Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Lawyers

If you developed cancer after using a chemical hair relaxer, contact Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP immediately. You might be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer.

Multiple known and potential risks exist with hair relaxer product use. Some of these products contain chemicals that can lead to uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and other serious diseases. The manufacturer of the product you used might be liable for your medical condition and resulting losses.

Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP has fought for clients harmed by the wrongdoings of others since 1997. We will protect your rights and aggressively seek the compensation you deserve. Call us at (205) 324-1212 for your free consultation with a hair relaxer lawsuit attorney today.

Who Is Eligible to File a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?

You might qualify for a lawsuit against the hair relaxer manufacturer if you meet the criteria below. You must have used at least one of these products causing exposure to the harmful chemicals:

• Olive Oil Girls
• Just for Me
• Crème of Nature
• Motions
• Dark & Lovely
• Optimum Care
• Soft & Beautiful
• Other hair relaxers containing lye, phthalates, or another toxic ingredient

You must also have developed a condition associated with the above products, such as:

• Ovarian Cancer
• Uterine Cancer (Type 1 and Type 2)

Dangerous Chemicals Found in Hair Relaxers

Chemical hair straighteners, also called hair relaxers, contain substances that relax the disulfide bonds in hair. Typically, consumers use the product to straighten naturally curly, thick hair. However, many also use hair relaxers to make their hair appear longer.

Hair relaxers on the market contain ingredients such as lye or sodium hydroxide. Chemicals can penetrate deeper into the hair shaft and loosen bonds due to these ingredients making the hair more porous.

Phthalates are also commonly found in hair relaxers. They’re a group of chemicals known as endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors interfere with hormone function. The interaction can lead to reproductive problems and other medical issues, such as a weakened immune system, asthma, and developmental problems in children.

Using hair relaxers can cause scalp burns and lesions. Open wounds allow chemicals from the product to enter the body easier. Higher exposure might also occur from applying heat during hair straightening treatments using a blow dryer or flat iron.

Link Between Hair Relaxers and Cancer

Researchers found a potential link between uterine cancer and exposure to dangerous chemicals in hair relaxer products. The National Cancer Institute published a study on October 17, 2022, showing associations between uterine cancer and using hair straighteners and other products.

The study involved 33,947 participants between 35 and 74 years old. Each self-reported the hair products they used in the previous twelve months, including relaxers, hair dyes, and straighteners.

After ten years of follow-ups, researchers identified 378 cases of uterine cancer. They found a higher incidence of uterine cancer rates in people who used these products than those who never used them. They also discovered rates were more substantial for participants who frequently used the products.

Complications Associated with Hair Relaxers

Multiple studies have linked hair relaxers to different forms of cancer, including:

• Uterine cancer – Long-term use can significantly increase a woman’s risk of developing uterine cancer. Although more evidence is necessary, many experts believe regular use of products containing phthalates and other harmful chemicals can lead to uterine cancer.
• Ovarian cancer – Chemicals in certain hair relaxers might also be linked to ovarian cancer. However, ongoing research is necessary to conclude whether a connection exists.

Compensation for Cancer and Other Medical Problems from Hair Relaxers

You can pursue compensation from the manufacturer or company responsible for supplying a product with toxic substances. The money you recover might compensate you for your:

• Hospitalization, prescriptions, imaging testing, and other medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Mental anguish

You might also recover punitive damages in a lawsuit. This financial award punishes the defendant for their misconduct. To be awarded this money, you must show clear and convincing evidence that the defendant deliberately or consciously engaged in fraud, malice, oppression, or wantonness regarding you. If your lawsuit is filed in a different state, the punitive damage laws will be different.

Statute of Limitations in a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit

In Alabama, the statute of limitations for product liability allows a two-year timeframe to file a lawsuit. That means you have two years from the date you noticed symptoms or signs that the hair relaxer harmed you to initiate your lawsuit against the manufacturer.

Why Hire Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP?

Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP represents Alabama and nationwide clients in numerous types of cases. We believe in holding companies liable for the harm they cause. You will be our top priority and receive personalized attention when you hire us.

We have a proven track record of success and a reputation within the legal community for our work. We received recognition from multiple organizations, including Super Lawyers and the National Trial Lawyers. We also hold an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible rating a law firm can receive.

Get Aggressive and Dependable Legal Representation

Discovering your disease resulted from a defective product you trusted is devastating. You don’t have to go through this traumatic ordeal alone. Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP is ready to help you fight for the justice you deserve.

Call us at (205) 324-1212 for your free consultation with one of our experienced hair relaxer lawsuit lawyers if you developed cancer or had pre-term delivery after using a hair relaxer product.