Uterine Cancer Lawsuit: Women Hair Straighteners and Relaxers in the Military

Risks of Uterine Cancer for Women Veterans

The military enforced strict grooming standards for women in service, which included using hair straighteners. However, over time, women who used hair relaxers have reported developing hormone-related conditions such as uterine cancer. Hair relaxers often contain chemicals such as parabens and phthalates, which can disrupt the endocrine system and increase estrogen levels.

This can lead to the development of hormone-related diseases like uterine cancer. Unfortunately, many women who develop these conditions from using hair relaxers go undiagnosed until a pelvic or prenatal exam.

Uterine Cancer Symptoms:   

  • Abdominal distension or cramping
  • Abdominal pain
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • Heavy, abnormal menstruation
  • Pelvic pain

It can be devastating to know that something you were urged to use to conform to societal standards has led to the development of health issues. Learn about what action you can take as a victim of hair relaxers and file a uterine cancer lawsuit.

Uterine Cancer Lawsuit and Legal Options for Women Veterans

Starting in the fall of 2022, women nationwide began filing lawsuits against companies that manufactured and sold hair relaxers. If you are a female veteran diagnosed with uterine cancer, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. You may be able to file a class-action lawsuit alongside other victims or file an individual claim; however, very few individual cases have been made thus far.

The legal process typically consists of the following:

  • Confirm case
  • Collect evidence
  • File claim
  • Negotiate settlement
  • Pursue verdict

As someone who has suffered from the harmful effects of hair relaxers, it’s important to understand the various types of legal action that you can take. From individual lawsuits to class-action suits, there are several options available to help you seek justice and compensation for your injuries. By educating yourself on these different approaches, you can make informed decisions about how to proceed and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.

Uterine Cancer Individual Lawsuit

When seeking damages for the harm caused by a defendant, an individual case is brought by one person, in contrast to class-action lawsuits that involve multiple plaintiffs. Although there are relatively few class-action lawsuits regarding hair relaxers, many experienced plaintiffs opt to file individual claims. Fortunately, several individuals have already succeeded in filing independent claims against hair straightener manufacturers. If you have been diagnosed with cancer after using chemical hair relaxers, it may be worth considering filing an individual lawsuit or joining an existing MDL.

The first wave of personal injury lawsuits against cosmetic companies was filed in October of 2022, and the number of cases filed has steadily increased throughout the year. If you have been affected by hair relaxers’ harmful chemicals, it’s essential to take action and seek the appropriate legal recourse.

UTERINE CANCER LAWSUIT Settlement Amounts and Statute of Limitations

You might be eligible to file a case if you have experienced health conditions like hair straighteners uterine cancer. In such cases, the amount of cash settlement you receive for your hair relaxer will depend on several factors, like the type and severity of the illness you developed, the extent of your pain and suffering, your medical expenses, and the wages you lost due to the condition. While the amount of hair relaxer settlements can vary depending on individual cases, the typical hair relaxer lawsuit payout is between $100,000 to $1,500,000 per individual.

Legal action has a time limit known as the statute of limitations. This limit specifies the maximum amount of time between an event or wrongdoing and filing a lawsuit or criminal charges related to that event. The statute of limitations aims to ensure that legal disputes are resolved promptly. It serves to preserve evidence while it is still fresh, prevent the litigation of stale claims, and allow individuals and businesses to move forward without the constant threat of potential legal action. Once this time has passed, the opportunity to pursue legal action is typically lost.

If you have suffered negative effects from a hair relaxer treatment, such as Dark and Lovely or another brand, it is important to understand the time limit for filing a lawsuit. Failing to file within this legal time frame could make you ineligible for compensation. The statute of limitations for hair relaxer lawsuits for cancer varies by state, ranging from one to six years from the date of injury. Therefore, taking action promptly upon receiving your diagnosis is essential to ensure that you comply with your state’s statutory requirements. If the statute of limitations has expired, there may be limited options, such as consulting an attorney to look for exceptions, exploring alternative claims and legal avenues, and accepting settlements. Our team is here to guide you through this process and help you achieve the justice you deserve.

Resources for Women Veterans Affected by Uterine Cancer

Women veterans can take steps to protect their health and reduce their risk of uterine cancer from hair straighteners. One of the ways to do this is by avoiding hair straightening treatments that contain harmful chemicals such as relaxers. Fortunately, there are alternative methods for achieving straight hair, including silk presses, blowouts, and flat ironing. Additionally, protective hairstyles and treatments can be effective in managing curly hair without resorting to harsh chemicals.

It is essential to stay alert for any unusual symptoms and seek medical attention Gynecological cancers can be challenging to detect without proper screening, but if you notice any abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding, it’s important to get tested. Your doctor may perform an endometrial biopsy or a transvaginal ultrasound to gather more information and determine the appropriate course of action. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health. So, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

How to Find a Lawyer for a Uterine Cancer Lawsuit

We understand that experiencing uterine cancer can be a difficult and painful experience for anyone, especially so for women veterans from minority backgrounds who may have faced additional challenges. If you believe that your cancer may be linked to hair relaxers or straighteners, please know that options are available to you. We encourage you to contact cancer experts like those at Veterans Cancer, who can help you assess your eligibility and determine what type of case is right for you. While we know that no amount of compensation can truly make up for what you’ve been through, we hope this may help you pay off medical bills and alleviate any financial burdens you may be facing. Above all, please know that you are not alone and that there are people who care about you and are here to support you.

Works Cited

Douglas, D. (2022, December 12). Why some Black women won’t or can’t quit hair relaxers – even as the dangers become clearer. Retrieved from The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/12/black-women-hair-relaxers-chemicals-cancer-risk J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2022 Feb 3. Published in final edited form as:J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2021 May; 31(3): 476–486. Published online 2021 May 6. doi: 10.1038/s41370-021-00335-3
PMCID: PMC8812815NIHMSID: NIHMS1696623PMID: 33958708 Miller & Zois. (n.d.). Statute of Limitations In Every U.S. State. Retrieved from Miller & Zois: https://www.millerandzois.com/statute-limitations-personal-injury.html

Peters, A. (2020, August 21). One Proposal for Improving Army Inclusivity for Women of Color: Update Hair Regulations. Retrieved from Military: https://www.military.com/daily-news/opinions/2020/08/21/one-proposal-improving-army-inclusivity-women-of-color-update-hair-regulations.html