Detroit Hair Straighteners & Uterine Cancer Lawyers

Compensation for Hair Relaxers Causing Cancer: What You Need to Know

Hair relaxers have been a popular hair care product for many years. They promise to make hair more manageable and smoother, but they also come with risks. Some hair relaxers have been linked to cancer; and if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after using a hair relaxer, you may be entitled to compensation. Those who use these products most often are those most at risk. Many African American women have used hair relaxers for years, stretching back to their youth. This prolonged use of potentially dangerous products means the threat of cancer is ever-present. In this article, we’ll discuss the compensation available for those who have suffered harm from hair relaxers.

Understanding the Risks of Hair Relaxers: Uterine Cancer

Hair relaxers are products that chemically alter the structure of hair. They often contain harsh chemicals such as sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide that break down the hair’s natural bonds and straighten it. The chemicals in hair relaxers can cause scalp burns, hair breakage, and damage to the hair follicles. In some cases, hair relaxers can even cause hair loss.

The most significant risk associated with hair relaxers, however, is the potential link to cancer. Several studies have found that women who use hair relaxers regularly are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. One study found that women who used hair relaxers every five to eight weeks had a 30% higher risk of developing breast cancer than women who did not use hair relaxers.

While most people are aware of the risks associated with using these products on their hair and scalp, many are unaware of the potential dangers they can pose to other parts of the body. One such danger is the link between hair products and uterine cancer. Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that affects the uterus, or the womb, and is most common in women over the age of 50.

Research has shown that certain chemicals found in hair products can increase the risk of developing uterine cancer. These chemicals, known as endocrine disruptors, interfere with the body’s hormonal balance, which can lead to the growth of cancer cells.

One of the most common endocrine disruptors found in hair products is a chemical called phthalates. Phthalates are used in a variety of products, including hair sprays, shampoos, and perfumes, and have been linked to a number of health issues, including cancer.

Another chemical commonly found in hair products is formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is used as a preservative in many hair products, including some hair straighteners and keratin treatments. Exposure to formaldehyde has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including uterine cancer.

Compensation Available for Hair Relaxer-Related Cancer

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after using a hair relaxer, you may be entitled to compensation. Compensation may be available for several types of harm caused by hair relaxers, including:

• Medical Expenses: You may be able to recover the cost of medical expenses related to your cancer diagnosis and treatment. This can include the cost of doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and other medical treatments.
• Lost Wages: If your cancer diagnosis has caused you to miss work, you may be able to recover lost wages. This can include past and future lost wages if you are unable to work due to your cancer.
• Pain and Suffering: You may be entitled to compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your cancer diagnosis and treatment.
• Wrongful Death: If a loved one has died as a result of using a hair relaxer which may have ended up causing cancer, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. This can provide compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and other damages.

It is important to note, however, that in order to be entitled for compensation, and to recover any sort of damages you may have suffered, you need to be able to prove your case. You will have to directly attribute the damages suffered to the use of the hair product.

Proving Your Case

To pursue a legal claim, you will need to prove that your use of a hair relaxer was the direct cause of your cancer. This can be a challenging process that requires the assistance of an experienced attorney. An attorney can help you gather evidence, build your case, and navigate the legal system.

Many of these cases allege that the manufacturers of hair relaxers failed to adequately warn consumers of the risks associated with these products and that they knowingly exposed users to dangerous chemicals.

In addition to compensation for medical expenses and other damages, these cases also serve as a way to hold the manufacturers accountable for their actions and to raise awareness about the potential dangers of hair relaxers.

It’s essential to speak with an attorney as soon as possible if you suspect that your cancer was caused by a hair relaxer. Each state has a statute of limitations that limits the amount of time you have to file a claim. Missing this deadline could mean losing your chance to seek compensation.

How Much Compensation Can You Receive for Your Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?

The amount of compensation available for hair relaxer-related cancer will depend on several factors, including the severity of your cancer and the damages you have suffered. A skilled attorney can help you determine the value of your claim and negotiate a settlement that provides fair compensation.

For example, in 2020, a landmark case was settled in which a woman was awarded $120 million in damages after she developed ovarian cancer from using Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder. The court found that the company knew for decades that its talcum powder was linked to cancer but failed to warn consumers of the risks. This case demonstrates the significant compensation that can be available in cases of product liability and harm caused by a product.

Compensation for hair relaxer-related cancer can include both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses. Non-economic damages include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

In addition to compensatory damages, punitive damages may also be available in some cases. Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant for their actions and deter others from engaging in similar behavior. These damages are typically only awarded in cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or reckless.

Working with an Attorney to Set Up a Lawsuit Relating to the Damaging Use of Hair Straightener Products

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after using a hair relaxer, it’s important to speak with an attorney who has experience with product liability cases. Our team at Goodman Acker knows some manufacturers of hair relaxers have a long history of targeting African American women and girls with their marketing campaigns. The manufacturers have a duty to sell products that are safe to use, especially long-term. Our skilled attorneys can help you navigate the legal system and build a strong case for compensation.

When choosing an attorney to represent you in your hair relaxer case, it’s important to look for someone who has a track record of success in product liability cases. We at Goodman Acker have a proven track record of success in such cases. We understand their complexity and what it takes to prove that a company’s negligence may have caused your cancer. With over 150 years of experience and a 99% success rate, we will be sure to provide the best legal care possible.

The firm also offers a no-fee guarantee, which means that clients only pay if they win their case. This ensures that clients can pursue justice and compensation without worrying about the financial burden of legal fees. We are familiar with the scientific research on hair relaxers and cancer and will work with medical experts to build a strong case.

Your attorney at Goodman Acker will work with you to gather evidence, including medical records, product packaging, and other documentation that can help establish a link between your cancer and the hair relaxer. They will also negotiate with the defendant’s attorneys and insurance companies to seek a fair settlement or take your case to court if necessary.

One of the key aspects that sets us at Goodman Acker apart from other law firms is our dedication to client communication. The attorneys at Goodman Acker understand that going through a legal battle can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, and we make it a priority to keep clients informed and updated throughout the entire process.

Contact Our Detroit Hair Straighteners and Uterine Cancer Lawyers at Goodman Acker

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after using a hair relaxer, you may be entitled to compensation. Hair relaxers have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, including uterine cancer, and those who have suffered harm may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Our hair straightener attorneys understand that cancer can turn your life upside down, and it affects your family, too. When you find out that a product you may have used for years because you thought it was safe is actually a danger, you deserve justice. Our lawyers are prepared to fight fiercely for you and your family so that you get the full compensation you deserve. Let us handle the legal work so you can focus on getting better.

Working with an experienced attorney is essential in these cases. An attorney can help you build a strong case, gather evidence, and negotiate with the defendant’s attorneys and insurance companies to seek fair compensation.

If you suspect that your cancer was caused by a hair relaxer, it’s important to speak with an attorney at Goodman Acker as soon as possible to protect your rights and seek justice. Contact us at 248-286-8100 to set up your first free consultation to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY BARRY J. GOODMAN

Barry J. Goodman has devoted his professional life to keeping courthouse doors open for victims seeking justice. Always a tireless advocate for his own clients, Goodman sees his responsibility as a Detroit personal injury attorney in a broader sense as well. [ Attorney Bio ]