types of cancer, including uterine cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. The U.S. judicial panel on Multidistrict Litigation merged multiple hair relaxer lawsuits in 2023, creating one MDL (multidistrict litigation) based in Illinois. If you have regularly used hair relaxer products and then developed cancer, you may be able to seek compensation. A Tennessee hair relaxer lawyer from Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC can evaluate your case for free. (901) 526-2126 or contact us online to get justice and compensation from a hair relaxer lawsuit.

Why Are Hair Relaxers and Chemical Straighteners Thought to Cause Cancer?

The concern surrounding hair relaxers and chemical straighteners lies in the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the products. These substances can interfere with the body’s hormonal system and potentially lead to cancer. Common EDCs found in hair relaxers include:

• Parabens
• Phthalates
• Formaldehyde
• Bisphenol A (BPA)
• Metals

These chemicals are absorbed through the scalp, especially when products are used frequently or in high-heat environments like salons, potentially increasing the risk of cancer over time. Studies have shown a strong link between these substances and the development of uterine, breast, and ovarian cancers.

In October 2022, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published a study indicating that women who frequently used chemical hair straighteners were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer compared to those who didn’t use them. Similarly, parabens and other chemicals in hair relaxers have been linked to hormonal disruptions that increase cancer risks. These findings have triggered widespread legal actions across the U.S.

Cancers Linked to Chemical Hair Relaxers

Research has shown that chemical hair relaxers contain harmful substances linked to various cancers, raising serious concerns about the safety of these products. Below are some of the most common cancers associated with the regular use of chemical hair straighteners and relaxers.

Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer is one of the most commonly linked cancers to hair relaxers. This type of cancer forms in the lining of the uterus and is particularly concerning for women who frequently use chemical straighteners. Research has shown that these products are especially risky when used regularly for long periods, significantly increasing the chances of developing uterine cancer.

There are two main types of uterine cancer:

• Endometrial cancer: Originates in the uterine lining
• Uterine sarcoma: Develops in the uterine muscle wall

Symptoms of uterine cancer may include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Pelvic pain
• Unexplained weight loss

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer originates in the ovaries, where eggs are produced, and is another form of cancer linked to chemical hair relaxers. Studies have shown that endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as those found in hair relaxers, can increase the risk of ovarian cancer by disrupting hormonal balance. This cancer is often more aggressive and difficult to detect, making early diagnosis critical.

Ovarian cancer symptoms can include:

• Bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)

Breast Cancer

While the link between hair relaxers and breast cancer is still being studied, some research suggests a potential connection. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Similar to uterine and ovarian cancers, the presence of EDCs in relaxers can disrupt normal hormone production, increasing the likelihood of developing breast cancer. The use of these products has been shown to elevate cancer risks, particularly among women who frequently use relaxers over several years.

Breast cancer signs may include:

• A lump in the breast or underarm
• Changes in breast size or shape
• Skin changes on the breast

What Are the Other Potential Side Effects of Chemical Hair Straighteners?

Beyond cancer, chemical hair straighteners have been associated with other health issues:

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus. A study on pre-menopausal Black women found a higher incidence of uterine fibroids among frequent users of hair relaxers. While not cancerous, fibroids can cause:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Frequent urination
• Fertility issues

Endometriosis

Some research suggests a potential link between EDCs in hair relaxers and endometriosis, a condition where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis can cause:

• Severe menstrual cramps
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Painful intercourse
• Fertility problems

Scalp Burns and Lesions

The harsh chemicals in hair relaxers can cause burns and lesions on the scalp. These injuries can increase the absorption of EDCs into the body, potentially raising cancer risk.

What Are the Legal Claims Against Hair Relaxer Manufacturers?

Plaintiffs in the hair relaxer lawsuits are pursuing several legal claims against manufacturers:

Design Defect Claims

These claims allege that hair relaxer products are inherently dangerous due to their chemical composition. Plaintiffs argue that the presence of EDCs and other harmful substances makes these products unreasonably dangerous for their intended use.

To support design defect claims, lawyers may present:

• Scientific studies linking EDCs to cancer
• Expert testimony on safer alternative formulations
• Evidence of the manufacturers’ knowledge of risks

Failure to Warn

Failure to warn claims assert that manufacturers didn’t adequately inform consumers about the potential health risks associated with their products. This includes:

• Lack of clear warnings on product labels
• Insufficient safety information in marketing materials
• Failure to update warnings as new research emerged

Plaintiffs argue that with proper warnings, they would have chosen alternative hair care methods.

Warranty Claims

These claims allege that hair relaxer products breached implied or express warranties. This could include:

• Implied warranty of merchantability: The product wasn’t fit for its ordinary purpose
• Express warranty: The product didn’t perform as advertised or promised

Lawyers may present evidence of marketing claims that portrayed the products as safe or “natural” despite containing harmful chemicals.

Unjust Enrichment, Punitive Damages, and Derivative Claims

Additional claims in the hair relaxer lawsuits include:

• Unjust enrichment: Manufacturers profited unfairly from selling dangerous products
• Punitive damages: To punish manufacturers for egregious conduct
• Derivative claims: Such as loss of consortium for spouses of affected individuals

These claims seek to hold manufacturers fully accountable for the harm caused by their products.

Which Brands Are Included in the MDL Case Against Manufacturers?

The multidistrict litigation (MDL) involves several major hair care brands. Companies named in lawsuits include:

• L’Oréal USA
• Strength of Nature Global LLC
• Soft Sheen Carson (W.I.) Inc.
• Dabur International Ltd.
• Namaste Laboratories LLC
• Godrej Consumer Products Ltd.
• Revlon Consumer Products Corporation
• PDC Brands (Parfums de Coeur, Ltd.)
• House of Cheatham, Inc.

This list may expand as the litigation progresses. If you’ve used hair relaxer products from these or other brands and developed cancer, consult a Tennessee hair relaxer lawyer to discuss your legal options.

What Is an MDL?

An MDL (multidistrict litigation) is a legal process where multiple lawsuits with similar claims against the same defendant are consolidated into one district court to streamline pretrial procedures, such as discovery and witness testimony. Unlike class actions, where a single lawsuit represents a group of plaintiffs, mass tort litigation in an MDL allows each plaintiff to maintain an individual case while benefiting from a more efficient legal process.

This MDL approach is often used in cases like the hair relaxer lawsuits, where many individuals have been harmed by a common product but may have different circumstances and losses.

Who Is Eligible to File a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?

You may be eligible to file a hair relaxer lawsuit if you meet the following criteria:

• Regular use of chemical hair relaxers or straighteners
• Diagnosis of uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or other related health issues
• Clear timeline showing product use preceded the diagnosis

Factors that may strengthen your case include:

• Frequent use (four or more times per year)
• Long-term use (several years or decades)
• Use of products from brands named in the MDL
• No family history of the diagnosed cancer
• Absence of other significant risk factors

To determine your eligibility, consult with a Tennessee hair relaxer lawyer. They can evaluate the specifics of your case and advise on the best course of action.

Has Anyone Received a Settlement from the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?

As of October 2024, no settlements have been reported in the hair relaxer lawsuits. The MDL is still in its early stages. Typically, in mass tort cases like this, settlements don’t occur until after several bellwether trials have concluded.

Bellwether trials are test cases that help both sides gauge the strength of their arguments and potential jury reactions. The outcomes of these trials often influence settlement negotiations.

Key points about potential settlements:

• It may take several years before settlements are reached
• Settlement amounts can vary widely based on individual case factors
• Early settlements may be offered to plaintiffs with the strongest cases

While waiting for potential settlements, it’s crucial to:

• Preserve evidence of product use (receipts, photos, etc.)
• Keep detailed medical records
• Follow your attorney’s advice regarding case management

A Tennessee hair relaxer lawyer can keep you informed about the progress of the MDL and any settlement developments.

Contact Our Tennessee Hair Relaxer Lawyers Today

Have you developed cancer as a result of long-term use of chemical hair relaxers or chemical hair straighteners? You deserve justice and compensation for your pain and suffering. The hair relaxer class action lawsuit accuses manufacturers of selling products while knowing their links to cancer. An experienced Tennessee hair relaxer lawyer from Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC can help you build your case. Call us at (901) 526-2126 or contact us online to stand strong with other plaintiffs against predatory brands and manufacturers.