A new study from the National Institute of Health (NIH) found that applying hair relaxers more than four times per year doubles uterine cancer risk.
Other studies also discovered that regular hair relaxer use might cause uterine fibroids. Hysterectomy, a surgery that removes the uterus or part of it, is an effective treatment for these two conditions.
But considering a hysterectomy entails uterus removal, it logically impairs a person’s capacity to birth and renders one infertile.
Hysterectomies may also cause health complications, including urinary tract infections, heavy bleeding, and blood clots.
Women who need a hysterectomy due to uterine fibroids or uterine cancer caused by hair relaxers may suffer significant financial and emotional effects. They can thus file a hair relaxer lawsuit to seek compensation for their damages.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about a hysterectomy hair relaxer lawsuit and the possible settlement amount of these claims.
History of Hair Relaxers
Garrett A. Morgan developed the first permanent hair relaxer in the early 20th century. Morgan found that some chemicals used for needle cleaning in the garment industry flattened curly fibers.
He later used these chemicals to create the first hair straightener product. Morgan’s discovery made possible the development of chemical-based hair relaxer solutions.
The cosmetic industry presents hair relaxers or straighteners as lotions or creams. They sell the products to predominantly black and brown women to straighten their hair and make it more manageable.
These products are readily available and sold locally in beauty, drug, and grocery stores nationwide.
Hair relaxers work by intentionally mutilating the protein structure of the hair. The protein damage is what straightens and smoothens the hair.
Hair Relaxer Use Can Cause Uterine Cancer
Several women have pursued hair relaxer lawsuits thanks to the NIH study showing a link between hair relaxers and uterine cancer.
An NIH research published in October 2022 examined data gathered by the Sister Study, a research carried out by a division of the NIH to ascertain if the usage of hair products would result in unfavorable medical conditions.
In the Sister Study, female participants responded to yearly questionnaires about their usage of hair care products and overall health.
The NIH survey examined the data of 33,497 Sister Study participants. It discovered that the Sister Study recorded 378 uterine cancer incidences during the eleven years.
The researchers also found that a woman’s risk of uterine cancer doubles if she uses hair relaxers four or more times yearly.
Uterine cancer is a malignancy that affects the endometrium and myometrium. Severe pelvic and abdominal pain, unusual vaginal discharge, and vaginal bleeding are all possible symptoms of uterine cancer.
Consistent Hair Relaxer Use Can Cause Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are growths that develop in the uterus and are another side effect of hair relaxers.
According to a 2012 American Journal of Epidemiology report, hair relaxers may increase a woman’s risk of uterine fibroids.
Despite not being malignant, uterine fibroids can increase in size to that of watermelon and be quite painful.
Uterine fibroids can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, lower back pain, and constipation, among other symptoms. Most women need to undergo a hysterectomy to stop the recurrence of uterine fibroids.
Hysterectomy for Uterine Cancer and Uterine Fibroids Treatment
A hysterectomy, a surgical intervention involving removing the whole uterus or part of it, is one method of treating uterine cancer and fibroids.
The procedure eliminates the malignant cells that cause uterine cancer and prevents the recurrence of uterine fibroids.
But it is only used as a last option given its potential negative effects on a person’s capacity to become pregnant and overall health.
A hysterectomy takes away a woman’s ability to bear children. The procedure may necessitate the ejection of the cervix, ovaries, and other sections of the female reproductive organ, which may trigger the onset of menopause.
That may cause a woman to stop having periods and bring the menstrual cycle to an end. Other health complications associated with a hysterectomy include:
- Urinary tract infection
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Bowel blockage
- Infection
- Injury to nearby organs
Outcomes of Hysterectomy-Related Lawsuits
The damage associated with a hysterectomy has been the subject of numerous hair relaxer lawsuits. These past lawsuits can provide information regarding potential compensation to women who underwent hysterectomies due to uterine cancer or uterine fibroids linked to hair relaxers.
Below are a few examples of previous hysterectomies-related hair relaxer lawsuits:
- Brown vs. Simmons (New York 2022) $1,330,000: The complainant’s OB/GYN conducted a needless hysterectomy on the 32-year-old when they should have suggested a myomectomy procedure immediately to remove uterine fibroids.
- Hadley vs. Mercy Clinic (Oklahoma 2021) $7,669,636: The plaintiff underwent a hysterectomy because the defendant failed to detect her cervical cancer in time, which caused a treatment delay of two years.
- Montestersky vs. Uniontown Hosp. (Pennsylvania 2009) $2,300,000: The plaintiff, aged 18, needed a hysterectomy due to the defendant’s failure to diagnose her condition. Since the plaintiff had two kids, her award was less valuable.
- Burch vs. the U.S. (Florida 2006) $2,047,301: Negligent medical personnel failed to detect and manage the plaintiff’s endometriosis, leading to an otherwise avoidable hysterectomy.
- Thomas vs. Abdul-Malak (Pennsylvania 2006) $1,728,314: The claimant experienced a premature membrane rupture at 20 weeks of gestation, thus prompting a hysterectomy.
A hair relaxer lawsuit’s value could range from thousands of dollars to millions based on the plaintiff’s age and whether they have any children.
If you want to prove that manufacturers of hair relaxers like L’Oreal, or Namaste Laboratories for not warning you of the risks associated with their hair relaxer products, a product liability attorney can help you gather evidence and develop your case.
Damages in a Hysterectomy Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
You could bring a hair relaxer lawsuit if you had a hysterectomy after suffering fibroids or uterine cancer brought on by hair relaxers.
Hair relaxer use can result in uterine cancer or fibroids, which may have a considerable financial burden. Victims spend much money paying for a hysterectomy and risk losing out on income while recovering.
Hysterectomies might additionally have an emotional impact. The victim may experience depression and anxiety due to their health concerns, stress about the surgery, and reduced quality of life.
Hysterectomies affect a woman’s ability to become pregnant, which could have a profoundly detrimental psychological effect.
You can seek compensation for all damages brought on by uterine cancer, uterine fibroids, and hysterectomies with the aid of a product liability attorney.
Some damages for which you can seek compensation include:
- Medical costs
- Surgery
- Medication
- Lab tests
- Hospital stays
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Job-related losses
- Lost wages
- Reduced capacity to earn
- Missed promotions
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium
How Can a Product Liability Attorney Help with Your Hysterectomy Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?
A product liability attorney can offer you the help and guidance you need to file a hair relaxer lawsuit and seek compensation.
They can assist you in various ways, such as estimating your damages, identifying the at-fault party, gathering proof to support your claim, negotiating with the liable party’s insurance provider, and defending you before the jury.
The Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation (JPML) consolidated all hair relaxer lawsuits on February 6, 2023. As a plaintiff, you may not know how to go about your case in an MDL alone.
A product liability attorney can update you on how the MDL is proceeding and protect your rights and interests in the joint action.
File Your Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Today!
You might be eligible for a hair relaxer lawsuit and receive compensation if you endured a hysterectomy for uterine cancer or uterine fibroids treatment after using chemical hair relaxers for a prolonged period.
Many women across the country who underwent hysterectomies because of uterine cancer or fibroids linked to the usage of hair relaxers have filed hair relaxer lawsuits. A new class action MDL for hair relaxer lawsuits has been created.
Waste no time before joining the ongoing MDL. A product liability lawyer can help gather the evidence you need to file your case and offer you the legal representation you need.
At Legal Giant, we reduce the hassle of hiring an attorney by linking you with some of the best product liability attorneys near you. Contact us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
