Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Settlement Amounts: August 2024
Contributor
Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.
Editor
Summary
- There have been no hair relaxer lawsuit settlements as of June 2024.
- Plaintiffs still need to file their Fact Sheets in the MDL cases.
- There are no indications of when cases will settle or for how much.
The emerging research is clear: Long-term use of a chemical hair relaxer increases your risk of developing cancer (especially uterine cancer) and other health conditions. You may be eligible for a hair relaxer payout if you develop cancer or uterine fibroids after using a hair relaxer. Read on to learn more about hair relaxer lawsuit payouts.
Status of Hair Relaxer Lawsuits
Hair relaxer lawsuits continue to be litigated. Unfortunately, there has been little progress towards settlement.
As of late June, status conferences reveal that plaintiffs are still working on their fact sheets for the defendants. Most recently, the plaintiffs requested a 60-day extension, which also acknowledged that failing to meet this extension may dismiss their cases without prejudice.
Earlier in June, the number of pending cases in the multi-district litigation (MDL) dropped by 300 as plaintiffs decided not to proceed with their claims. Most of these claims involved conditions other than cancer, including fibroids and hysterectomy. The total number of cases in the MDL is now 8,170.
When Will The Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Be Settled?
As of June 2024, manufacturers have not settled or paid any damage awards concerning hair relaxer lawsuits, including cancer and fibroids cases.
There is a chance that some victims received a payout without filing a lawsuit. However, manufacturers use confidentiality clauses in settlement agreements, so these victims can’t report the settlement to the media. So, it is impossible to know if any claims settled or how much manufacturers paid to these victims.
It is also impossible to predict when matters may settle. Litigation is in the early stages and heavily contested. Unfortunately, it often takes years before plaintiffs see a settlement payout.
Predicting Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Settlement Amounts
Plaintiffs can pursue a hair relaxer lawsuit payout by filing an individual lawsuit or joining a class action. This choice can affect settlement amounts.
In an individual lawsuit, a plaintiff and their attorney have full control over the case. They don’t have to divide settlement proceeds or verdicts with other class members, so it also has the potential of a larger payout. However, there is one drawback. You and your lawyer bear the entire burden of time and resources while fighting a billion-dollar industry as a defendant.
Class actions allow several plaintiffs to pool resources to pursue a defendant. Individual plaintiffs lose control over the case, but it also spreads the work across many plaintiffs and attorneys. Sometimes, class actions can be the best way to pursue a large defendant and ensure a fair payout. However, these payouts are often less than the amounts of individual lawsuits.
The litigation process for cancer claims from hair relaxer products is multidistrict litigation or MDL. An MDL places all similar cases in one court, so a single federal court manages them. Cases remain individual matters, but the court consolidates processes like discovery and motions. This arrangement allows plaintiffs to settle separately if given the opportunity.
But class actions and individual suits are still proceeding. L’Oreal, Revlon, and Strength of Nature Global face class actions and individual suits. It is unlikely these companies will offer settlements, including hair relaxer lawsuit fibroids payouts until they face an impending civil trial.
Factors That Influence Hair Relaxer Payouts
The lawsuit form, whether it’s an individual suit, class action, or MDL, affects payouts. However, other factors, unique to each plaintiff and their experience, also determine settlement amounts:
- The severity of the condition arising from hair relaxer use
- The extent of needed medical treatment
- Impacts to a plaintiff’s life
Generally, more severe health impacts result in higher settlements and verdicts. Cancer diagnoses tend to attract payouts due to plaintiffs facing extensive medical expenses, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity with disability.
However, another effect of hair relaxer products is noncancerous fibroids. Plaintiffs with these claims often face fibroid removal surgery or hysterectomy. While these are immense impacts, a court may not consider them as severe as a cancer diagnosis and treatment. So, hair relaxer lawsuit fibroids payouts may be less than cancer settlements.
Learning More About Hair Relaxer Payouts
These cases are still relatively new, and that can work in your favor. If you face cancer or fibroid diagnosis after long-term hair relaxer use, you still have time to join a class action or file an individual lawsuit.
However, the clock is ticking on the statute of limitations, and you must act swiftly and decisively. Now is the time to explore your legal options and pursue compensation.
At ConsumerShield, we understand the gravity of the situation. That's why we offer free claim reviews to help you understand your legal standing and the best course of action tailored to your circumstances. Our experts can guide you through each stage of this complex process. Fill out our Contact Form for a free case review and to learn how we can connect you with a lawyer to start your injury claim.
