Hair Relaxer Settlement and Payouts

What Factors Can Affect a Hair Relaxer Cash Settlement?

Several key factors can influence the cash settlement amount in a hair relaxer lawsuit. These include the following:

• Disease type: The specific illness developed from chemical hair relaxers, such as uterine or ovarian cancer, is crucial.
• Severity of the illness: More severe cases typically warrant higher compensation.
• Impact on employment: If the illness prevents you from working, this could affect the settlement.
• Pain and suffering: The extent of physical and emotional distress caused by the disease.
• Cancer stage: The stage at which the cancer was diagnosed plays a role.
• Number of manufacturers involved: The involvement of multiple hair relaxer manufacturers might increase the settlement.
• Multiple diseases: Developing more than one disease due to hair relaxer use could also impact the amount.
• Duration of use: The length of time you used the toxic hair relaxers.

Each case is unique, and these factors collectively determine the potential settlement amount.

What Health Concerns and Alleged Risks Are Associated With Hair Relaxers?

Hair relaxer products, commonly used to straighten and manage curly or coily hair, have come under scrutiny for their potential health risks. Allegations include the following:

• Cancer risk: Numerous lawsuits claim a link between hair relaxers and an increased risk of developing various types of cancer, particularly breast and uterine cancer.
• Scalp injuries: Reports of chemical burns, scalp irritation, and other injuries caused by the harsh chemicals in these products.
• Hormonal disruption: Concerns over ingredients that may act as endocrine disruptors, potentially leading to reproductive health issues.

Hair loss and breakage: Instances of severe hair damage, including hair loss and breakage, are attributed to the chemical composition of relaxers.

What is the Legal Process for a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?

Navigating the legal landscape of hair relaxer lawsuits involves several key steps and considerations. Consider the following stages below:

1. Seeking legal advice: Individuals who believe hair relaxers have harmed them should consult with a lawyer specializing in product liability or personal injury law.
2. Case evaluation: The lawyer will evaluate the case, examining medical records, product usage, and potential causal links between the product and alleged injuries.
3. Joining a lawsuit: If the case is deemed viable, plaintiffs may join an existing class action lawsuit or file an individual claim.
4. Discovery process: Involves gathering evidence, including expert testimonies, scientific studies, and internal company documents.
5. Settlement discussions: Many of these cases may be settled out of court. Lawyers negotiate with defendants to reach a settlement that compensates for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
6. Trial preparation: If a settlement isn’t reached, the case may go to trial. Lawyers will prepare arguments, gather witness testimonies, and strategize for court proceedings.
7. Continual communication: Throughout the process, effective communication between the lawyer and client is crucial for updates, decision-making, and understanding the progress of the case.
8. Potential appeal process: In case of an unfavorable outcome, there might be an option to appeal the decision.

Understanding these steps can help potential plaintiffs make informed decisions about their legal options in pursuing justice and compensation.

Latest Developments in the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit

As of November 2023, the hair relaxer class action MDL (Multidistrict Litigation) has seen a surge in ongoing hair relaxer lawsuits. Approximately 500 new cases have been added weekly since late August. This trend continued over the past month, with 1,971 new cases joining the MDL, bringing the total to 7,967.

Recently, Judge Mary Rowland affirmed the viability of the core allegations against defendants, including L’Oreal USA and Revlon, in the relaxer class action lawsuit. The court largely overruled the defendants’ motions to dismiss, allowing most of the plaintiffs’ claims, ranging from negligence to warranty breaches, to proceed.

This development aligns with previous expectations and validates the judge’s perspective on these hair relaxer cancer cases.