For decades, hair relaxers have been pushed by the cosmetics industry as a safe way to straighten naturally curled or wavy hair. However, emerging research indicates using chemical straighteners to “relax” hair is linked to a heightened risk of developing uterine cancer and other serious illnesses. Women are over-represented among impacted individuals, especially women of color.
Jenny Mitchell was the first to step forward by filing a lawsuit against L’Oréal, the largest cosmetics company in the world, as well as other prominent defendants. She was diagnosed with cancer at 28 years old and argues that her illness was caused by using hair relaxers since childhood.
If you believe you are also suffering negative health consequences as a result of using dangerous hair relaxers, do not hesitate to contact Marks & Harrison to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced products liability attorney today. Read on to learn about hair relaxer lawsuits and the road toward compensation.
What Happened to Jenny Mitchell?
At just 28 years old, Jenny Mitchell was stunned when she was diagnosed with uterine cancer, requiring that she undergo a full hysterectomy (a surgical procedure to remove the uterus). After years of using hair relaxers to straighten her hair, Jenny’s “dreams of becoming a mother were gone,” she explained.
Tragically, Jenny explained that she used chemical hair straighteners since she was in the third grade. At 32 years old, she filed a lawsuit to hold L’Oréal and other prominent manufacturers and distributors accountable, as well as to encourage women to stop using their dangerous products. She was the first person to do so. Many more have since taken her lead.
Why Are Hair Relaxers Dangerous?
According to a recent study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), individuals who use hair straighteners four times per year or more are more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer than those who do not use these products at all. The study included over 33,000 women aged 35-74, approximately 60 percent of whom self-identified as black.
Another recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI) explains that straighteners and other chemical hair products can be cancerous because they often contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as phthalates and parabens, as well as other hazardous substances, including formaldehyde. In addition to uterine cancer, these products have also been linked to other sicknesses, including breast and ovarian cancer.
Can I File a Products Liability Lawsuit After Being Injured by Hair Relaxers?
Absolutely, and you should not hesitate to consult with an experienced attorney. However, products liability litigation can be extremely complex. This is especially true in cases involving illnesses that develop over years, sometimes known as “latent” illnesses. The governing law will vary from state to state, as well as at the federal level, and the process of gathering evidence and building a strong claim can take many months.
That said, do not be discouraged. Though the journey toward compensation may be complex and time-consuming, you may nonetheless be entitled to significant compensation. The legal team at Marks & Harrison has been helping injury victims fight for full and fair compensation since 1911. Over the years, we have developed the experience and resources necessary to handle even the most complex products liability cases.
Consult With Our Products Liability Attorneys Today
If you believe you have developed cancer or another illness as a result of using hair relaxers, do not hesitate to consult with an experienced products liability attorney as soon as possible. Only in recent years have manufacturers and distributors of these dangerous products begun to face legal accountability and justice. However, injured plaintiffs have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit seeking compensation.
Marks & Harrison is ready to help you fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced products liability lawyer in Virginia. We are here to help.
