Hair Relaxer Injury Lawyer
Have you used hair relaxers and straightening products for a long period of time and have since been diagnosed with cancer? If so, contact The Embry Law Firm today. Our firm is currently reviewing cases involving hair relaxers and cancer, as well as other consequences of commonly used hair straightening products.
If you have used hair relaxers and have a diagnosis of cancer or other major illnesses, The Embry Law Firm wants to speak with you!
Hair Relaxer Injury Lawsuit Information
Millions of Black women use hair relaxers and straightening products to achieve their desired style. New scientific research in JAMA Dermatology shows that there is a link between these products and certain illnesses and cancers. Women who have used hair relaxers for a long period of time and have since been diagnosed with cancer are now filing lawsuits against product manufacturers.
Hundreds of cases have already been filed by women who have been diagnosed with:
- Uterine Cancer
- Endometrial Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Uterine Fibroids
- Endometriosis
Research from the National Institutes of Health shows that women who have used hair relaxers for five years or longer have a more than 40% greater chance of developing uterine cancer, compared to women who have never used hair relaxers. The research was done over a 10-year period and involved more than five million women.
Uterine cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women. There is a disparity in the rate of uterine cancer among Black women as opposed to White women. The incidence rate is twice as high among Black women than White women.
What Products are Named in Hair Relaxer Lawsuits?
A variety of women’s hair relaxer products are already named in lawsuits. Some of the most well-known products involved in this litigation include:
- Dark & Lovely
- ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer
- Just for Me
- Cantu Shea Butter Relaxer
- Motions
These are not the only products that may be responsible for causing illnesses and cancer. These are just some of the more widely-used products currently involved in hair relaxer lawsuits. The Embry Law Firm is also reviewing cases involving hair straightening products that may contain similar chemicals.
How Do Hair Relaxers Cause Cancer?
Scientific research shows that hair relaxers contain harmful chemicals called endocrine-disrupting chemicals, or EDCs. Examples of EDCs include:
- Pthalates
- Phthalatroll
- DEHP (Di-2-ethyl hexyl phthalate)
- Lead
- Cadmium
- Bisphenol A (BPA)
- Glyphosate
EDCs interfere with hormone receptors and disrupt the body’s endocrine system. As a result, the body cannot properly regulate hormones, metabolism, or growth of abnormal (cancerous) cells. Many of these chemicals are also considered probable human carcinogens on their own, which means they have the potential to cause cancer.
Unfortunately, the government has little oversight on the manufacturing of products like hair relaxers and straighteners, which puts consumers at risk. Even current labeling guidelines do not require listing individual ingredients on cosmetic products, which means harmful chemicals like phthalates may not be listed on the product label at all. As a result, consumers are unknowingly exposing themselves to potentially life-altering or life-threatening chemicals.
Current Status of Hair Relaxer Lawsuits
Just weeks after research correlating hair relaxers to cancer was published, lawsuits began to be filed. Since that time, numerous other lawsuits have been filed, and there is the potential for this to become one of the largest mass tort litigations in the United States.
In January 2023, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) will hear the Motion and decide if hair relaxer lawsuits should be consolidated into MDL. If that happens, all hair relaxer lawsuits will be consolidated into the same court, regardless of where the case originates. Currently, cases are being filed and considered across the U.S.
Contact a Hair Relaxer Injury Lawyer
If you or someone you love has developed cancer after using hair relaxers, call The Embry Law Firm today. Our personal injury lawyers are passionate about addressing the issues facing Black and Brown women who are disproportionately affected by dangerous products such as hair relaxers.
Get a free consultation to see if you qualify for a hair relaxer lawsuit. We will fight aggressively to defend your rights and see those responsible held accountable.
