Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
The Hair Relaxer Lawsuit has been filed in all 50 states. You may qualify for compensation if you have been diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, Uterine Cancer, or Endometrial Cancer.
Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Updates
MDL Sets Procedure for Reinstating Dismissed Cases
Case Management Order No. 16 outlines the process for reinstating cases dismissed without prejudice in the Hair Relaxer MDL. Plaintiffs must refile in federal court and remain in the MDL. Those with the same attorney may file a motion for reinstatement but must submit a complete Plaintiff Fact Sheet and supporting documents within ten days. Plaintiffs with new counsel must file a new case. Defendants will not oppose timely motions but may raise legal defenses. Disputes over dismissals must first be addressed with defendants. This process aims to streamline litigation while preserving valid claims.
03/31/25
Over 1.1 Million Documents in MDL Discovery
The latest joint status report reveals that defendants have produced more than 1.1 million documents in discovery. A detailed breakdown shows Namaste as the top-producing defendant, disclosing 460,000 documents, far exceeding other parties. This substantial volume underscores the complexity of the litigation. The report was submitted to the MDL judge as part of ongoing case updates.
03/24/25
MDL Bellwether Selection Process and Trial Timeline
The latest MDL order outlines the bellwether selection process. Plaintiffs and defendants will each select 20 cases by April 30, 2025, narrowing to 32 Initial Bellwether Discovery Cases. Fact discovery concludes by February 16, 2026. Eligible cases must have been filed by February 1, 2024, with Plaintiff Fact Sheets submitted by February 28, 2025. Expert disclosures begin in October 2025, with Daubert motions due in April 2026. The court will select 12 cases for potential trials, finalizing 10 by March 18, 2026. Additional expert discovery concludes by October 16, 2026, with summary judgment motions due by November 16, 2026.
03/14/25
Judge Denies Dismissal Motions in Hair Relaxer MDL
The MDL judge denied motions from John Paul Mitchell Systems, Wella, and Advanced Beauty to dismiss hair relaxer cancer lawsuits, keeping them in the litigation. Defendants argued the master complaint lacked specific allegations about their products. However, the judge ruled that master and short-form complaints function as a single operative complaint, requiring defendants to consider allegations in both.
02/21/25
About the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
Hair relaxer lawsuits have been brought by thousands of claimants. Studies have shown a relationship between chemical hair relaxers and cancer. These cancers include ovarian, uterine, and breast cancers. Scientific research suggests that chemicals in hair relaxers may be a contributing factor to uterine fibroids and uterine cancer. According to these studies, women who use certain hair relaxers are more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer.
Many big-name companies, such as L’Oreal, are being sued due to the potential harm their products have caused to many women. The Hair Relaxer lawsuit alleges that hair relaxer products contain chemicals that may cause uterine cancer. Hair relaxer products are predominately used by African-American women.
Hair relaxer products contain harmful chemicals known as phthalates, also known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which may cause issues with natural hormone production. These chemicals may enter the body when used on the scalp and can alter hormone levels. Using these products may lead to many health issues, such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids and different cancer types. The chemical can also harm the immune system and cause ovarian cancer.
What is The Difference Between Class Action Lawsuits and Multi-District Litigation (MDL)?
Class action lawsuits and multi-district litigation (MDL) are both legal mechanisms used to handle a large number of lawsuits that share common issues, but they operate differently.
In a class action lawsuit, a small group of plaintiffs represents a larger group against a defendant. This method is efficient when individual lawsuits would be impractical due to the large number of plaintiffs. The outcome of a class action lawsuit, whether it's a court decision or a settlement, applies to all members.
On the other hand, MDL consolidate individual but related civil cases from different federal districts into a single district for pretrial proceedings. This process is often used in complex cases like product liability suits. In MDLs, like the hair relaxer lawsuit, each plaintiff retains their individual lawsuit, and outcomes or settlements are handled individually even though the pretrial process is combined.
Why Are the Hair Relaxer Lawsuits Consolidated Into an MDL?
The hair relaxer lawsuit is considered an MDL because the varied injuries, potential contributing factors, and unique medical histories of each plaintiff necessitate a more flexible approach. This allows for individualized assessments of damages, liability arguments based on specific cases, and tailored discovery while still achieving efficiency through shared pre-trial procedures.
How to Pre-Qualify for the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
To pre-qualify for the hair relaxer lawsuit, individuals must meet specific criteria related to the use of certain hair relaxer products and the subsequent development of certain cancers:
Pre-Qualifying Injuries:
- Uterine Cancer
- Endometrial Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Uterine Fibroids
- & Other Pre-Qualifying Cancers
Hair Relaxer Products Linked:
- Dark & Lovely
- Just for Me
- Motions
- Africa's Best
- African Pride
- Bantu
- Creme of Nature
- Luster's
- Mizani Rhelaxer
- TCB or TCB Naturals
- Ultra Precise
- Ultra Sheen Supreme
- Elite Bristo
- Optimum
- Soft & Beautiful
We encourage you to seek legal advice to determine your eligibility. Various factors impact eligibility and all cases are unique.
While you will need to speak to an attorney to determine eligibility, claimants must typically provide concrete evidence of their use of one or more of the specified hair relaxer products. This documentation can include purchase receipts, photographs, or testimonies that clearly demonstrate a history of using these products.
Additionally, claimants must typically have a medically confirmed diagnosis of one of the specified cancers: Uterine Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, or Ovarian Cancer. Medical records, such as diagnostic reports, treatment records, and statements from healthcare professionals, are crucial in substantiating this aspect of the process.
The combination of proof of product usage and a relevant medical diagnosis forms the cornerstone of establishing a direct link required for potential eligibility in the hair relaxer lawsuit.
What Brands Are Being Investigated in the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?
Several manufacturers and their respective products are commonly implicated in the hair relaxer lawsuit, including:
- L’Oreal - manufacturer of Dark & Lovely, Ultra Sheen, and other chemical hair products
- Strength of Nature Global, LLC - manufacturer of Motions
- Namaste, LLC - manufacturer of ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer
- TCB Naturals/Godrej Consumer Products - manufacturer of Just For Me
What Are Your Next Steps?
If you or a loved one has been affected by Hair Relaxers or other products, now is the time to take action. Thousands of women are seeking justice for the harm they’ve suffered, and you may be entitled to compensation.
Joining a class action lawsuit is about more than obtaining a settlement. It’s also about holding these companies accountable for the products they sell.
Join a Class Action Lawsuit
The potential dangers of Hair Relaxers have left many individuals feeling betrayed and uncertain about their future and health.
If you’ve used Hair Relaxers and are now facing health issues, you’re not alone. Class action lawsuits offer a way to seek justice and compensation for the suffering and associated risks of using Hair Relaxers.
Don’t wait. Consult with your doctor, explore your legal options, and take steps to protect your rights. We encourage you to start the process of finding out if you may qualify for a Hair Relaxer class action lawsuit. We can help you stay informed and provide you with the latest updates regarding the lawsuit. Subscribe to OnlyClassActions for further details.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The hair relaxer lawsuits allege that companies, including L’Oréal, failed to warn consumers about the risks of their products, leading to health issues like uterine cancer from chemicals like phthalates. The lawsuits argue that the companies knew of these dangers but continued to sell the products, prioritizing profit over consumer safety and neglecting their duty to inform users about potential carcinogens.
Yes, the hair relaxer lawsuits highlight that these products were predominantly marketed to Black women, underscoring concerns about their disproportionate exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. This focus sheds light on issues of race, health, and corporate responsibility, suggesting that the marketing to Black women overlooked their specific health risks. The case emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and safety in product development and marketing, raising broader questions about health equity and the ethical responsibilities of personal care companies.
Several chemicals found in hair relaxer products are suspected to be carcinogenic, raising concerns about their potential health risks. These include:
· Formaldehyde: Often used in hair products for its preservative and straightening properties, formaldehyde has been classified as a carcinogen.
· Parabens: Commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics, parabens can mimic estrogen and have been linked to cancer risk.
· Heavy Metals: Certain hair relaxers contain heavy metals, which, with prolonged exposure, can have toxic effects and potentially contribute to cancer development.
· Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals like Phthalates: These chemicals, found in many personal care products, can interfere with hormone function and are linked to various health issues, including cancer.
Chemical relaxers, often used by individuals with natural hair, can lead to a variety of side effects. These range from relatively minor issues like dandruff and hair loss to more serious conditions such as endometriosis and cancer. Currently, there are no available hair straightening products that offer a permanent solution and are entirely chemical-free.
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