Skip to main content
Home > Blog > What is the Average Payout for the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?
hair-relaxer-cash-settlement
March 16, 2024

What is the Average Payout for the Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?

Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA

Short answer: We looked at information from 21 US law firm websites and found that the average hair relaxer payout is approximately $75,000 – $1,800,000 (see sources below).

For minor cases involving uterine fibroids and endometriosis injuries you could expect an approximate settlement of $75,000 – $300,000. For more severe cases involving uterine cancer and ovarian cancer you could expect an approximate settlement of $300,000 – $1,800,000.

Hair Relaxer Payout Overview show

3 Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Settlement Amounts You Could Be Able to Sue for

Severity of Injury Settlement Amount
Minor Approximately: $75,000 – $300,000
Moderate Approximately: $300,000 – $750,000+
Severe Approximately: $750,000 – $1,800,000

Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Settlement Amounts By Injury Type

Injury Type Settlement Amount:
Uterine Fibroids Approximately: $75,000 – $300,000
Endometriosis Approximately: $75,000 – $300,000
Ovarian Cancer Approximately: $300,000 – $750,000+
Uterine Cancer Approximately: $300,000 – $1,800,000

hair relaxer cash settlement

*These are generalized estimates and settlement amounts can vary significantly due to case facts in each individual case.

Hair Relaxer Case Evaluator

Use the case evaluator below to see if you might have a potential case. Answers in as quick as 90 seconds.

Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Overview

In recent years, there has been a significant rise in lawsuits filed against manufacturers of hair relaxer products.

This surge is primarily driven by new scientific studies suggesting potential links between certain chemicals in hair relaxers and an increased risk of developing specific health conditions.

Different Injury Scenarios: Settlement Amounts and Underlying Factors

The severity of the health condition caused by hair relaxer use plays a significant role in determining potential settlement amounts. Here’s a breakdown of some common injuries and why settlements can vary:

  • Uterine Cancer: This is typically the most severe health condition linked to hair relaxers. Studies suggest a potential link between frequent use and an increased risk, particularly in Black women. The significant health risks associated with uterine cancer, including potential for long-term treatment, lost wages, and emotional distress, can lead to higher settlements.
  • Ovarian Cancer: Emerging research suggests a possible link between hair relaxers and ovarian cancer. However, more studies are needed to confirm this association.  Since the evidence is not as strong as for uterine cancer, settlements for ovarian cancer claims may be lower than uterine cancer, but still substantial depending on the individual case.
  • Endometriosis and Uterine Fibroids: These are benign growths in the uterus that can cause pain, heavy bleeding, and fertility problems. While some lawsuits allege hair relaxers contribute to their development, the scientific evidence is currently weaker than for cancers. Settlements for endometriosis and fibroids are likely to be lower than cancer cases due to the difference in severity and potential long-term impact.

Why Severity Matters

The legal principle of “damages” comes into play here. Damages awarded in a lawsuit are meant to compensate the injured party for their losses.

More severe injuries, like cancer, typically result in greater economic and emotional losses, justifying higher settlements.  These losses can include:

  • Medical expenses: Costs of treatment, surgery, and ongoing care.
  • Lost wages: Income lost due to illness and treatment.
  • Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional distress caused by the condition.
  • Reduced quality of life: The impact of the condition on daily activities and overall well-being.
  • Ongoing Research: It’s important to emphasize that research on hair relaxers and health risks is ongoing. As new studies emerge, the understanding of the link between these products and various health conditions may evolve. This can potentially affect future settlements.

Manufacturers that Could Be Held Responsible

Below are some of the manufacturers that may be responsible for injuries caused by their hair relaxers:

  • L’Oreal: A major focus of lawsuits, L’Oreal manufactures popular hair relaxer brands like Dark & Lovely and SoftSheen Carson’s Optimum Relaxer.
  • Revlon: Another major hair care company, Revlon has also been included in lawsuits concerning certain relaxer products.
  • Strength of Nature Global LLC: This company owns brands like Motions and Just for Me, which have also been mentioned in lawsuits.
  • Namaste Laboratories LLC: The manufacturer of ORS Olive Oil Relaxer is another company included in some lawsuits.

Types of Health Conditions Linked to Hair Relaxer Use

While research is ongoing, some of the health conditions most commonly cited in these lawsuits include:

  • Uterine Cancer: Studies have found a possible association between frequent use of hair relaxers containing lye or other straightening chemicals and an increased risk of uterine cancer, particularly in Black women.
  • Ovarian Cancer: Emerging research suggests a potential link between hair relaxer use and ovarian cancer, although more studies are needed to confirm this connection.
  • Endometriosis and Uterine Fibroids: Some lawsuits allege hair relaxers may contribute to the development of endometriosis and uterine fibroids, which are benign growths in the uterus. However, the evidence for this connection is currently weaker than for cancers.

It’s important to note that these are just some of the potential health concerns raised in lawsuits. The scientific evidence is still developing, and further research is needed to determine the exact nature and strength of the link between hair relaxers and these health issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which hair relaxers are in the lawsuit?

The ongoing hair relaxer lawsuits are targeting several manufacturers. Companies like L’Oréal, Softsheen-Carson (Optimum Relaxer), Dark & Lovely, Just For Me, Motions Hair, ORS Hair Care (Namaste Laboratories, LLC), and African Pride (Godrej Group) are among those being sued. The lawsuits allege that their products contain harmful chemicals that may significantly elevate the risk of various cancers. Other companies identified as primary liable parties include Namaste, Godrej Consumer Products, Strength of Nature Global, and Revlon. These cases are part of a larger body of litigation that is still in its early stages, with many cases being consolidated into multidistrict litigation.

How do you know if you qualify for the hair relaxer lawsuit?

To determine if you qualify for the hair relaxer lawsuit, you must have used chemical hair relaxers and subsequently been diagnosed with a related health condition, such as uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine fibroids or endometriosis. The eligibility also depends on the statute of limitations in your state, which typically requires filing a lawsuit within two to three years of the injury. It’s advisable to consult with a personal injury lawyer, especially one experienced in mass torts, to evaluate your case and discuss the possibility of compensation through trial or settlement.

Has anyone won the hair relaxer lawsuit?

According to Forbes, no verdicts or settlements have been reported in the hair relaxer lawsuits. The litigation is still in the early stages, with cases being consolidated into multidistrict litigation and the pretrial and discovery processes ongoing. The initial bellwether trials are scheduled for November 2025 and February 2026, which will likely influence the outcomes of other cases.

Has anyone been paid for the hair relaxer lawsuit?

As of March 2024, there have been no finalized settlements in the hair relaxer injury lawsuits. The litigation is still in the early stages, with cases being consolidated into multidistrict litigation and the pretrial and discovery processes ongoing. Experts anticipate that settlement amounts could range significantly, but these are only estimates based on previous product liability lawsuits involving similar injuries.

How long will the hair relaxer lawsuit take?

According to Forbes, the duration of hair relaxer lawsuits can vary widely based on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the number of plaintiffs, and the legal processes involved. Generally, such cases can take several years to resolve. The pretrial and discovery phases alone can be lengthy, and if the cases go to trial or are set for settlement negotiations, that can add additional time. Given that the initial bellwether trials for the current hair relaxer lawsuits are scheduled for late 2025 and early 2026, it’s reasonable to expect that it may take a few years before these cases are fully resolved.

Connect with an Attorney

Looking to speak with an attorney about your potential hair relaxer case? Contact LawLinq today to speak with a qualified and licensed attorney ASAP. All initial consultations are free.

Sources

About the Author

Jessica Anvar

California Consumer Litigation Attorney Jessica Anvar, Esq. is the Founder and Managing Partner of Lemon Law Experts California’s leading lemon law firm. She has multiple years’ worth of experience working with both state and federal lemon laws. Her practice focuses exclusively on consumer protection cases. Ms. Anvar received her J.D. from Loyola Law School. She also earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Loyola Marymount University. Jessica is very active in her local legal community and has helped thousands of clients across the state of California. She has an outstanding record as a true advocate for consumers.

Request A Lawyer

Request a Lawyer Referral

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Categories

Call Us: (855) 997-2558