Hair straighteners may have contributed to the increase in uterine cancer incidence over the past few years.
According to research, carcinogenic endocrine-disrupting chemicals from hair straighteners can infiltrate the scalp and cause uterine cancer.
In fact, using hair straighteners more than four times a year doubles a woman’s risk of being diagnosed with uterine cancer.
Women who have suffered harm from hair straighteners may file claims to recover damages, such as medical costs, lost earning potential, and diminished quality of life. But how long will the hair straightener lawsuit take?
Generally, these cases can be challenging since multimillion-dollar corporations will do everything they can to dismiss, postpone, or undervalue claims to maintain profitability.
All hair straightener claims may be consolidated at a hearing scheduled for January 2023. The hearing will clarify how long victims must wait before receiving compensation.
Consistent Hair Straightener Use Can Cause Uterine Cancer
People have started filing hair straightener lawsuits thanks to the scientific evidence linking regular usage of hair straightening chemicals to a higher risk of developing uterine cancer.
In recent years, there have been more cases of this uterine cancer than usual. Endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma are the two types of cancer that affect the uterus.
Urinary sarcoma includes malignant cells developing in the muscular wall of the uterus (myometrium), whereas endometrial cancer involves abnormal growth of cells in the uterus lining (endometrium).
Scientific research linking hair straightener use and the risk of uterine cancer was published by the National Institute of Health (NIH) in October 2022. The Sister Study, an investigation carried out by a division of the NIH, provided the data used in this study.
The Sister Study monitored the health and use of hair care products in over 50,000 women between the ages of 35 and 74 over eleven years.
The findings of the NIH study showed that the risk of uterine cancer doubled in women who used hair straighteners a minimum of four times per year.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Hair Straightener Lawsuit?
Product liability victims, including those who used hair straighteners, should submit their lawsuits immediately. These types of litigation can take a while to settle, so starting the legal process early can enable you to obtain compensation quickly.
It can be very helpful to reach a fair settlement or judgment more quickly as medical costs and economic damages accumulate. Additionally, the time a complainant has to file a lawsuit depends on the type of personal injury case, called the statute of limitations.
The statute of limitations for product liability can vary by state. For instance, Florida’s product liability statute of limitations is four years from the date of the illness or damage. In the event of a wrongful death, the deadline would change to two years.
Contact a local product liability attorney to find out how much time you have to bring a hair straightener case.
How Long Will Your Hair Straightener Lawsuit Take?
The length of time your hair straightener lawsuit will take is not predetermined.
Right now, so much about hair straightener lawsuits is in limbo due to the possibility of case consolidation into a class action.
The Judicial Panel for Multi-District Litigation (JPML) will hear verbal opinions on January 23 and decide whether to create multi-district litigation (MDL) for the hair straightener lawsuits.
How Would a Hair Straightener MDL Affect How Long Your Lawsuit Takes?
Your hair straightener case may take years to be resolved, depending on the JPML’s judgment. In the case of a consolidation of all hair straightener lawsuits, there would be a lengthy discovery process and bellwether trials.
Bellwether trials are test trials in which a small number of cases are tried to demonstrate to both parties how juries would react to the facts and evidence of the case.
Even though an MDL may take a while to conclude, it might ultimately help plaintiffs recover compensation.
You can combine forces with other women with uterine cancer to fight a prominent hair straightener manufacturer or retailer rather than going up against them alone with your product liability attorney.
Doing this will expedite the discovery process, making your product liability attorney’s job easier. If the MDL is successful, plaintiffs will obtain reimbursement for their individual damages instead of merely receiving a portion of the global settlement.
Plaintiffs can pursue compensation via consolidation in the same way as a typical lawsuit while also getting access to a group of product liability attorneys’ resources, knowledge, and experience.
Damages in a Hair Straightener Lawsuit
People with Uterine cancer can suffer serious harm from regular hair straightener use.
Their economic situation may be dire, as they must find a way to cover costly medical expenses, including surgery, medicine, and hospitalization, and their financial condition may be catastrophic.
The illness may prevent them from working and earning an income, so they will need to find a means to pay for treatment.
In addition to the financial implications of their uterine cancer diagnosis, they may endure psychological effects from the unanticipated diagnosis.
People with Uterine cancer may experience anxiety, depression, and a decreased quality of life due to constant worry about their health.
As these women struggle with worry and despair due to uterine cancer, their social interactions may also suffer.
Examples of Damages in a Hair Straightener Lawsuit
A product liability attorney can help you determine the exact worth of your hair straightener lawsuit by considering both economic and non-economic damages.
They most likely have contacts with medical professionals who can assist in determining the current and potential future costs associated with your condition.
Examples of damages you can seek in a hair straightener lawsuit include the following:
- Healthcare costs
- Lost wages
- Lost capacity to earn.
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
How Can a Product Liability Lawyer Help with Your Hair Straightener Lawsuit?
A product liability attorney can assist with the litigation process in a hair straightener lawsuit, whether or not an MDL is created.
They have experience dealing with various product liability lawsuits and may leverage this knowledge to support your hair straightener lawsuit’s legal representation.
A product liability lawyer may assist you in evaluating the damages caused by your hair straightener, identifying the responsible party, gathering evidence, speaking with expert witnesses, and negotiating a settlement with the responsible party’s insurance provider.
A product liability attorney may be a helpful resource should there be a consolidation of hair straightener lawsuits.
They can defend your rights when all cases are combined and ensure that any potential settlement covers your losses.
They can also update you on the MDL’s development and an estimated time frame for when you could recover compensation for your damages.
Contact a Hair Straightener Lawsuit Attorney Today!
We can’t tell how long a hair straightener lawsuit will take. But we are sure your lawsuit will most likely conclude quickly when you have an experienced product liability attorney.
At Legal Giant, we partner with the best lawyers across the states. We can link you with a skilled product liability attorney who will do everything possible to get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation today.