Hair Relaxer Hysterectomy Lawsuit

Individuals who may be eligible to file a hair relaxer hysterectomy lawsuit are typically people who:

• used chemical hair relaxers or straighteners regularly or long term, and
• later underwent a hysterectomy.

Winder Law Firm is gathering information from individuals with potential legal claims who have been diagnosed with certain health conditions. Inquiries may be shared with a partner law firm under a marketing arrangement.

The following section provides general medical information to explain hysterectomy.

About Hysterectomies

Before we talk more about legal claims, this section reviews what we mean by “hysterectomy” in the context of this lawsuit.

A hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus. In some cases, doctors also remove the cervix. The ovaries or fallopian tubes can be removed too, based on the type of surgery.

Without a uterus, pregnancy cannot occur. Menstrual periods end and do not resume. These effects are permanent.

Doctors use hysterectomy to treat several medical conditions. These can include:

• uterine cancer
• endometrial cancer
• ovarian cancer
• heavy bleeding
• fibroids
• endometriosis
• uterine prolapse

The goal is generally to relieve symptoms or treat disease.

Recovery time depends on how the surgery is done. Many patients need four to six weeks to heal. Some need more time based on their health and the surgical approach.

For fibroids, other treatments may be attempted first. When those treatments fail, hysterectomy may be recommended. Some patients keep the uterus, while others need removal for long-term relief.

This following section takes a look at some scientific studies and media reports about hair relaxers and certain health outcomes.

It’s important to keep in mind these reports describe associations and allegations. They don’t prove hair relaxers necessarily directly caused the hysterectomies to happen. Courts have not made final rulings on medical causation.

Scientific Studies

The links between hair relaxers and various cancers that may result in a hysterectomy has been explored. The three types of cancer in question are:

• Uterine Cancer
• Endometrial Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer

Uterine Cancer

In 2022, the National Institutes of Health published a major study known as the “Sister Study.”

The study found an association between frequent chemical hair straightener use and uterine cancer risk. Women using these products more than four times per year showed roughly double the risk.

Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer starts in the lining of the uterus. Doctors have linked this type of cancer to hormone balance in the body. Estrogen and progesterone play a central role.

Higher lifetime exposure to estrogen is tied to higher risk. Progesterone helps limit estrogen’s effect on the uterine lining. When this balance shifts, risk increases.

Life factors influence hormone levels. Early menstruation increases total estrogen exposure. Late menopause does the same. Fewer pregnancies are also associated with higher risk.

People bringing lawsuits say this cancer is hormone-related. They argue that hormone-acting chemicals deserve attention. They also claim some hair relaxer ingredients affect hormone systems.

Ovarian Cancer

Research has shown higher rates of ovarian cancer among regular users of chemical hair straighteners.

Reports & Lawsuits

NBC News

NBC News reported that hundreds, and potentially thousands, of women have filed lawsuits. They allege chemical hair relaxers caused:

• reproductive cancers,
• fibroids, and
• infertility

A woman featured in the article had undergone a hysterectomy as part of her treatment.

ABC 7 Chicago

This report from ABC 7 Chicago describes a woman who filed a lawsuit after she used hair relaxers for decades. She says she believes her hair relaxer use contributed to uterine cancer. Her treatment required her to undergo a complete hysterectomy at age 28.

Studies show higher use of chemical hair relaxers among Black women. Use often starts at a young age, which may increase total exposure over time.

Research into advertising shows how these products were framed. Relaxer marketing often relied on Eurocentric beauty standards. Many black women report being told straight hair was shown as more acceptable at school and in the workplace.

Some relaxer products targeted children. Early marketing helped establish long-term use that continued across generations.

Surveys also report high levels of hair-based discrimination. Sixty-six percent of Black and Brown girls in White-majority settings reported discrimination tied to hair. Nearly half of Black mothers surveyed reported unfair treatment related to hair.

Hair relaxers reach the market without FDA approval. The agency says most cosmetics are sold this way, including chemical straighteners.

Manufacturers are not required to send safety test data before selling cosmetic products. Ingredient information is also not reviewed in advance.

The FDA generally responds after a product is shown to be unsafe during normal use. Federal law still requires cosmetics to be safe and properly labeled.

In 2022, cosmetic oversight changed. A new law expanded the FDA’s authority and added new safety rules.

The FDA has warned that some hair-smoothing products release formaldehyde when heat is applied. A ban on formaldehyde has been proposed through federal rulemaking.

Now we will discuss how to file a Hysterectomy related hair relaxer lawsuit.

Claim Filing Process

Someone potentially qualified to file a lawsuit over a hysterectomy from alleged hair relaxer use may follow the below process. Often this process focuses on eligibility review.

• Step 1: Contact a law firm handling hair relaxer cancer and injury lawsuits.
  Step 2: Collect necessary documentation. This may include medical records confirming you had a hysterectomy and what your product-use history was.
  Step 3: If an attorney decides you are eligible, they may file a lawsuit for you. Your lawsuit could be coordinated in MDL No. 3060 if you are eligible.

Note: You are not required to hire a lawyer. Legal guidance can help explain eligibility, deadlines and procedures.

Settlement Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is unique, and compensation depends on individual circumstances.

There is no set settlement or compensation amount for a hair relaxer hysterectomy lawsuit. Lawsuits are currently ongoing and any outcome is dependent on the individual’s unique circumstances.

Some factors may impact potential compensation if a case settles. These possible factors include:

• Any underlying conditions that may have led to a hysterectomy
• Type of surgeries underwent and any complications
• Medical expenses and costs of future care needs
• Impact on fertility and family planning
• Lost income, reduced earning capacity, future earning capacity
• Strength of evidence linking relaxer exposure and surgery

Get a Free “Hysterectomy” Hair Relaxer Case Review

Note: Fill out the form or call to see if legal options may be available. Inquiries will be shared with a partner law firm under a marketing arrangement to assist with next steps.

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with conditions that required a hysterectomy after years of using chemical hair relaxers? To learn more about potential legal options, you can request a free case evaluation today.