Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Settlements
Using chemical hair straightening products has been linked to an increased risk of uterine cancer and other serious health conditions. Lawsuits alleging damages have been filed throughout the United States seeking compensation for damages.
Why Are Women Filing Hair Relaxer Lawsuits?
An NIH study reported that women had a higher risk of developing uterine cancer when they used hair straighteners. Frequent use of chemical hair relaxers doubled the risk of uterine cancer. African-American women had a higher risk because they use hair relaxers more often.
Prior studies found that the use of hair relaxers increased the risk of hormone-related cancers in women. Therefore, other types of cancer could be associated with the prolonged use of chemical hair relaxers.
Women are filing lawsuits seeking compensation for their injuries and damages. The lawsuits allege several causes of action, including failure to warn consumers about the dangers of using hair relaxers.
Hair Relaxer Cases Have Not Reached Settlement Yet
As of this date, no settlements for hair relaxer lawsuits have been made. None of the lawsuits have gone to trial. Therefore, estimating the average settlement for a hair relaxer lawsuit is difficult.
Settlements in previous product liability lawsuits range from hundreds of thousands of dollars to multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. The facts and circumstances of the cases determine how much a specific case is worth.
More than 50 lawsuits were consolidated by the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) proceeding. The cases were transferred from the state where they were filed to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
An MDL is not a class action lawsuit. Instead, the cases remain separate and are tried individually. However, the cases are combined for the discovery process and to hear pre-trial motions. Combining the cases during these phases moves the cases through the judicial process efficiently and cost-effectively.
Individual cases could settle before going to trial. Once the first cases settle or go to trial, the parties will better understand the value of hair relaxer lawsuits.
What Factors Are Used To Determine the Value of a Hair Relaxer Settlement or Lawsuit?
A hair relaxer verdict or settlement is the amount of money the defendants offer as compensation for the plaintiff’s damages. The legal teams for each party negotiate settlements. A settlement can occur at any time before a jury returns a verdict.
Many factors affect the amount of a hair relaxer lawsuit settlement. Factors the parties consider include, but are not limited to:
- The specific health problems suffered as a result of using a hair relaxer
- The total of past medical bills and lost wages
- The anticipated future cost of loss of income and earning capacity
- The cost of ongoing medical treatment and care
- The cost of funeral expenses, if applicable
- The strength of the evidence proving fault by the defendants
- The severity of the injuries sustained and how the injuries impact the person’s life
Our chemical hair relaxer lawyers at Rosen Injury Lawyers fight to recover the maximum compensation for your case. We carefully analyze all factors that impact how much your case is worth and the potential value of damages for settlement.
What Types of Damages Could Victims Receive for Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Settlements?
Victims injured because of chemical hair straighteners can recover compensation for economic damages. Those damages could include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Past and future lost wages
- Skilled nursing care
- Assistance with household chores and personal care
- A decrease in future earning capacity
However, victims are not limited to reimbursement for their financial losses. They can also recover compensation for their non-economic damages. Those damages could include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Permanent impairments and disabling conditions
Attorneys will also review the facts of the case to determine if punitive damages are justified. Punitive damages are awarded against the defendants to “punish” them for their wrongdoing. However, the plaintiff receives the money nonetheless, which could be substantial in some cases.
Contact an Experienced Mass Torts Lawyer for Help With Your Case
If you want to know how much a hair relaxer lawsuit settlement could be if you were injured, contact a hair relaxer injury lawyer for a free consultation. An attorney evaluates your case to determine if your situation qualifies for a hair relaxer lawsuit. A defective product lawyer can also answer questions about settlements based on the specific facts of your case.
Keep in mind there are deadlines for filing hair relaxer lawsuits. The statutes of limitations vary by state. Therefore, seeking prompt legal advice can protect your right to file a lawsuit.