Recently, many of the mainstream media have documented the dangers of chemical hair relaxers. The source of this information was a government-funded study that documented a disturbing link between chemical hair straighteners and cancer. As soon as this information became public, many women realized that they may have the right to sue the manufacturers of these hair products. Now there are many lawsuits against the manufacturers of hair straightening products.
Read on to learn more about the link between chemical hair relaxers and cancer.
Study Shows Chemical Hair Straighteners May Cause Cancer
A study by the National Institutes of Health, better known as NIH, found a link between the frequent use of hair straighteners and uterine cancer. Women who use hair straightening products at least four times a year have a much higher rate of uterine cancer than those who do not use hair straightening products. These women may also be more prone to developing breast cancer. Of note, black women are the most likely to use hair straighteners, and black women also have the highest incidence of uterine cancer. While this revelation is certainly disturbing, women who develop uterine cancer from chemical hair straightening products can still find justice.
Manufacturers may be responsible
Manufacturers have a legal responsibility to ensure that dangerous products are not released. If they release dangerous products, the people affected by those products may have the right to sue. This type of claim is commonly known as a product liability claim. These lawsuits can focus on three possible damages:
Negligence
Breach of warranty
strict obligation
Product liability claims can even accuse a manufacturer of more than one type of wrongdoing. However, most of the time, manufacturer’s liability claims accuse the manufacturer of negligence.
Jennifer Mitchell was the first to sue
Shortly after the NIH study was published, Jennifer Mitchell became the first woman to file a hair straightening lawsuit. She filed suit in the US Federal Court for the Northern District of Illinois. It is important to note that the lawsuit was filed in federal court and not in state or district court. This is due to the fact that the manufacturer allegedly violated federal laws.
Women who got uterine cancer from chemical hair straighteners can file lawsuits
Many women filed lawsuits shortly after Mitchell filed hers. Any woman whose uterine cancer is caused by hair straighteners could be subject to legal action. For women in this situation, it is best to consult with a personal injury lawyer. Personal injury attorneys who specialize in product liability cases can help further, as product liability is a complex area of law. As with any legal case, it is important to find an attorney who has successfully represented clients in very similar cases. This will give you the best chance of success with her outfit.
