In October of 2022, Missouri resident Jenny Mitchell filed a lawsuit against hair straightener manufacturers through her attorneys. The suit alleged that her use of the company’s products resulted in her recent uterine cancer diagnosis. Mitchell had previously used hair straightener products for nearly 22 years.
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There are five companies (including subsidiaries) that produce hair straightener products that are part of the lawsuit:
These companies are included in the lawsuit because Mitchell claims there are specific additives and chemicals used in their products that caused her to develop uterine cancer, which are:
There is evidence showing that higher cancer risks are associated with the above ingredients. Moreover, the scalp burns and abrasions that can come from these hair straighteners are believed to increase the chance of chemical absorption and cancer.
Specifically, L’Oreal’s Motions, Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Relaxer, and Dark & Lovely products are mentioned in the lawsuit as being responsible for Mitchell’s uterine cancer diagnosis.
In addition to the companies named in the lawsuit, there are numerous other hair straightener manufacturers who may also be liable for developing and distributing products that contain carcinogenic chemicals. It’s possible that these companies may be named in future lawsuits alleging similar injuries due to hair straightener use.
Some people are more at risk than others. For instance, overweight women (50+ pounds overweight) are more likely to develop uterine cancer than those at a healthy weight.
In addition, black females are more likely to suffer fatal consequences from uterine cancer than other females. Therefore, these women could potentially be the primary victims of uterine cancer caused by hair straighteners due to the fact that they are more exposed to these products and are more likely to develop the disease.
In order for Jenny Mitchell and victims like her to prove liability, they must prove that the manufacturers of these products were aware or should have been aware of the risks associated with their hair straighteners. They must also be able to provide evidence that these products caused their uterine cancer.
However, the burden of proof may not be problematic, as the recent study by NIEHS (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences) showed that there is a definitive link between hair straighteners and uterine cancer.
What’s more, there is evidence that supports as little as four years’ use of hair straighteners can increase the risk of developing uterine cancer. It will be up to the victims’ attorneys to present this evidence in court and prove the companies’ liability.
While companies like L’Oreal may try to say that they were completely unaware of the potential health risks associated with their products, the evidence suggests otherwise.
And even if they didn’t know, they should have. Therefore, there’s a strong likelihood that the victims in these cases will be successful in proving liability and receiving compensation for their medical expenses, as well as pain and suffering.
It’s important to remember that this case is still in its early stages, but it could lead the way for many more lawsuits concerning this issue in the future.
Anyone who has used hair straighteners for long periods of time should continue to stay informed about the potential health risks and watch for any signs or symptoms of uterine cancer.
If you do have uterine cancer and you think that it may have been caused by hair straighteners, you should speak to one of our Nashville attorneys as soon as possible to learn more about your potential legal options.
You have rights, and you may be entitled to substantial compensation for your suffering. Your product liability attorney can help you determine your best course of action.
It’s also important to remember that regardless of the outcome of this case, it is always a good idea to minimize your risk of cancer by avoiding any product that may contain these potentially dangerous chemicals.
To Learn More about Products Liability Claims Watch This Recent Interview With Jim Higgins.
The outcome of this legal case is yet to be determined, but if the lawsuit is successful, it could have far-reaching implications for the hair care industry. Companies may be forced to change the ingredients they use in their products or face potential legal action.
In the meantime, it is important to be aware of the potentially harmful ingredients that may be found in hair straighteners, and it is recommended that those who use them take precautionary measures.
This includes using products with natural ingredients, avoiding prolonged heat exposure, and avoiding any form of scalp damage. It is also important to consult with a doctor if there are any suspicions of related health issues.
Please contact The Higgins Firm today. Although our products liability lawyers are located in Tennessee we handle these cases throughout the country. You pay nothing unless we win
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