February 2023 Update:

February 7, 2023 – More on New MDL

To follow up on the late update yesterday, the JPML agreed to centralize all hair relaxer lawsuits in federal courts into a new class action MDL. The new hair relaxer class action litigation has been assigned to Judge Mary Rowland in the Northern District of Illinois in Chicago. Judge Rowland spend several years as a Magistrate Judge in Chicago before being elevated to the federal bench in 2019 with strong bipartisan support. The new MDL starts out with around 60 total cases pending in federal courts across the country.

February 6, 2023 – Hair Relaxer MDL Approved

The hair straightener class action lawsuit was approved by the JPML Panel today.  All federal hair relaxer lawsuits with be housed in Illinois.

We will have more on this tomorrow.

February 5, 2023 – EPA Focuses on Hair Relaxer Chemicals

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will add certain phthalates, such as DINP, to its list of harmful toxic chemicals subject to increased regulations and reporting requirements. This is significant because DINP and other phthalates are chemicals in hair relaxer products that are believed to disrupt the hormone system and increase the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer. The EPA's decision to regulate these chemicals is based on evidence of their link to cancer.

2023 Update: Hair Relaxer Chemicals Linked to Uterine Cancer

Women who used chemical hair straightening or relaxer products frequently (more than four times in the last year) may have twice the risk of developing uterine cancer compared to those who didn't use the products, according to a new study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

While uterine cancer may only account for 3% of cancer diagnoses each year, studies have shown that the rates for this cancer are rising — particularly among Black women — with 65,950 new total cases estimated in 2022.

Approximately 60% of the participants who claimed to use hair straighteners in the study identified as Black women.

“Because Black women use hair straightening or relaxer products more frequently and tend to initiate use at earlier ages than other races and ethnicities, these findings may be even more relevant for them.”
– Che-Jung Chang, Ph.D., an Author on the New Study

Historically, hair straightening and relaxer products were intentionally marketed toward communities of color as a way of achieving an unfair Eurocentric beauty standard.

In a 2019 study, researchers found that women who used hair straighteners every 5-8 weeks were nearly 30% more likely to develop breast cancer as well.

At Boling Law Firm, we know the pain and suffering that people experience when injuries and injustice occur. We have a long track record of holding those responsible for that suffering accountable.

Lawsuits have already been filed against L'Oréal and other hair straightener manufacturers, and there's still time for you to take action if you or a loved one were diagnosed with uterine cancer.

Uterine Cancer Signs & Symptoms

It's important to speak to your health care provider as soon as possible if you notice any of these uterine cancer symptoms:

• Cramping or pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area below your belly
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods before menopause
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting postmenopause to any degree
• Very frequent, heavy, or prolonged vaginal bleeding over the age of 40
• White or clear vaginal discharge in postmenopausal women

If you used hair relaxers and were later diagnosed with uterine cancer, you may be eligible to pursue compensation from a chemical hair straightening lawsuit.

Who Can File a Chemical Hair Straightener Lawsuit?

You may be able to file a chemical hair straightener lawsuit if you:

• Used chemical hair straightening products or relaxers
• Were later diagnosed with breast, endometrial, endometriosis, uterine fibroids or uterine cancer

Not sure if you have a case? Simply call 1-800-799-7914 or fill out our contact form to find out your legal options for free.

Filing a Chemical Hair Relaxer Lawsuit

When a product is put on the market, it should be safe for consumers to use — but sadly, that's not always the case.

By filing a chemical hair straightener lawsuit, you can take a stand against the companies that made these products and seek compensation that can help pay for your medical treatment.

At Sokolove Law, we understand how difficult this situation must be for you and your family. Our attorneys work to make the legal process as stress-free as possible for you by handling every step on your behalf.

This process generally involves your hair straightener lawyers and legal team:

• Confirming your case qualifies for legal action
• Building your case by collecting evidence, like medical records and testimony
• Filing your hair straightener claim within any legal deadlines
• Negotiating a hair straightener lawsuit settlement with the defendant(s)
• Pursuing a verdict during a trial in court

Chemical Hair Straightener Settlements & Verdicts

Filing a chemical hair relaxer lawsuit can result in compensation in one of two potential ways:

• Hair Straightener Settlements: When your legal team and the defendant(s) can agree to an amount of compensation for your injuries, it's known as a hair straightener settlement.
• Trial Verdicts: If a hair straightener settlement isn't reached, your case may proceed to a trial in court, where a judge or jury will hear the claim and decide the outcome.

Our chemical hair straightener lawyers will fight hard to get you everything you're entitled to. Contact us now to get started.

Not every attorney or law firm has the experience and resources needed to take legal action against several large cosmetic companies at the same time. These companies often employ powerful legal teams of their own that may try to protect their profits and shield themselves from liability if possible.

At Boling Law Firm, our attorneys fight to level the playing field between victims and the institutions or companies that harmed them.