Dark and Lovely Hair Relaxer Lawsuit

Dark and Lovely, and many other hair relaxers, contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These chemicals can interfere with the endocrine system, which regulates hormones in the body. For context, EDCs can mimic or block hormonal effects, leading to developmental delays, reproductive disorders, uterine and endometrial cancer, and a host of other medical conditions.

Research has shown that these products also contain phthalates, a type of EDC commonly used to make plastic more flexible. Phthalates can damage the kidneys, lungs, livers, and reproductive system. Formaldehyde is yet another common carcinogenic chemical used as a preservative in personal care products, including hair relaxers. This chemical can cause nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia. Individuals with asthma can also develop breathing difficulties or other respiratory conditions after years of using hair relaxers that contain formaldehyde.

Finally, Dark and Lovely hair relaxers contain parabens, a group of chemicals commonly used as preservatives. Parabens have been linked to hormone disruption, reproductive disorders, and certain types of cancer.

Hair relaxers emit fumes when heated, usually with a blowdryer. As a result, the fumes transfer from the hair into the user's respiratory system. In addition, the heat from the straightening process speeds up the evaporation of the said chemicals, resulting in a higher concentration and wider spread of fumes.

As a result, these chemicals might affect even those around the individual wearing the hair relaxers. Besides finding their way into the body through the respiratory system, the chemicals can also permeate the skin after heating, raising the likelihood of skin irritation or other adverse reactions.

Uterine cancer is a serious type of cancer affecting many women across the United States. One study found that incidence and mortality rates rose in the U.S. in the past 20 years. The study also predicted that, in 2023, approximately 66,200 women would be diagnosed with uterine cancer, while around 13,030 women would lose their lives to this type of cancer.

Another study by the World Cancer Research Fund International noted that uterine cancer accounted for 2.3% of global cancer cases in 2020 alone. To put things into perspective, that's about 417,367 cases.

Endometrial cancer can be dangerous if left untreated. This is because the cancer cells are usually difficult to treat and can even be life-threatening if they spread beyond the uterus to other body parts.
Some potential dangers of endometrial cancer include the following:

Metastasis: This occurs when the cancer cells spread beyond the uterus to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, liver, or lungs. Once cancer has metastasized (spread to other body parts), it can be more difficult to treat and life-threatening.

Recurrence: Endometrial cancer can resurface even after successful treatment. The risk of recurrence is higher in women with a more advanced stage of cancer.

Complications from treatment: Treatment for endometrial cancer can cause side effects and complications. For example, radiation therapy can damage nearby organs, while surgery can lead to complications such as infection, bleeding, or damage to other organs.

Impact on quality of life: Endometrial cancer can significantly impact a woman's quality of life. Affected women may develop symptoms such as extreme pain, fatigue, and nausea.

Researchers found that about 60% of the participants who reported using chemical straighteners in the previous year were black women. It is worth noting that many African American girls use hair relaxers at a younger age and continue for longer periods. As a result, they are usually more exposed to toxic compounds from these products, including Dark and Lovely.

Despite the high risk of exposure to cancer-causing chemicals, research has also shown that Black women often receive lower-quality healthcare and have less access to preventive care. This makes it even more challenging to detect early warning signs of uterine cancer or other medical conditions caused by hair relaxers and receive a prompt diagnosis.

The beauty and healthcare industry is worth over $20 billion in 2023. That shows you just how much money there is to make in this industry. Unfortunately, while hair relaxer manufacturers enjoy a readily available market, most of these companies do not care about their consumers. Instead, all they care about is making profits.

Sadly, while you would expect the federal government to protect consumers in this industry, that has not been the case. For example, the lack of federal oversight on the chemicals used in these products is a huge concern.

The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act mandates manufacturers to declare the ingredients used in their cosmetic products, but the Food and Drug Administration does not effectively regulate these products. Even more disappointing is that manufacturers, distributors, and marketers take advantage of the fact that many consumers may not be aware of the risks associated with certain ingredients in these products. So, even though manufacturers must list these ingredients, that alone does not help solve the problem.

Additionally, no legislation requires the disclosure of individual fragrance, flavor, or ingredient components. For this reason, some manufacturers mix potentially harmful phthalates with fragrances that are not listed on the label.

Manufacturers have a duty to warn consumers about the potential risks associated with their products. Failure to warn is a legal concept that holds manufacturers responsible for not providing adequate warnings about the potential dangers of their products.

Think about it this way: would you buy a product if you knew it contained carcinogens? Most people wouldn't.

So, suppose you used Dark and Lovely hair relaxers and later developed cancer or other medical conditions discussed earlier. In that case, the manufacturer may be liable for failing to warn you about the potential risks associated with their product.

Based on many different studies and victim accounts, Dark and Lovely hair relaxer contains chemicals linked to cancer, yet the company failed to provide adequate warnings to users. This failure to warn may have caused you or your loved one to continue using the product, unaware of the risks associated with it. As a result, the company may be liable for your injuries and responsible for compensating you for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages. 

Such cases fall under the legal concept of product liability. This type of lawsuit allows an individual injured by a defective product to seek compensation for their injuries. For example, in the case of a hair relaxer that causes cancer, you must prove the following elements to establish a successful product liability claim:

• The hair relaxer was defective, in this case, it contained harmful chemicals.
• You suffered an injury, in this case, cancer or other medical conditions discussed earlier, due to using the defective hair relaxer.
• The hair relaxer was the proximate cause of your medical condition.
• The manufacturer should have foreseen the potential risks associated with the product and warned users.
• You suffered damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, resulting from using the hair relaxer product.

 You will need evidence such as medical records, doctor's reports, and proof of purchase or use of the product. However, the exact evidence required will also depend on the specifics of your case, so it's advisable to contact Morgan and Morgan for a free case evaluation.

Since lawsuits against Dark and Lovely are being filed from all over the country, it is too early to estimate the potential value of your case. However, based on the scientific evidence against the manufacturer, it is likely that courts will rule in your favor if you have a valid case.

That said, many different factors will determine the value of your case. Take, for example, the case of Jenny Mitchell, the first woman to sue hair relaxer companies. Per the lawsuit, she started using chemical hair straightening products in third grade.

Two decades later, she was diagnosed with uterine cancer and had to undergo a full hysterectomy to remove her uterus. In such a case, age becomes a significant factor in determining the settlement. This is because, in an interview with Good Morning America, Mitchell revealed that the removal of her uterus denied her 'dream' of being able to carry her own children.

The bottom line is that each case is different. After a free case evaluation by Morgan and Morgan's hair relaxer lawsuit attorneys, you will have a better understanding of the value of your case.

To file a hair product liability lawsuit, you must obtain medical records from your doctor or hospital confirming your diagnosis of uterine cancer or any other medical condition linked to hair relaxers or straighteners. Then, once you have these records, you should contact us for a free case evaluation. If you have a valid case, we will guide you through the legal process and help you prepare your case.

The deadline for filing a lawsuit, also known as the statute of limitations, varies from state to state. Once this deadline elapses, you will lose your right to take legal action for your damages. Therefore, contacting Morgan and Morgan immediately is crucial to determine if you have a viable case.

You do not need to worry about being unable to afford a lawyer. This is because Morgan and Morgan handles all personal injury cases on a contingency basis, which means you don't pay us anything unless you win your case. If you win, we will deduct a small percentage of the settlement to cover attorney fees and other legal expenses.

L'Oréal Group, the company behind Dark and Lovely hair relaxers and many other cosmetic products, is worth over $240 billion in 2023. This company has made its fortunes from the trust and loyalty of its customers in the United States and throughout the world. But, unfortunately, and sadly, the company has failed its consumers, their most valuable asset.

Their failure to warn customers about the carcinogens found in Dark and Lovely hair relaxers has ruined the lives of many women. Some have lost their chance to bear children, while others are going through expensive treatments for medical conditions they do not deserve to suffer from. Let's not forget those who have lost their lives to cancer without ever knowing how they got infected in the first place.

So, if you or your loved one has been diagnosed with any of the medical conditions we discussed after using Dark and Lovely hair relaxers, you may have a case against the manufacturer.

Let America's largest injury firm fight for your rights—contact us today to learn more.