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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CANCER CLAIMS AND HAIR RELAXERS AND STRAIGHTENERS

Consumers may have the idea that if a cosmetic product is on the shelf, it has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is not the case.  The only cosmetic product or ingredient which must be approved by the FDA is color additive.  Makeup, soaps and lotions, nail and hair products do not require approval.

Manufacturers of hair relaxing products failed to study whether their products have any life-threatening side effects.  If you have developed certain cancers and have been a frequent user of a hair relaxer product, you may be entitled to compensation and should contact a North Carolina personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION DUE TO HAIR RELAXER CHEMICALS

People who suffer harm from a hair relaxant may qualify for compensation via the legal principles of product liability law. Under product liability law, product manufacturers can be held liable for any harm caused by their product if it is deemed unreasonably dangerous or somehow defective. In the case of hair relaxants, this could include the following:

• The hair relaxer and straighteners contain formaldehyde and other Endocrine disrupting chemicals.
• Those chemicals cause hormone-sensitive cancers.
• The manufacturer failed to disclose known risks.
• The manufacturer failed to review these products for defects.

If you suspect your cancer may be associated with a hair relaxant, a North Carolina personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options for holding the manufacturer accountable.

EXAMPLES OF HAIR RELAXERS

The Journal of the National Cancer Institute published a study with epidemiological evidence of “association between use of straightening products” and cancer. The brands of products of concern are:

• Olive Oil Relaxer™
• Optimum Care®
• Organic Root Stimulator™
• Soft & Beautiful®
• Brazilian Blowout®
• Crème of Nature®
• Dark & Lovely®
• Just for Me®
• Motions®

These products are produced by companies which include L’Oréal USA, Namaste Laboratories, Godrej SON Holdings, Strength of Nature, SoftSheen-Carson, and Dabur.

TYPES OF CANCERS ASSOCIATED WITH HAIR RELAXERS

The report published by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute includes the linking of the following cancers to hair relaxing or straightening products:

• Uterine Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer
• Endometrial Cancer

The Washington Post reported on the first lawsuit that has been filed in the state of Illinois.

You may be entitled to compensation if your cancer is deemed to be linked to the use of hair straightener or relaxant products. A North Carolina personal injury lawyer can seek compensation for the following losses:

• Your current and future medical expenses.
• Any current or future income you have lost due to the cancer or illness.
• Loss of earning capacity.
• Loss of enjoyment of life.
• Your pain and suffering.

In some cases, your cancer could result in a long-term or even permanent disability. As a result, your claim could be substantial, and you should not make any decisions without first consulting with an experienced North Carolina personal injury lawyer.

HOW LONG YOU HAVE TO FILE YOUR CLAIM

The time frame to file a products liability lawsuit is limited, and it has already begun, so it is essential to act quickly.

CONTACT A NORTH CAROLINA PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER AT MARTIN & JONES TODAY

Don’t jeopardize your claim by waiting – contact us today to discuss your case and the options you have. We have 40 years of experience in helping people obtain fair compensation for injuries caused by defective products. If you suspect that you have suffered harm because of a hair relaxant or straightener, call us today at 800.662.1234 to schedule a free consultation.

Hear it from our clients

“We hired Martin & Jones in March 2015 and Steven Corriveau became our personal lawyer. Steven is a true professional who is understanding and easy to communicate with. He clearly explained the legal process to us. We are confident in the specific information, advice and feedback he gives us and know that he always has our best interest in the case. He responds quickly to our questions and concerns being available 24 hours a day. As our legal journey continues we look at the number of contacts we have with Steven. There have been 52 plus phone calls and conversations, 50 plus emails, 3 plus personal meetings, and 18 plus legal documents. We are honored to have such a caring lawyer as Steven in a stressful situation, in which he makes the process less difficult. We highly recommend Steven Corriveau who is great, intelligent, persistent and will deliver to the client. Our expectations are very high and Steven is the best.” 

- Ronnie & Patricia

“We would like to express our gratitude to you (Hunt Willis) for accepting our case. First of all, when I called this law firm, a very sweet and kind lady answered the telephone and gave me assurance by asking and going over the accident with me, while my husband was in the hospital. I felt assured I was doing the right thing for us. She was so helpful in so many ways. What a professional lady. Secondly, we are much pleased that you have settled this case with the insurance company to receive the proper amount to assist us in so many ways. My husband and I are very happy with you and the firm in handling our case. You made us have confidence in your professional and integrity along with your assistant Ms. Routh, when you both came to see us in our home, in which we saw your compassion and thoughtfulness at that time. We will never forget what you have done for us, and we thank the lord for directing me to contact this firm. I’m glad I did.” 

- Linda

“I would like to leave a testimonial thanking Steven and Allison for their care and understanding. Steven’s pursuit and success in getting some compensation for our loss. A final closure of our loss of brother Mike. Thanks to Martin & Jones for looking after Mike’s care since his injury in 2005. You have been there for Mike and his family for a long time. Mike passed in 2016 and you stood for the family up to the present (July 2017). Many thanks.”

- Dan

“Thank you for always making me feel welcome and at ease in your office. I respect the work you do and your enthusiasm for it and am grateful for your talents.”

- Tracy

“Thank you for the work you have done for Carl and our family. We so much appreciate your sincere professionalism and kindness you showed us. I know Carl is smiling right now and the Lord has blessed us through you. May God bless you.”

- Connie, whose husband Carl worked as a brakeman for CSX Transportation and died of mesothelioma

“Thank you for your concern of my well-being every time I spoke with you. It always meant so much. I hear nothing but awful stories of dealing with attorneys and their offices, but I have had nothing but positive experience. You have many special ways of working with people in need of help. Words can never express the way your support has been so helpful. I pray you will continue to help others. I wish you all the best.”

- Mary

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