Hair relaxers are chemical products commonly used to straighten curly or tightly coiled hair. However, many hair relaxer products contain harsh chemicals, such as sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide, which can cause severe burns, scalp damage, hair loss, and other health issues.
Hair relaxer lawsuits allege that manufacturers of these products have failed to adequately warn consumers about the potential risks and side effects associated with their use. It is also alleged that manufacturers have negligently formulated and marketed these products without sufficient safety measures, putting consumers at risk of harm.
By pursuing a hair relaxer lawsuit, you can seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages resulting from your injuries. These lawsuits not only hold the manufacturers accountable for their actions but also contribute to raising awareness about the dangers of hair relaxer products and advocating for safer alternatives.
The number of lawsuits alleging that hair relaxers cause cancer and other health issues has risen substantially. Currently, there are 9,488 active cases consolidated in the multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, with a total of 11,211 cases filed.
A proposed class action seeking reimbursement for purchased hair relaxer products has been allowed to proceed. U.S. District Judge Mary Rowland largely denied the defendants’ motion to dismiss, enabling consumers to pursue claims for economic damages, punitive damages, and medical monitoring for increased cancer risks.
In October 2024, the ongoing litigation surrounding chemical hair relaxers continues to progress, with plaintiffs pursuing claims that these products contributed to serious health conditions, including various forms of cancer, uterine fibroids, and reproductive harm. Hair relaxer lawsuits target multiple manufacturers, alleging they failed to adequately warn consumers of the potential risks posed by prolonged use of their products, which often contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and phthalates. These cases aim to hold companies accountable for the alleged long-term health effects their products caused, particularly in women who have used these products extensively over time.
Key legal arguments in these lawsuits focus on alleged product defects, negligence, and failure to warn consumers of known risks. Plaintiffs argue that manufacturers were aware of scientific studies linking these chemicals to adverse health outcomes but neglected to take necessary steps to either reformulate their products or provide clear warnings. Some evidence presented in court proceedings includes data from studies that show higher incidences of certain cancers and reproductive health conditions in women who frequently use hair relaxers. Legal teams representing affected individuals aim to prove that the companies prioritized profit over consumer safety.
As the litigation advances, several cases are moving through discovery, and plaintiffs are awaiting decisions regarding potential class-action status or multidistrict litigation (MDL) consolidations, which could streamline the legal process and impact potential settlements. Those affected by health conditions potentially linked to chemical hair relaxers are encouraged to consult with legal professionals to understand their rights and evaluate their eligibility for compensation.
The hair relaxer multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Illinois has grown to 8,489 pending cases out of 9,799 filed, with no global settlements or trials concluded yet. Recent months have seen a slowdown in the addition of new cases, suggesting the surge phase may be over. A major development in early September was lead counsel challenging a court order that excluded state cases from contributing to an 11% common-benefit fee for lead counsel’s work.
The FDA is progressing towards a formaldehyde ban in hair relaxers, with implementation set for April 2025. This comes after concerns were raised about formaldehyde’s links to myeloid leukemia and other cancers, particularly in products aimed at Black women. Legal battles continue, including a failed attempt by L’Oréal and other companies to dismiss a Georgia state lawsuit in which plaintiffs allege toxic chemicals in hair relaxers caused serious health issues like uterine fibroids.
Key legal maneuvers include responses to motions to dismiss by companies such as John Paul Mitchell Systems, and the scheduling of bellwether trials for November 2025 and February 2026. These trials are expected to provide insights that could influence settlement talks. Meanwhile, plaintiffs have been filing short-form complaints to expedite the process, with the MDL now in a more procedural phase. It’s important to stay up to date with the ongoing litigation to ensure that you understand what the proper next steps are. If you feel your injuries were caused by chemicals due to using hair relaxer products, we will fight for you. You have a right to compensation and receiving quality care and we will continue to fight diligently as the litigation continues.
The number of active cases in the MDL has reached 7,946, with the litigation currently in the discovery phase. This phase involves ongoing debates about the scope of electronic document searches. The court is considering appointing a Special Master to oversee these discovery issues, though there is disagreement over the fee limits and the role’s necessity.
Revlon and other defendants are attempting to dismiss some of the lawsuits for procedural reasons, such as missed deadlines due to Revlon’s bankruptcy. Additionally, certain defendants are facing motions for sanctions due to inadequate responses during discovery, indicating tensions over the transparency and pace of the legal process.
A significant court hearing is scheduled for August 29, 2024, to address both procedural and substantive matters in these cases. This hearing could impact the direction of the lawsuits, particularly regarding the management of discovery and the role of the Special Master.
These updates reflect the complex nature of the litigation, involving thousands of plaintiffs and multiple defendants, with discovery disputes and procedural maneuvers playing a central role. The next steps in the legal process could shape how these cases proceed toward potential settlements or trials. The ongoing discovery disputes, procedural maneuvers, and upcoming court hearing underscore the importance of experienced legal counsel for plaintiffs navigating these cases.
The outcome of these proceedings will significantly impact the trajectory of the lawsuits and the potential for justice for the thousands of affected individuals. We will continue to fight to make sure that our clients receive the justice they deserve.
The Hair Relaxer MDL recorded a minimal increase, rising from 8,170 cases in June to 8,192 in the latest count.
This uptick can be attributed to two factors. Firstly, there has been a decrease in the number of victims seeking legal representation in recent months, resulting in fewer inquiries at our law firm compared to the spring. Additionally, there is a growing preference for filing these lawsuits in state courts, particularly in Illinois.
Selective Way Insurance is suing to avoid defending House of Cheatham, a defendant in a lawsuit alleging their hair relaxers cause cancer. The insurer argues a corporate restructuring by House of Cheatham voided their insurance coverage. House of Cheatham disagrees. This dispute impacts both sides of the lawsuit. Lawyers for plaintiffs want the insurance to cover House of Cheatham’s defense, potentially leading to bigger settlements for their clients. Defense lawyers want the insurance to cover their client’s costs. Insurance companies fight such claims to avoid large payouts.
L’Oréal, SoftSheen-Carson, and Strength of Nature lost an appeal to dismiss Kiara Burroughs’ lawsuit in Georgia. The Georgia Appeals Court ruled that her case could proceed with claims of fraud and negligence, remanding it back to the trial court for further rulings. This decision underscores the ongoing legal battles outside the main multidistrict litigation (MDL) in Illinois.
The MDL in the Northern District of Illinois continues to handle thousands of lawsuits. As of the latest updates, the discovery phase is ongoing, which is a critical part of gathering evidence for these cases. The MDL consolidates various individual lawsuits to streamline pretrial proceedings and potentially lead to settlements or trials.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a ban on formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in hair relaxers. This regulatory action reflects growing concerns about the safety of these products and their potential link to cancers such as uterine, ovarian, and endometrial cancers. Lawyers are still accepting new cases, expecting more individuals to come forward with claims related to the harmful effects of chemical hair relaxers. This ongoing influx of cases highlights the widespread impact and public health implications of these products.
Our focus is on making sure that that you receive the attention you need and a clear path forward, all without any upfront costs. Our no-cost, no-obligation consultation outlines the steps we will take to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
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