HAIR PRODUCT CANCER LAWSUIT

New research has found a concerning link between chemical hair products and some forms of cancer, such as Uterine and Endometrial cancer. Emerging information reveals that the chemicals used in hair products, such as permanent dyes and straighteners, are harmful after repeated exposures. Now, many individuals from across the country are looking to pursue legal action against the companies that make these products.

One recent study revealed that people regularly using a hair relaxer or straightener are much more likely to be diagnosed with uterine cancer in the future, compared to those who have never used similar products. These findings are worrisome because consumers should never have to worry about the safety of common products available on the market. Our law firm is keenly following the unfolding chemical hair product lawsuits to get a better understanding of the link between different hair products and illnesses such as cancer.

Stewart Miller Simmons and Rueb Stoller Daniel, LLP are joining forces to use their expertise to represent the people injured after the use of chemical hair products. With a strong set of common goals, Stewart Miller Simmons and Rueb Stoller Daniel, LLP will provide unmatched representation and understanding in the personal relationships and legal battles we and our clients will face together. Our firms are proud to have some of the most experienced and knowledgeable product liability lawyers in the country. If you or someone you know has cancer that may have been caused by one of these products, please contact us today to get the legal assistance you need.

Hair Straightener Product Defendants

Excess hormones such as progesterone and estrogen have been linked to uterine cancer in the past, and many hair products can trigger the production of these hormones in a woman’s body. Currently, U.S. Federal Law requires testing for estrogen receptor activity only when it comes to drinking water contaminants and pesticides. Hair products are omitted, and so companies have been able to put their dangerous products on the market with little to no oversight or regulation. Now, we are setting out to under whether the chemicals used in these beauty products are correlated with the existing cancer studies to establish the proper defendants for each case.

There already has been a lawsuit filed against cosmetic companies Namaste Laboratories, LLC., Dabur International, Soft Sheen/Carson Inc., Strength of Nature Global, and L’Oréal USA Products Inc., alleging that these companies failed to warn consumers that using their beauty products increased the risk of developing uterine cancer. The number of lawsuits likely increases considering there are over 65,000 cases of endometrial cancer diagnosed annually, of which 12,000 people die. Some of the companies that will be defendants in these cases are huge conglomerates, and the list of defendants that make similar products may become longer as more cases are recognized.

L’Oréal USA

L’Oréal is currently the world’s largest cosmetics company and has numerous beauty products including hair care, perfume, make-up, sun protection, skincare, and hair color. The company claims to offer men and women from across the world the best of perfume, hair care, and cosmetics in terms of safety, efficacy, and quality.

The lawsuit filed earlier this year by a 28-year-old woman was against L’Oréal and four other companies because it is believed that its products could increase their risk of developing uterine cancer.

Strength of Nature Global

Strength of Nature is a global hair care company with a wide range of brands, for all different hair types and styles. The company is headquartered in Savannah, Georgia, and specializes in making hair conditioners, shampoos, oils, relaxers, and other related products. The company has been identified as a fast-rising world leader in the multicultural hair industry that targets Black and African American women.

Soft Sheen/Carson Inc.

Soft Sheen/Carson Inc. makes and promotes ethnic skin and hair care products for Black women. The company sells its products in the U.S., as well as in many other countries across the globe. Soft Sheen/Carson products are sold under brand names like Magic Shave, and Dark & Lovely. Its range of hair straighteners and relaxers has been popular among Black women for many years.

Dabur International

Dabur International is a global cosmetics company that has gained huge popularity in recent years. The company offers a wide range of hair care products that trade under the brand name Dabur Amla Hair Care. Some of their main products include leave-on oils, hair serums, shampoo replacement, hot oil treatments, hair creams, conditioners, shampoos, hair oils, and other related products.

Namaste Laboratories LLC.

Namaste Laboratories LLC manufactures skin and hair care products for different target audiences. The company offers remedies and products for the renewal and healing of the body, skin, and hair. Namaste Laboratories provides a wide variety of products including hair grease, shampoos, oils, relaxers, and more. Namaste Laboratories mainly sells its products in the United States.

Injuries Caused by the Use of Chemical Hair Products

Studies have revealed that many permanent dyes and hair straightening products tend to be harsher than other cosmetic products because they are required to break down the structure of human hair to achieve the desired state or form. The injuries associated with the chemical dye and straightener hair products are often caused by hormonal disruptions, which have led scientists to believe these products may increase a person’s risk of being diagnosed with cancer.

The following types of cancers are being studied to establish if they may be caused by the use of hair straightening products:

Uterine Cancer

There are two primary types of uterine cancer: endometrial cancer, which is more common, and uterine sarcoma, which is rare. In endometrial cancer, cancer cells form in the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus. An NIH (National Institute of Health) study has revealed that women who use chemical hair relaxing or straightening products have a higher risk of developing uterine cancer. It is from these findings that a specific link was identified between uterine cancer and different hair straightening products.

Over 65,000 women are diagnosed with uterine cancer in the United States every year. This cancer is typically diagnosed in the latter years of one’s life, with the mean age of patients being 61 years. Alarmingly, the occurrence of uterine cancer among black women is double that of white women. On top of this, black women who have been diagnosed with uterine cancer usually have a poorer prognosis when compared to women with other racial backgrounds.

It’s important to note that the 5-year survival rate for women diagnosed with uterine cancer is 82%. The 5-year survival rates for black and white women with this illness are 63% and 84%, respectively. Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with more severe uterine cancer, which has lower survival rates. A recent report even went as far as to state that Black women die of uterine cancer at twice the rate of White women. These figures are alarming to say the least!

Some uterine cancer symptoms include:

• Clear or white vaginal discharge in postmenopausal women
• Prolonged, heavy or frequent vaginal bleeding over the age of 40
• Vaginal spotting or bleeding post-menopause to any degree
• Vaginal spotting or bleeding between periods before menopause
• Pain or cramping in the pelvic area or lower abdomen below your belly

Dye and Straightener Cancer Lawsuits

When a consumer product is put on the market – a manufacturer must ensure that it is safe for use by all. However, certain companies often fail to meet that standard. Filing a lawsuit related to chemical hair product use helps us take a stand against the companies that manufacture these products and allows you to seek monetary damages to compensate you for medical bills, loss of income, along with your physical and mental suffering.

At Stewart Miller Simmons and Rueb Stoller Daniel, LLP, we know how difficult this situation must be for you and your loved ones. Our lawyers strive to make the legal process easy and convenient for you by handling every stage of the lawsuit from evaluating your case to delivering the compensation you deserve.

The typical legal process in product liability lawsuits like these includes:

• Confirming whether your case qualifies for legal action.
• Building your case by gathering evidence, such as testimony and medical records.
• Filing your lawsuit within the statutes of limitations.
• Negotiating a fair settlement with the defendant(s).
• Pursuing a verdict during a trial in court.

Dye and Straightener Lawsuit Verdicts and Settlements

Our lawyers can secure you compensation in two ways:

USE OF PRODUCT

• Minimum Use: 4 times per year duration:
• Greater than 2 years, and 5+ years preferred
• Usage also occurs in the year immediately preceding the cancer diagnosis
• If discontinued use years prior to diagnosis, then usage should be greater than 5 years

• Settlement: This happens when our lawyers and the defendant(s) agree on a reasonable and fair settlement for your injuries.
• Trial Verdict: If a settlement between the two parties cannot be reached, your case may go to trial, where a jury or judge will listen to the arguments and decide the final outcome.

Talk to Our Attorneys at Stewart Miller Simmons Today!

Contact Stewart Miller Simmons through our partnership with Rueb Stoller Daniel, LLP at 1 800-788-3311 now if you used a hair straightener or permanent dye product in the past and later received a uterine, endometrial cancer diagnosis. There may be a direct link, and you may be owed compensation by the manufacturers of these products that failed to warn consumers of the potential risks and dangers.