Women who have used chemical hair straighteners to style their hair are now pursuing product liability lawsuits against beauty companies like L’Oreal. They claim these products caused their endometrial cancer, which is supported by the findings of a study led by the National Institute of Health. If the makers of chemical hair straighteners are found liable, plaintiffs could receive compensation for their medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages.
The product attorney liabilities of Dolman Law Group have been working closely with clients who have engaged in the long-term use of chemical hair straighteners and have subsequently been diagnosed with endometrial cancer to assist them with recovering compensation for their damages. If you meet these conditions, our team would like to speak with you. You can schedule a free consultation to discuss the details of your potential claim with one of our product liability attorneys.
Using Chemical Hair Straighteners Increases Your Risk of Endometrial Cancer
The Journal of the National Cancer Institute published an alarming article that connected the use of chemical hair straighteners to uterine cancer, of which endometrial cancer is a subtype. NIH researchers examined a subset of data collected in the Sister Study. Based on information reported by over 30,00 women across the U.S., they were able to determine that women who used chemical hair straighteners at least 4 times a year were at twice the risk of developing uterine cancers, such as endometrial cancer.
Like other cancers of the reproductive system, endometrial cancer can be caused by changes in hormone levels, particularly estrogen. Researchers believe that this is where the endocrine-disrupting chemicals in hair straighteners played a role. With every application, women were absorbing carcinogenic chemicals through their scalps.
These chemicals are similar enough to estrogen that their bodies processed them as estrogen. When estrogen levels are elevated, this disrupts the regulation of the endocrine system. That can cause uncontrollable cell growth in the uterus, or endometrial cancer.
Understanding Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer is located in the lining of the womb. Endometrial cancer is typically caught early, as women are alerted to a problem when they experience abnormal bleeding. Women should be aware of the signs of endometrial cancer, especially if they have certain risk factors.
Unlike some of the other cancers associated with heavy chemical hair straightener usage, like uterine sarcoma, the prognosis is generally favorable, especially when it is identified in its early stages. Since this type of cancer is often diagnosed early, endometrial cancer survival rates for localized endometrial cancer are as high as 95%, and the overall survival rate is 81% for five years.
Generally, endometrial cancer can be cured with a surgery known as a hysterectomy. A hysterectomy removes the uterus and the cervix, and often the ovaries. In effect, that means that the woman would no longer be able to have children, and would start menopause. For certain patients, additional treatment in the form of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy may be necessary.
Proving Liability and Recovering Damages in a Hair Straightener Lawsuit
While the evidence against the makers of chemical hair straighteners seems compelling, plaintiffs still have a long way to go to prove that these companies are at fault. First, they would need to show that beauty companies owed consumers a duty of care and failed to fulfill that duty. Plaintiffs argue that beauty companies like L’Oreal were aware or should have known that their design was flawed. Further, they say that the companies had a responsibility to place warning labels on their products.
If plaintiffs can successfully connect the breach of duty by hair straightener makers to their endometrial cancer, they will have connected nearly all of the links in the chain of causation. The last piece is demonstrating that the losses they want to be compensated for are a result of their endometrial cancer. These losses are referred to as compensatory damages.
Compensatory damages can be classified as financial losses, which are referred to as economic damages. Plaintiffs can also recover non-economic damages for their emotional losses. These losses do not have a set monetary value that can be referenced with a receipt, but they are still considered to have value in civil claims.
Examples of Damages in a Hair Straightener Endometrial Cancer Lawsuit:
- Medical bills
- Surgery
- Medication
- Chemo
- Radiation therapy
- Hormone therapy
- Hospital stays
- Lab tests
- Medical imaging
- Job-related losses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Missed promotions
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of parental guidance
Currently, plaintiffs are petitioning the courts to consolidate their claims into a multidistrict litigation. That’s why it is critical to have the expert advice of a skilled product liability attorney to calculate what your claim is worth to ensure you maximize your compensation.
Why Should I Choose Dolman Law Group to Represent Me?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer is the best way to ensure that you maximize the compensation you receive for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, like emotional distress. You may have sacrificed your physical health and financial stability while being treated for endometrial cancer caused by chemical hair straighteners. That means you can’t afford to jeopardize your settlement.
At Dolman Law Group, you will be represented by a top-notch personal injury lawyer who specializes in product liability claims. We also have a successful track record of negotiating complex mass tort claims, like the AFFF firefighting foam claims. The experienced product liability attorneys of Dolman Law Group will employ a strategic approach that maximizes your compensation, as we have done for countless other clients.
Our legal advice is accessible to you, as we don’t collect our contingency fee until we have successfully settled your claim. If we can’t settle your claim, you don’t owe us anything. As a client of Dolman Law Group, you can count on us to champion your claim, keep you updated on the progress of your case, and
Contact Dolman Law Group for Help With Your Chemical Hair Straightener Lawsuit
Navigating a product liability lawsuit without the aid of a seasoned personal injury attorney is a risk, as insurance companies will try to take advantage of this situation and reduce the amount of compensation they offer. Not to mention, the work of filing a claim and negotiating for damages is even more difficult when you are in the midst of financial turmoil and the emotional toll that often accompanies an endometrial cancer diagnosis.
The product liability lawyers of Dolman Law Group are the qualified advocates you need on your side during this time. We have the knowledge and resources to take on well-known companies or their insurance carrier and emerge with a fair settlement that compensates you properly. Our team has the trial experience necessary to effectively represent you in court if negotiations stall and it becomes necessary to file a chemical hair straightener cancer lawsuit.
If you have developed endometrial cancer after the prolonged use of hair straighteners, you likely have questions about what legal options are available to you. Our team can offer guidance and support to help you maximize your compensation. Take advantage of a free consultation with one of our product liability attorneys to learn more about the services we provide.