The use of hair straighteners has become a popular styling choice for many individuals seeking sleek and smooth hair. However, concerns have arisen regarding the safety of some hair straightening products and their potential to cause harm.
In recent years, there have been increasing reports of individuals experiencing adverse health effects, including chemical injuries and even more severe conditions such as uterine cancer, as a result of using particular hair straighteners. These incidents have led to heightened awareness and legal actions against these products’ manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
In this article, we aim to shed light on the steps individuals can take if they have been injured by chemicals in hair straighteners.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
According to ConsumerNotice.org, chemical hair straighteners, known as relaxers, encompass various types such as traditional chemical straightening, Brazilian Keratin treatments, and Japanese straightening. These options cater to different hair types, ranging from highly curly to slightly wavy or frizzy hair.
While more potent chemical treatments are effective for very curly hair and offer longer-lasting results, they tend to inflict more damage on both the hair and scalp. Chemicals commonly found in hair straighteners, as identified by California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control, include formaldehyde, cyclosiloxanes, parabens, sodium hydroxide, diethanolamine, triclosan, phthalates, and benzophenone-3.
Seeking immediate medical attention is of the utmost importance if you experience any adverse reactions or injuries after using hair straighteners. Promptly contacting a healthcare professional who specializes in dermatology or toxicology is crucial in assessing your condition and providing appropriate treatment.
They can evaluate the extent of your injuries, offer guidance on managing symptoms, and determine if any further medical interventions are necessary.
Document the Incident
Documenting the incident is vital if you have been injured by chemicals in hair straighteners. Take photographs or videos of any visible injuries or damage caused by the product. Record the date, time, and specific details of the incident, including the brand and type of hair straightener used.
Additionally, document any symptoms or reactions you experienced after using the product. This documentation will serve as valuable evidence if you decide to pursue legal action or file a complaint.
Preserve Evidence Related to the Hair Straightener
Preserving evidence is crucial when you have been injured by chemicals in hair straighteners. Keep the hair straightener product itself, along with any packaging, labels, or instructions associated with it. This evidence is vital in establishing the specific product used and its potential role in causing your injuries.
You will also need to retain any receipts or proof of purchase. If possible, save a sample of the hair straightener or any residue left on your hair or scalp. Preserving evidence strengthens your case by providing tangible proof and supporting your claims against the manufacturer or distributor of the product.
Report the Incident to the Regulatory Agency
Reporting the incident is necessary if you have been injured by chemicals in hair straighteners. Notify the appropriate regulatory agencies or consumer protection organizations in your country or region. Provide them with detailed information about the hair straightener product, including the brand, batch number, and any relevant packaging or labeling.
Describe your injuries and symptoms clearly and concisely. Reporting the incident helps alert authorities to potential safety concerns and contributes to the overall monitoring and regulation of beauty and personal care products. Your report may also assist in investigating similar cases and enforcing necessary measures to protect consumers’ health and well-being.
Research Legal Precedents of the Injury
Researching legal precedents is crucial if you have been injured by chemicals in hair straighteners, particularly in the context of hair straightener uterine cancer lawsuits. Stay informed about previous and ongoing legal cases involving hair straighteners and their potential link to uterine cancer.
According to TorHoerman Law, the Hair Relaxer MDL continues to witness a growing number of cases. This litigation focuses on manufacturers and distributors of hair products containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that have been associated with an increased risk of cancer, particularly uterine cancer.
You need to explore the outcomes of these cases, including settlements, verdicts, or regulatory actions. Understanding the hair straightener lawsuit can provide valuable insights into the viability of your case and help your attorney build a strong legal strategy.
Keep Records of Expenses
Keeping records of expenses is essential when you have been injured by chemicals in hair straighteners. Document and retain all relevant receipts, invoices, and bills related to your medical treatment and care. This includes hospital visits, doctor consultations, medication costs, rehabilitation expenses, and other required healthcare services.
Also, keep track of any income loss or additional expenses incurred due to the injuries caused by the hair straightening chemicals. These records serve as evidence of the financial impact of the incident and are crucial for seeking compensation or reimbursement for your medical expenses and other related costs.
Consider a Legal Action
According to Reuters, Jennifer Mitchell, a 32-year-old Black woman from Waynesville, Missouri, is the first person to file a lawsuit against hair straightening products. Mitchell alleges that her use of hair straighteners for over 20 years caused her to develop uterine cancer at the age of 28. She had to undergo a hysterectomy as a result of her diagnosis.
Considering legal action is an essential step if you have been injured by chemicals in hair straighteners. After consulting with a personal injury lawyer, they can help assess the viability of your case and determine if pursuing legal action is appropriate.
If your injuries have had a significant impact on your health, well-being, and quality of life, filing a lawsuit against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of the hair straightener product may be necessary to seek compensation for damages.
Conclusion
Chemical hair straightening is an expensive beauty treatment that carries inherent risks. Hair relaxers have the potential to cause permanent damage, resulting in dryness, hair loss, scalp irritation, and chemical burns. However, recent studies have shed light on an even more significant concern associated with these straightening products, which can have life-altering consequences: an increased risk of cancer.
Experiencing injuries caused by chemicals in hair straighteners can be distressing and concerning. However, by following the necessary steps, you can take control of your situation and seek appropriate remedies.
Each of the above-listed steps plays a vital role in protecting your health, asserting your rights, and potentially obtaining compensation for the damages suffered. By being proactive and informed, you can confidently navigate the aftermath of such injuries and work towards obtaining the justice and support you deserve.
