If you, a friend or a loved one has been using hair relaxer and have developed cancer you may qualify to file a Florida hair relaxer lawsuit.ย The makers of these products should be held accountable for any damages they may have caused.ย Distasio Law Firm is here to help.ย Call our dedicated mass torts lawyers today to get your case started.ย Potential injuries include:
- Uterine Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Endometrial Cancer/endometriosis
- Uterine Fibroids
Hair Relaxer Lawsuit and Cancer
The Journal of the National Cancer Institute recently discovered there is an increased risk of uterine cancer for those that use hair straightening chemicals or hair relaxers.ย Their study lasted over 10 years and looked at how often women that frequently used hair straighteners and relaxers developed cancer vs. women that never used them.ย ย The study concluded that people that use these products were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer compared to people that do not use these products.ย People that use these products frequently had an even higher risk of developing some form of uterine cancer.ย According to the study, frequent users treat their hair with a hair relaxer product at least 4 times per year.ย The study also determined that black women have a much greater risk of developing endometrial cancer, which is the most common type of uterine cancer.ย This may be because black women are much more likely to use hair relaxers.
As a result of this study, hair relaxer lawyers at Distasio Law Firm are committed to holding any company that is legally responsible for causing cancer accountable for damages they have caused.
What Chemicals in Hair Relaxer Cause Cancer?
Many hair straightening products contain substances called endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCโs).ย They get their name because they disrupt or alter the functions of the human endocrine system which controls production of certain hormones.ย Disruption of the endocrine system is known to cause cancer. The endocrine disrupters commonly used in hair relaxer products include phthalates, parabens, and fragrances. Many of these chemicals mimic the hormone estrogen.ย An over production of estrogen is known to cause cancer.
Are Companies Aware They Are Selling Products That May Cause Cancer?
Consumers should not have to research product ingredients to ensure their safety.ย Instead, consumers have the right to expect that if a company is putting a hair product on the market that it is safe to use.ย Unfortunately, it does not appear hair straightener products and the companies that sell them live up to this expectation.
The association between EDCโs and cancer has been known for a while.ย So, it seems likely that cosmetic companies that sell hair relaxers with EDCโs in them knew the risk they were creating for people that use their products.ย But they sold them anyway.ย A hair relaxer lawsuit may be the only way to hold these companies accountable for their actions, make them stop using ingredients that may cause cancer, and compensate injured consumers for their damages.ย Our hair relaxer attorneys are committed to this litigation.
Are Black Women More Likely to Be Affected?
The studies show that black women are much more likely to develop uterine cancer than white women.ย Until recently, it was not known why. The answer just may be the use of hair relaxers.ย Black women are much more likely to use hair relaxer products containing endocrine disrupter chemicals.ย Since these EDCโs are linked to cancer, many researchers are concluding the hair relaxers are causing the increase in cancer among black women.
What Products May Qualify?
Any hair relaxer product that includes EDCโs may qualify.ย For many many years, companies like LโOreal USA, Inc have marketed their products to black women as a way to straighten their hair.ย Other products and companies that might qualify include brands like Optimum Care, Motions, Soft & Beautiful, Dark & Lovely, Crรจme of Nature, Carson Soft Sheen, Just for Me, and Olive Oil.ย But the brand itself really does not matter.ย It also does not matter if the hair relaxer was purchased at a store or online or whether the hair relaxer was used at home or at a solon.ย The only thing that matters is that the hair relaxer was used on a regular basis and the user developed cancer.
What Is A Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Claim Worth?
It is way to early to tell how much compensation someone can receive.ย That will depend on the type of cancer and what long term effects the cancer caused. However typical economic or financial damages include past medical expense, future medical expenses, lost wage, and loss of earning capacity.ย Typical damages for the human losses include compensation for pain and suffering, mental anguish, disability, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.ย If the cancer causes death, wrongful death damages include compensation to survivors for loss of companionship and mental pain and suffering.
How Much Do Hair Relaxer Lawyers Charge?
At Distasio Law Firm we know injured people cannot afford to pay an attorney up front.ย That is why we work on a contingency fee.ย This means we do not get paid unless there is a recovery.ย We are paid out of any recovery we receive.ย So call us for a free consultation.