Hair Relaxer Lawsuits and Litigation Progress
As of March 1, more than 8,300 product liability lawsuits have been filed by women alleging injuries such as uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and fibroids due to exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in hair relaxers like Dark & Lovely, Just for Me, Optimum, and ORS Olive Oil.
Emergence of Litigation: Late 2022 Study Prompts Legal Action
The litigation originated in late 2022 after a study highlighted a 156% increased risk of uterine cancer among regular hair relaxer users. This prompted women nationwide to file lawsuits against manufacturers, accusing them of prioritizing profits over consumer health.
Legal Proceedings: Coordinated Pretrial Proceedings and Bellwether Trials
To address the legal complexities, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) established coordinated pretrial proceedings in January 2023 in the Northern District of Illinois under U.S. District Judge Mary Rowland. Judge Rowland indicated the formation of a “bellwether” program to prepare a select group of cases for early trial dates, potentially influencing settlement negotiations based on jury responses to key evidence.
Upcoming Meeting: Lawyers and Judge to Discuss Litigation Progress
The upcoming meeting between lawyers and the presiding judge aims to address concerns of unnecessary delays and ensure the efficient start of bellwether trials.
