If you have been diagnosed with cancer after regularly using hair relaxer products, you could have a claim for compensation against the manufacturer. This is true even if you have underlying health conditions that might have increased your risk of developing cancer.
The health risks associated with hair relaxers are serious, and the consequences are life-altering for some people. No matter your underlying health issues, you can benefit from discussing your situation with our experienced defective product attorneys.
There are several serious health issues linked to the use of hair relaxers, the most serious of which are various forms of cancer. These cancers are typically linked to the uterus, but ovarian and breast cancer may also be tied to the use of hair relaxer products.
The most common type of cancer related to the use of hair relaxers is uterine cancer – and more specifically, endometrial cancer. This type of cancer involves the growth of cancerous cells within the lining of the uterus.
According to a 2022 study, women are almost four times more likely to develop cancer after using hair relaxers on a regular basis compared to those that do not. While the exact nature of the link is unknown, researchers believe that the cause is hormonal in nature.
There are certain underlying health issues that increase the likelihood of developing cancer following the regular use of hair relaxer products. Some of these health issues include diabetes, a weakened immune system, and obesity.
In addition to underlying health issues, there are other factors that increase the likelihood that a regular hair relaxer user develops cancer. In general, older women are more likely at risk, and a study found that black women who use these products are more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer.
Preexisting health conditions should not impact the outcome of a hair relaxer lawsuit. The obligation that manufacturers of these products have to the public does not change based on your prior health issues.
The important thing to remember is that an attorney can focus on building a strong case for compensation. One of the benefits of relying on legal counsel is that they take on the burden of building a winning case from the ground up. This includes establishing that your new health issues are the result of exposure to harmful chemicals in the hair relaxer product. When underlying health issues are present, it is also the role of the attorney to establish that these conditions were worsened due to that exposure.
You have the right to file a hair relaxer lawsuit regardless of your underlying health conditions. The manufacturers of the product owed you a duty to warn you of the risks, no matter what health issues you faced at the time. Call a skilled attorney from Childers, Schlueter & Smith to discuss your legal options.
