Hair Relaxer Lawsuit: Causes, Settlements, and Complications

Cause of the Lawsuit

Hair relaxer lawsuits involve claims that the use of chemical hair relaxers can lead to serious health issues, including cancers such as uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. These health risks have been linked to the ingredients in these products, particularly lye and non-lye relaxers, which contain a variety of chemicals such as formaldehyde, phthalates, and parabens. Studies have suggested that prolonged exposure to these chemicals, especially with repeated use, may increase the risk of developing cancer and other reproductive health issues.

The lawsuits allege that manufacturers failed to properly warn consumers about the potential risks associated with long-term use of their hair relaxer products. Women, particularly African American women who have historically used hair relaxers, have been the primary group affected by these lawsuits.

Recent Notable Settlements and Payouts

1. $1.5 Billion Settlement (March 2024)
   One of the most significant settlements in hair relaxer litigation came in early 2024, when L'Oréal and other companies agreed to settle thousands of lawsuits for a total of $1.5 billion. This settlement will resolve claims filed by women who developed uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and other health problems after prolonged use of hair relaxers. The settlement covers victims who have used certain hair relaxer brands and suffered cancer-related complications.
   The settlement includes compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages. The final payouts will depend on the severity of the health issues experienced by each claimant.
   Reuters

2. $200 Million Award (2023)
   In 2023, a $200 million jury verdict was awarded to a woman who developed uterine cancer after using hair relaxers for several years. This case marked one of the highest jury awards for hair relaxer lawsuits. The woman had used chemical relaxers for over a decade and was diagnosed with cancer shortly after prolonged exposure. The jury found the manufacturer liable for failing to warn consumers about the risks.
   NBC News

3. $50 Million Settlement (2022)
   In 2022, a significant settlement was reached for a group of women who had used hair relaxers and developed ovarian cancer. The lawsuit accused multiple hair care product manufacturers of failing to adequately warn consumers about the dangers of their products. The $50 million settlement aimed to compensate women who had developed various types of cancers linked to the use of these chemical relaxers.
   Consumer Reports

Complications and Ongoing Litigation

The main complications linked to hair relaxer use include:

• Cancer: The most common cancers associated with hair relaxers are uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. Some studies have found a significant correlation between the use of hair relaxers and these types of cancers, especially with frequent use over many years.

• Reproductive issues: Some studies have suggested that chemicals in hair relaxers could impact fertility, potentially leading to complications with conception or pregnancy.

• Hormonal disruption: Many of the chemicals used in hair relaxers, including phthalates and parabens, are endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with hormone levels and may cause long-term health problems.

In addition to cancer, hair relaxers have been linked to other health problems, including respiratory issues, skin irritation, and allergic reactions. The long-term exposure to the chemicals in these products, especially in women who regularly use them, has led to thousands of lawsuits against hair relaxer manufacturers.

Average Payouts and Factors Influencing Settlement Amounts

• Average Settlement Amounts: While specific settlements vary, estimates suggest that the average payout in hair relaxer lawsuits ranges from $50,000 to $100,000, depending on the severity of the health condition. In cases where the plaintiff has developed cancer or requires extensive medical treatment, settlements may exceed $1 million.

• Factors Influencing Payouts:

  • Severity of injury: Cancer cases, particularly uterine and ovarian cancer, can result in larger payouts due to the severity of the illness and its long-term impact on the victim’s life.

  • Medical expenses: High medical costs for treatment, surgery, and other care related to the health condition caused by the hair relaxer may increase the settlement value.

  • Lost wages: If the victim is unable to work due to their illness, this could be factored into the settlement.

  • Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional toll of the health issues caused by hair relaxer use can influence the settlement amount.

Conclusion

Hair relaxer lawsuits have resulted in significant settlements and verdicts, with some plaintiffs receiving millions of dollars for their health issues caused by the use of these chemical hair products. The cases highlight the dangers associated with prolonged exposure to hair relaxer chemicals and the failure of manufacturers to adequately warn consumers about the risks. As the litigation continues, more women are coming forward with claims, and settlements are expected to grow in both number and value. If you or someone you know has suffered health issues after using hair relaxers, it is crucial to consult with a legal professional to explore your options for compensation.