Lawsuit Against Harmful Hair Relaxers
The Horne Law Firm is holding manufacturers accountable for the damage caused by their products.
Recent findings reveal that hair relaxer products from prominent cosmetic brands contain harmful, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, prompting women to take legal action. Exposure to these dangerous substances may result in serious health issues, including:
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Ovarian Cancer
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Uterine Cancer
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Endometrial Cancer
Research Reveals Hair Relaxers Heighten Cancer Risk
On October 17, 2022, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) released a significant study linking the use of chemical hair straightening and relaxing products by women to an increased risk of uterine cancer. The research indicated that approximately 1.64% of women who have never used these chemical hair treatments would develop uterine cancer by age 70. In contrast, for those who use them frequently, the risk more than doubles to 4.05%.
The endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in these hair relaxers include:
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Parabens
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Phthalates
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Metals
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Formaldehyde
When absorbed by the body, these substances disrupt hormone function. Source: Che-Jung Chang et al., "Use of Straighteners and Other Hair Products and Incident Uterine Cancer," Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Oct. 17, 2022.
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Uterine Cancer and Hair Relaxers
The NIEHS study established a link between the use of hair relaxer ingredients and uterine cancer, with researchers suggesting that this connection arises from the application method. Creamy hair relaxers are applied to the hair close to the roots to straighten new growth, and the chemicals need to stay on the scalp for a certain period to activate.
Prolonged exposure to a strong, toxic relaxer can lead to chemical burns on the scalp. These injuries create openings for the body to absorb the harmful compounds. To maintain straight hair, users must frequently touch up and reapply the chemical relaxers, which further heightens their exposure to carcinogenic substances.
Filing Lawsuits Against Hair Relaxer Brands
Women who have a history of using chemical hair relaxers and have been diagnosed with uterine, endometrial, or ovarian cancer might be able to take legal action against hair relaxer manufacturers. The lawsuit provides these women a chance to hold negligent cosmetic companies accountable for producing, selling, distributing, advertising, and promoting harmful products without adequately warning the public about the potential cancer risks associated with their use.
The relaxer kits were marketed as convenient solutions for achieving trendy, sleek hairstyles. However, the packaging and advertising employed deceptive names and descriptions that emphasized the advantages of the products while failing to disclose the associated risks.
Toxic Hair Relaxer Brands
Several hair relaxer brands have been identified in the lawsuit, with more being added as investigations progress. Among the most well-known hair relaxer brands mentioned in the lawsuit are:
Litigation Timeline
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Schedule a Free Initial ConsultationAttorney Arthur Horne, III treats each of his clients like family. With him on your side, you can be sure that your case will be given the personalized attention it deserves. Attorney Horne takes the time to address all your questions and concerns and even hands out his personal cell phone number so you can reach him anytime. All of our personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t have to worry about any legal fees unless we recover the compensation you are entitled to.
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What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?The role of a personal injury attorney extends beyond simply filing lawsuits. They offer comprehensive legal guidance and support throughout the entire legal process, from the initial consultation to settlement negotiations or trial proceedings. Their primary objective is to protect the rights and interests of their clients and help them navigate the complexities of personal injury law. One of the key responsibilities of a personal injury lawyer is to assess the merits of a potential case. They will carefully evaluate the circumstances surrounding the injury, gather evidence, and determine the legal basis for pursuing a claim. This involves conducting thorough investigations, reviewing medical records, consulting experts when necessary, and analyzing applicable laws and precedents. Once a viable case is established, lawyers for personal injuries will formulate a strategic plan tailored to the specific circumstances. They will outline the legal options available to their client, providing expert advice on the most effective course of action to pursue maximum compensation. This may involve negotiating with insurance companies, engaging in settlement discussions, or representing the client in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Furthermore, personal injury attorneys serve as advocates for their clients, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are protected. They handle all communication with insurance companies, defense attorneys, and other involved parties, relieving their clients of the stress and burden associated with legal proceedings. They also assist in documenting and presenting the full extent of the client's damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other applicable losses.
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How long does a personal injury case take?The duration of a personal injury case depends on various factors, including the complexity of the case, the extent of your injuries, and the willingness of the opposing party to negotiate. Some cases can be resolved through settlement negotiations within a few months, while others may require litigation and can take several years.
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When Should I Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?The aftermath of an accident can be extremely overwhelming—the medical expenses associated with an injury can add up and become a heavy financial burden. The time to call us is now. At The Law Offices of Arthur Horne, III, we are capable of handling a wide range of complex personal injury cases. We have the resources, skills, and experience to advocate for you and your rights throughout the process. We can help handle the legal aspects of your case so you can focus on yourself and your family. Our attorneys can help you with cases related to: Car accidents: A single car accident is enough to change someone’s life forever. If you have been injured in a car accident, read our car accident page to learn more about Florida car accident law and how our team of attorneys can help you. Truck accidents: Given their large size and immense weight, trucks can cause catastrophic damage in the event of an accident. If you have been injured in a truck accident, learn more about how our team can help you today. We have the skill and knowledge to properly investigate your case. Motorcycle accidents: Motorcycles are a fun and convenient way to get around; however, they lack the protection that other motor vehicles provide. If you have suffered injuries in an accident caused by a negligent driver, learn more about how we can help you today. We are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve! Boat accidents: Boating is a common activity in Florida, however not all individuals follow boating law putting others at risk. If you have been injured in a boat accident, our firm is prepared to fight for you. Learn about Florida’s boating laws and your options by reading our boat accident page. House fire and burn injuries: Fire or burn injuries are serious injuries that can both be very painful and turn the injury victim’s life upside down. If you have suffered a burn injury, read our page to learn more about how our team of attorneys can help you. Slip and fall injuries: Landowners are responsible for ensuring their property is safe for others to be on. If you have suffered an injury in a slip and fall accident that could have been prevented, you may have a right to recover compensation. Learn more about your options by reading our page today. Medical malpractice: When we put our wellbeing in the hands of medical professions, we expect to be well taken care of. In some cases, individuals looking for help come out worse than before, because of a profession’s negligence. Learn about malpractice law and your options on our medical malpractice page today. Defective products: When we buy a product, we assume it is safe to use. All too often, however, companies distribute unsafe products either out of negligence or in an attempt to help their company’s bottom line. If you have been injured by a defective product you may be eligible to recover compensation! Dog bites: Dog owners are responsible for the actions of their animals in most cases. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, the dog owner may be held liable for any resulting injuries. Learn more about your rights and options by reading our page and contact our firm for a free consultation. Wrongful death: Losing a loved one at the hands of someone’s negligence can be a devastating experience. Our firm understands what you are going through and is prepared to fight for the justice and compensation you and your family deserve. Nursing home abuse: Making the decision to entrust your loved one into the care of a nursing home can be a difficult choice. Learning that your loved one has not been properly taken care of can be devastating. Learn more about how our firm can help you today. School/daycare injuries: If your child has been injured at school or daycare, you may have legal options to hold the negligent party responsible! Learn more about your options and how our experienced firm can help you by reading our page on the topic today. Workers' compensation: Suffering an injury is always a difficult experience, suffering an injury at work without the ability to recover benefits can be overwhelming. This is why our firm is prepared to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Learn more today! In addition to personal injury cases, we also regularly assist clients with a variety of other legal matters, including criminal defense, civil rights, employment discrimination, Social Security Disability, sexual harassment, and prisoner abuse. No matter how complex or difficult your case, we take the time to understand your unique situation and work to achieve your specific goals.
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What is the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Tennessee?In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is one year from the date of the accident or injury. However, there are exceptions to this rule, so it is important to consult with a personal injury attorney to determine the applicable statute of limitations for your specific case.
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What should I do after being injured in an accident?After being injured in an accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. You should also gather evidence, such as photographs of the accident scene and your injuries, and obtain contact information from any witnesses. It is advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to understand your rights and legal options.
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What Is a Personal Injury Attorney?A personal injury attorney is a legal professional who specializes in representing individuals who have suffered physical, psychological, or emotional harm as a result of someone else's negligence, intentional actions, or wrongdoing. These attorneys provide legal representation and advocate for the rights of the injured party, seeking to obtain fair compensation for the losses and damages they have endured.
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MDL vs Class ActionThe hair relaxer lawsuit is an MDL, which is often confused with a class action lawsuit. Both legal filings are used to group plaintiffs with similar claims against the same Defendants for efficiency. But an MDL and a class action do have differences. MDL cases exist only in federal court while class action lawsuits can be filed in either state or federal court. MDLs are often used for people who suffer from similar injuries, like uterine cancer, but the extent of those injuries (hysterectomy, arduous treatment, suffering or death) differs from case to case. Class actions are generally used when the plaintiffs have experienced the same loses. In a class action, a representative group goes through the judicial processes together. An MDL consists of individually filed cases that are consolidated in one court.
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How Much Compensation Could I Receive?The compensation you're entitled to depends on the circumstances surrounding your case, such as: The level of exposure to hair relaxers Long-term prognosis and seriousness of your illness The extent of pain and suffering If you experienced lost earning capacity caused by any disability that suffered as a result of exposure.
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Who Am I Suing?AFAN Concept, INC d/b/a JF Labs, Inc Avlon Industries Beauty Bell Enterprises LLC f/k/a House of Cheatem, Inc. Dabur International, Ltd. Dermoviva Skin Essentials, Inc. Godrej SON Holdings, Inc. House of Cheatham LLC L'Oreal USA, Inc L'Oreal USA Products, Inc Luster Products, Inc McBride Research Laboratories, Inc Namaste Laboratories LLC Revlon Consumer Products Corporation Revlon Group Holdings, LLC Revlon, Inc SoftSheen-Carson LLC Strength of Nature, LLC
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Where Is My Case Being Filed?All hair relaxer claims have been consolidated into an MDL (Multidistrict Litigation). An MDL aims to reduce the burden on the courts, make litigation more convenient and efficient, and speed up the process of handling lawsuits. The cases remain separate, but discovery, depositions and decisions about common factual issues are addressed at the same time. The hair relaxer class action litigation has been assigned to Judge Mary Rowland in the Northern District of Illinois in Chicago.
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Who Qualifies?If you used chemical hair relaxer products and developed ovarian cancer, uterine cancer or endometrial cancer, you may qualify to join the lawsuit.