It is important to know how to choose the best lawyer for a chemical hair straightner lawsuit. Chemical hair straighteners or relaxers are popular treatments used to temporarily straighten textured and curly hair. In October 2022, news began to break about the first chemical hair straightener lawsuits, alleging that manufacturers failed to warn consumers about the adverse health effects associated with these products. These include an increased risk of uterine cancer, endometrial cancer, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis, according to a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). According to the NIH report, women who used these products over an eleven-year period were twice as likely to develop uterine cancer as non-users.
If you received a diagnosis of uterine cancer, endometrial cancer, or another reproductive illness requiring surgery, we urge you to contact a skilled Pennsylvania chemical hair straightener lawyer to learn about how you could obtain compensation for your injuries.
How to Choose a Chemical Hair Straightener Attorney
Current lawsuits against the manufacturers of hair-relaxing products rest on the grounds that these companies had the responsibility to inform consumers of the risks that their products carried and disclose the carcinogenic ingredients on the packaging. However, these side effects were not publicly advertised, and in the ingredients list may not plainly display many of the ingredients associated with increased cancer risk. Additionally, salons that routinely use these chemicals lack the requirement to warn customers that using hair-straightener may expose them to formaldehyde.
If you were a victim of the carcinogenic effects of chemical hair straightening and decide to take legal action, enlist a lawyer who’s up to the task. Choosing a lawyer with experience in mass tort, personal injury law, and product liability claims will ensure that your legal team has the skills and experience necessary to handle your claim. Look for a lawyer who can act with your best interests in mind.
You can begin by requesting a free consultation from several attorneys and asking questions about how they intend to handle your claim.
Questions to Ask Your Lawyer
Some of the questions you might ask your attorney before agreeing to begin the claims process together are what experience they have and what results this experience has produced over the years. A lawyer with a track record of winning toxic tort cases, personal injury claims, and product liability actions is best equipped to handle these cases. You can also ask whether your attorney has experience with chemical hair straightener lawsuits to get a better idea of their scope of practice.
You might also ask about your lawyer’s fee arrangement. Most attorneys use a contingency fee agreement, meaning you won’t pay anything unless your case results in a settlement or verdict in your favor.
Other potential questions for your attorney include:
- How much is my case worth?
- What information do you need to begin working on my case?
- What strategy will you have for my claim?
- Will you serve as the primary lawyer working on my case?
Against Who Can I File a Chemical Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?
Plaintiffs already filed several lawsuits filed against manufacturers of chemical hair straightening products, including L’Oréal, Namaste Laboratories LLC, Carson Inc, Dabur International Ltd., and Godrej Consumer Products.
The first lawsuit to allege that makers of chemical hair straightening treatments, L’Oréal, was liable for failing to disclose the carcinogenic potential of their products began in October 2022. The plaintiff, 32-year-old Jenny Mitchell, is seeking compensation in excess of $75,000.
You may pursue damages from the manufacturer(s) of the hair-relaxing products you used if doctors subsequently diagnosed you with uterine cancer or another reproductive illness requiring surgical intervention.
The statute of limitations in Pennsylvania gives victims of personal injury two years to take legal action. However, this period begins after what is known as discovery, or when you would reasonably have discovered your injuries. In this case, the two-year period would begin after receiving a medical diagnosis of your condition.
Pennsylvania allows personal injury claimants to seek economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Recovery of these damages can pay for your medical treatment and compensate you for lost income and the emotional distress caused by your injuries.
Your attorney can determine your eligibility, against what entity you need to file a claim, and advise you as to how to proceed with your claim.
Who Might Develop Uterine Cancer After Using Chemical Hair Straighteners?
According to the NIH study, participants who used chemical hair relaxers or straighteners had an increased risk of uterine cancer. Other hair treatments, such as perms, bleaches, and dyes, did not appear to carry the same risk. Additionally, salon workers and other professionals with routine exposure to these chemicals may face a higher risk than the general population.
Black Women May Have a Higher Risk
Research indicates that uterine cancer is on the rise in the United States. This worrying trend disproportionately affects Black women, who use chemical hair straightening treatments much more frequently than other racial and ethnic groups.
Uterine Cancer Symptoms
Uterine cancer is relatively uncommon. However, it is the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs. Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.
Symptoms include:
- Vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods
- Vaginal bleeding after menopause
- Pelvic pain or cramping
- Blood in urine
- Abnormal discharge
Uterine cancer, endometrial cancer, and other reproductive abnormalities require a medical diagnosis. Speak to your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms.
You Could Recover Compensation
If you have regularly used hair straightening or relaxing products and subsequently received a diagnosis of uterine or endometrial cancer, you may obtain compensation for your losses. Speak to an experienced personal injury attorney for more information about your legal options.
Gabriel Levin - Owner/Founder
Gabriel Levin is a highly experienced and award-winning attorney with over 10 years of practice in Pennsylvania. Known for his tenacity, he has represented clients in a wide range of civil matters and tried hundreds of cases. He prepares each case as if it will go to trial, ensuring meticulous attention to detail.
Unlike many firms that delegate tasks, Attorney Levin personally handles every aspect of each case and maintains open communication with his clients throughout. He has secured millions in compensation, making him a smart choice for those seeking legal representation.
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