The Georgia hair relaxer lawsuit lawyers at Fob James Law Firm are representing victims that have been diagnosed with cancers caused by hair relaxer products. This includes uterine, ovarian and endometrial cancer.
Our biggest concern is making sure you get the justice and the compensation that you deserve. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Contact our experienced hair relaxer cancer attorneys in Atlanta, Georgia for a free case evaluation.
What Is A Chemical Hair Relaxer?
“Hair relaxer” is the general term for a product that makes curly or textured hair smooth and straight.
Chemical hair relaxers contain strong chemicals to help relax and straighten hair strands. The chemicals in these products include sodium hydroxide, ammonium thioglycolate, guanidine carbonate, lithium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, potassium thioglycolate, and Di-2- ethylhexyl phthalate (“DEHP”).
The hair relaxer product is applied to wet or damp hair and brushed through strands of hair for about ten minutes. This process helps break down protein bonds in the hair, allowing it to be shaped more smoothly.
Unfortunately, long-term use of hair relaxers exposes the user to chemicals that are linked to cancer and other injuries.
If you think you may have been injured due to long term hair relaxer use, call us at 866-837-1010 to schedule your free consultation with a hair relaxer attorney in Georgia.
What Cancers and Diseases Are Linked To Hair Relaxer Products?
The known injuries caused by hair relaxer products are evolving. In any event, the focus of the hair relaxer lawsuit is on the following injuries:
- uterine cancer
- endometrial cancer
- ovarian cancer
- uterine fibroids/hysterectomy
Which Hair Relaxer Products Are Linked To Cancer?
The following hair relaxer or straightener products may cause cancer:
- Dark & Lovely, Ultra Sheet, etc. by L’Oréal
- ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer by Namaste, LLC
- Just for Me by TCB Naturals/Godrej Consumer Products
- Motions by Strength of Nature Global, LLC
- Hair Straightener Products by Optimum Salon and others
These are name brand products. Note that your hair relaxer product could be the same product on the list but marketed under a different name.
If you are unsure whether your product qualifies contact our firm and we will investigate free of charge.
The Risk Of Cancer Is Real
Recent studies have linked the chemicals used in hair relaxers to uterine, ovarian and breast cancer. Because linkage between hair relaxers and cancer is relatively new, we predict that evidence linking hair relaxers to cancer will continue to develop.
The chemical used in hair relaxers called DEHP is particularly concerning. DEHP is considered a probable human carcinogen, and it is known to cause significant adverse-health effects.
Uterine Cancer
A recent National Institutes of Health study estimated that 1.64% of women who never used hair straighteners would go on to develop uterine cancer by the age of 70.
Conversely, the risk of uterine cancer for frequent users of hair relaxer products went up to 4.05%.
Likewise, Boston University released a study in 2023 suggesting that women who have used relaxers more than twice a year or for more than five years have a 50% increase in uterine cancer risk.
Ovarian Cancer
The National Center for Biotechnology Information released what’s known as the “Sister Study” reflecting that frequent use of straighteners/relaxers was associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer by as much as 50%.
What Can I Recover From A Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?
Every case is unique, but people who successfully file product liability lawsuits can recover money for the following damages:
- PAST AND FUTURE MEDICAL BILLS (INCLUDING MEDICATION, HOSPITAL STAYS, AND IN-HOME CARE)
- PAIN AND SUFFERING
- LOST WAGES
- LOSS OF EARNING CAPACITY
- FUNERAL EXPENSES (IN THE VENT OF A LOVED ONE’S DEATH)
- BROADLY SPEAKING, A PLAINTIFF COULD BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION FOR ANY PAST AND FUTURE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THEIR CANCER DIAGNOSIS
To discuss the potential value of your case, schedule a free consultation with our hair relaxer attorneys.
Who Qualifies for the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit in Georgia?
Any woman in Georgia who used hair relaxer or straightener products for extended periods and was subsequently been diagnosed with uterine, ovarian or endometrial cancer may qualify for compensation.
For example, a nice lady and resident of Forest Park, Georgia filed a lawsuit in the hair relaxer litigation (MDL 3060) alleging that products made by L’Oréal and others caused her uterine cancer. The plaintiff used hair relaxers from 1983 until 2018.
To see if your case qualifies for the hair relaxer lawsuit, contact Fob James Law firm today.
What Does It Cost To Hire A Georgia Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawyer?
Fob James Law Firm operates on the contingency-fee-basis. This means we only get paid a percentage of the recovery if we successfully resolve your case. Our fees come out of a favorable settlement or jury award, not out of your pocket.
Indeed, if we do not obtain a recovery then you owe us nothing.
Many clients have told us that other firms are charging 45% contingency fees in the hair relaxer lawsuit.
Fob James Law Firm charges hair relaxer lawsuit clients a 33-40% contingency fee. So, our fee is 33-40% of the total amount recovered in your case.
To speak with one of our experienced hair relaxer lawyers in Georgia, call us today at 866-837-1010.
How Long Do I Have To File A Hair Relaxer Lawsuit in Georgia?
In Georgia, you generally have two years from the date of you discovered your hair relaxer related injury to file a lawsuit.
If your loved one died as a result of hair relaxer products, you have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Every state is different so make sure you consult with a hair relaxer attorney about how long you have to file a lawsuit.
How Do I Join The Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?
It is simple to join the hair relaxer lawsuit. Call us today or submit your contact information and our attorneys will call you to discuss your case.
It does not matter where you live. We represent victims of the hair relaxer products in all 50 states.
Regardless of your location, all hair relaxer cases are filed in the MDL, which is federal court.
When Will the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Be Settled?
The MDL (consolidation) was formed in February 2023. In large mass tort cases such as this, there are large battles that must be won before settlement. These battles take time.
For example, we believe the defendants will attack causation (i.e. that the chemicals caused the underlying injuries) early on. This issue alone could take over a year to litigate.
Ultimately, we believe the Court will schedule “bellwether” trials which are like test trials. These trials give plaintiffs and defendants a good barometer on value and strength of hair relaxer cases. If plaintiffs are successful in bellwether trials, the defendants may be inclined to explore settlement.
This is completely speculative but we believe the time frame for settlement will be in 2026 after bellwether trials.
Hair Relaxer Class Action Lawsuit Updates
Updates on the hair relaxer lawsuit are posted here and in our blog throughout the litigation.
December 3, 2024 – Are Uterine Fibroid Cases Back In Play?
Yes, uterine fibroid cases that required a hysterectomy could qualify for compensation.
Early on in the MDL, the Plaintiff Leadership decided not to pursue uterine fibroid cases. In recent months, several firms have started filing uterine fibroid / hysterectomy cases in state courts, including Georgia.
Give us a call if you would like to discuss your case. Keep in mind that if these cases are settled, we do not think the amounts will be as much as the cancer cases.
November 1, 2024 – Number of Cases in the MDL Reaches 9500
October was a busy month in the hair relaxer litigation as over 1000 new cases were filed in the MDL. This brings the total number of filed cases to over 9500. The hair relaxer litigation has turned into a massive mass tort. Why were so many new cases filed? This could be due to several reasons:
- firms filed cases in their inventory to make sure they were not barred by the “statute of limitations”
- the science in hair relaxer cases are strong so many firms are getting involved in the MDL
- some firms are starting to take broader range of cases (fibroids/hysterectomy)
Regardless of the reason, we expect the hair relaxer litigation to contiue to grow in size.
October 2, 2024 – Hair Relaxer Litigation in State Courts
In addition to the MDL in federal court, plaintiffs have filed numerous cases in several state courts:
- Cooke County, Illinois,
- Chathum and DeKalb County, Georgia,
- Phladelphia County, Pennsylvania, and
- New York County, New York
The goal is to basically have a state court MDL. Currently, these cases are stayed pending the courts’ rulings on motions to dismiss filed by the defendants. In Georgia, the plaintiffs won at the motion to dismiss stage, but the cases are stayed pending a ruling by the appelate courts.
So why start an MDL in state court when there is MDL in federal court? The answer is that some plaintiff attorneys believe they will obtain more favorable results for their clients in state court.
For example, the venues and jury pools can be better in state court. The cases in state court could potentially move along faster. Also, the federal MDL for now is focusing primarily on uterine/endometrial and ovarian cancers. The state court cases may allow plaintiff attorneys to represent clients who have suffered other injuries such as fibroids and hysterectomys. There are other reasons as well.
In any event, we welcome the state court lawsuits because they provide plaintiffs with choice and alternatives, which is a good thing.
September 2, 2024 – Congresswomen Press FDA On Delayed Formaldehyde Ban
Two Congresswomen are asking the FDA why a proposal to delay hair-straightening chemicals has been delayed. Initially, the FDA’s proposal to ban formaldehyde was due April 2024. The FDA delayed that proposal until July and now more recently September. Congresswomen Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and Shontel Brown of Ohio have a point. If formaldehyde is a dangerous chemical that has been banned by other countries, what is with the delay here?
August 3, 2024 – Slow Month in the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
As of August 2024, roughly 8200 cases have been filed in the MDL. Not many new cases are being filed at this point. No settlements have been reached. The first bellwether trials are scheduled for November 2025 and February 2026. The parties are currently involved in discovery disputes, including the scope of information the parties are required to provide to the other side.
July 1, 2024 – 60 Day Extension Requested for Incomplete Fact Sheets
We blogged last month that plaintiffs with incomplete facts sheets (“PFS”) run the risk of having their cases dismissed with prejudice. Last week, a group of plaintiffs filed a motion asking the Court for a 60 day extension to submit substantially complete fact sheets. If you think your fact sheet might be deficient please contact your attorney ASAP.
June 2, 2024 – Incomplete Plaintiff Fact Sheets
The defendants are flagging Plaintiff fact sheets they deem to be incomplete. This triggers a process where the Plaintiffs have the opportunity to supplement their fact sheets. In a few cases, Plaintiffs failed to file fact sheets so they must submit their fact sheets to avoid having their case dismissed.
May 1, 2024 – Close To 8500 Cases Have Been Filed
The number of hair relaxer cases filed on a monthly basis has substantially descreased over the last six months. Less than 100 cases per month are being filed. However, the total number of filed cases should pass the 8500 mark in May.
April 2, 2024 – Georgia Woman Files Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
A resident of Georgia filed a lawsuit against the makers of several hair relaxer products alleging the chemicals caused her uterine and endometrial cancer. The case was filed in the Court overseeing the hair relaxer litigation (MDL 3060). If the case is not resolved through the MDL, the case may get transferred to federal court in Georgia.
Related: Read All Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Blog Updates
Why Our Hair Relaxer Attorneys are the Top Choice in Georgia
For more than 40 years, the attorneys at Fob James Law Firm have been fighting for victims of fraud and injuries across the country.
We work closely with each of our clients, ensuring they receive personalized attention. With our firm, you will actually speak with your dedicated lawyer not an assistant. You will have your attorneys phone number, email and text.
We make sure that we do not take so many cases that we do not have time to get to know our clients on a personal basis. Knowing what our clients are going through helps us more effectively advocate on their behalf.
We move fast. We do not sit on cases. When we take your case we aggressively work your case from day one to ensure you get the compensation you deserve as soon as possible.
We are not afraid to take your case to trial. As trial lawyers we love to litigate cases in courthouses across the country.
We never charge fees up front. If we do not win your case you owe us nothing.
Our case results and client testimonials speak for themselves. Call us today to schedule your free consultation and case review
Contact a Hair Relaxer Lawyer Near Me In Georgia
At Fob James Law Firm, our job is to help you to the best of our ability and fight for you. If you’ve suffered cancer as a result of using hair relaxer or straightener products, you should contact our hair relaxer attorneys immediately.
We can determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit or not. It won’t cost you anything to speak with us. You will never pay us anything until we successfully settle or win your case in court.
Our Atlanta, Georgia hair relaxer lawyers are experienced, dedicated, and they truly care about you. We treat all of our clients exactly how we would want our own family members to be treated.
Contact us right now at 866-837-1010 or set up a free case evaluation so we can help you.