Are you or someone you know affected by hair relaxers? If you have used these products and then faced serious health issues, you might be asking yourself: Can you file a hair relaxer lawsuit? This article will help you understand your eligibility, the damages you might claim, and the legal options available to you.
What Are Hair Relaxers?
Hair relaxers are those which, upon use, straighten wavy and curly hair. These products are predominantly marketed towards Black women; the chemicals used are harsh enough to alter the makeup of hair. While hair relaxers do create straight smooth hair, they can bring some grave health risks as well.
Some Common Brands
Some famous brands are:
- L’Oréal
- Revlon
- SoftSheen
- Dark & Lovely
These brands boast gorgeous results, but the new research shows they can be connected to cancer-causing diseases.
Why Do Hair Relaxers Matter?
There’s worrying news between using hair relaxers and more severe health issues, primarily cancer. For example, it has been reported that prolonged use of hair relaxing products leads to increased cases of the following cancers:
- Cancer of the uterus
- Cancer of the ovaries
- Endometrial cancer
- Breast cancer
This is because many of these hair relaxers have toxic chemicals, which may include formaldehyde. The latter is a proven carcinogen.
Evidence of Risk
A study involving nearly 45,000 women showed that those who used hair relaxers regularly had a much higher chance of developing uterine cancer compared to those who did not use these products. This has led many women to seek legal action against the companies that produce these harmful products.
Can You File a Lawsuit?
So, how do you know whether you are eligible to file a hair relaxer lawsuit? Here are the key points to consider:
1. Your History of Use
You have to have used hair relaxers in the past. This encompasses at-home and professional products.
2. Diagnosis of a Qualifying Condition
You must have been diagnosed with a serious health condition. The most common conditions that have been associated with hair relaxers include:
- Uterine cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Endometrial cancer
If you have been diagnosed with one of these conditions after using hair relaxers, you could be entitled to a claim.
3. Documentation of Use
Preserve any receipts or documents showing you have used hair relaxers. This evidence can help strengthen your claim.
4. Time Bar
Each state has a time limit for filing lawsuits, which is called the statute of limitations. Make sure to act quickly and consult with a legal professional to see if you are still within this time frame.
What Damages Can You Claim?
When filing a hair relaxer lawsuit, you may be entitled to various types of damages. Here are some examples:
- Medical Expenses: These are the costs of treatments for your condition, such as chemotherapy or surgeries.
- Pain and Suffering: You may also be able to recover damages for the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by your illness.
- Lost Wages: If your health condition has kept you from working, you can recover lost wages. This includes past and future income loss.
- Punitive Damages: In some instances, you can seek punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish the companies for their wrongdoing and set an example for others.
Your Legal Options
If you have decided to file a hair relaxer lawsuit, then you should follow these steps:
1. Consult a Lawyer
It is important to consult a lawyer who specializes in personal injury cases or product liability. They will walk you through the process and help evaluate your case.
2. Collect Evidence
Collect records of your hair relaxer usage, medical diagnoses, and treatment expenses. This will support your claims.
3. File the Lawsuit
Your lawyer will help you file the lawsuit and represent you in court.
4. Stay Updated
Keep in touch with your lawyer to get updates about your case. Negotiations with the defendant may end up in a settlement.
5. Attend Hearings
There may be a need to appear in court or mediation meetings as part of the legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much compensation can I receive?
Compensatory amounts differ widely depending on the specifics of your case, including the severity of your illness and expenses incurred. Settlements in comparable cases have ranged from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
2. Is this a class action?
Yes, most hair relaxer lawsuits have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation, or MDL. That means that many claims are being litigated together in one court.
3. How long does it take to settle a lawsuit?
A lawsuit can take months or years to resolve depending on the schedule of the courts, the complexity of the case, and if a settlement was reached.
If you have been using hair relaxers and have experienced some health problems, you are eligible to file a lawsuit. The first thing to know about your eligibility is the damages that you may recover. So, if you feel that you are a victim, don’t hesitate to seek legal help.
Remember, you’re not alone in this. Many others are facing similar challenges, and legal options are available to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Make that first step today by consulting with a knowledgeable attorney.
If you or a loved one have been affected by hair relaxer products and believe you may be eligible for legal action, Consumer Help Group is here to support you. Our dedicated team is committed to assisting individuals seeking justice and compensation in hair relaxer lawsuits. Contact us today for a free consultation. We are available to answer your questions, discuss your case, and guide you through every step of the legal process. Fill out our online contact form to get started. Let us help you secure the justice you deserve.
