Judge Allows Hair Relaxer Lawsuit To Move Forward

L’Oreal USA, Revlon Face Class Action Lawsuit After Women Using Hair Relaxers Developed Cancer

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK (October 31, 2024) – A U.S. District Judge in Illinois allowed a class action lawsuit against L’Oreal, Revlon, Namasté Laboratories and other companies to move forward.

The defendants were initially trying to prevent a bid to consolidate the claims. Attorneys for the plaintiffs have argued that the hair relaxers sold by these companies create an increased risk of uterine cancer.

Plaintiffs are seeking numerous forms of relief in the class action, including economic damages, punitive damages, and medical monitoring. Thousands of lawsuits across the country have been filed by women who are blaming hair relaxers for their uterine cancer and other illnesses.

These lawsuits come after numerous scientific studies have revealed that long-term use of chemical hair relaxers is associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer.

Liability For Illnesses Caused By Chemical Hair Relaxers

According to one study by the National Institutes of Health, “researchers found that women who reported frequent use of hair straightening products, defined as more than four times in the previous year, were more than twice as likely to go on to develop uterine cancer compared to those who did not use the products.” Researchers observed that black women are statistically more likely to be impacted due to using chemical hair straighteners at higher rates than other groups. Several chemicals have been identified as being hazardous.

• Formaldehyde
• Parabens
• Phthalates
• Bisphenol A (BPA)
• Sodium Hydroxide
• Lithium Hydroxide
• DMDM Hydantoin

Companies that create beauty products for women and men have a legal obligation to ensure that their products are reasonably safe. If a company creates a product with a design defect, this could form the basis of a product liability claim. There are several elements necessary to show a design defect. The product was unreasonably dangerous and created a substantial risk of injury. It was feasible for the product to have been designed in a safe manner. And the defect was the proximate cause of the plaintiff’s injury. It is important that certain steps are taken after any illness involving a hair relaxer.

• Medical records related to the incident should be preserved.
• The brands of the hair relaxers used over time should be identified.
• An experienced personal injury attorney should be contacted.

Many of the injuries associated with long-term use of chemical hair straighteners may not immediately be obvious. In some cases, victims may develop cancer several years or decades after continuous use. It has long been known that many of the chemicals in hair straighteners were highly dangerous. But this hasn’t stopped these companies from continuing to use them. Any person injured by a chemical hair straightener may have legal recourse through a civil claim.

Getting Legal Help After Developing Uterine Cancer

We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our best wishes to all of the women who have developed uterine cancer after using chemical hair straighteners. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to remove the dangerous chemicals from these products. Companies should never seek to generate profits by endangering their own customers.

Have you or someone that you love developed uterine cancer after using chemical hair straighteners? Our team of product liability attorneys is here to help you. We care deeply that people are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.