July 26, 2023 Update:
In a hair relaxer multidistrict litigation (MDL), manufacturers of various hair products, including ORS Olive Oil, Dark & Lovely, Just for Me, and Optimum, have filed a motion to dismiss the product liability lawsuits.
The plaintiffs allege that their products are linked to higher rates of uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, endometriosis, and other injuries.
L’Oréal, Revlon, Strength of Nature, and Namaste have also joined the motion to dismiss the lawsuits.
The manufacturers argue that the plaintiffs’ complaint fails to identify specific ingredient formulations and products responsible for the alleged injuries.
The MDL, overseen by U.S. District Judge Mary M. Rowland in the Northern District of Illinois, was approved in February.
The Master Complaint outlines common allegations made by women, mostly African American, who claim to have developed uterine or ovarian cancer due to regular exposure to hormone-altering synthetic chemical compounds in the hair relaxer products.
The plaintiffs argue that they were not adequately warned about the cancer risks associated with using these products.
Currently in the pre-trial phase, the MDL is coordinating a discovery schedule.
The defendants’ attorneys seek a two-phase discovery process, with the first phase focused on establishing direct causation between hair relaxers and cancer.
If causation is proven, further factors in the discovery process will proceed.
The plaintiffs’ attorneys contend that this two-phase discovery process is merely a delay tactic.
If you or a loved one frequently used hair relaxers, chemical hair straighteners, or other hair straightening products and were subsequently diagnosed with uterine cancer or another cancer related to these products, you may be eligible to file a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit.
Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation. You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Hair Straightener Cancer Lawsuit instantly.
July 12, 2023 Update:
Revlon has submitted an update to the MDL judge regarding their ongoing bankruptcy proceedings and a response to the plaintiffs’ status report filed on June 30, 2023. Despite being in bankruptcy, Revlon is significant due to its substantial insurance policy that covers lawsuits related to hair relaxer and cancer.
According to Revlon, the plaintiffs’ report inaccurately represents certain aspects of the bankruptcy proceedings and highlights concerns that have already been addressed. The update provided by Revlon includes detailed provisions of the bankruptcy proceedings and the confirmation order, which aim to guide the court in understanding the potential implications on the MDL class action lawsuit.
Revlon emphasizes that any claims against them must adhere to the bankruptcy court’s order and the specified proof-of-claim procedures. Plaintiffs can only assert “Hair Straightening Claims” in the MDL proceedings or in the Southern District of New York after filing a valid proof of claim.
As per the provisions outlined in the Plan, potential plaintiffs need to file a complaint related to hair straightening against Revlon before September 14, 2023. If these claims are not covered by Revlon’s insurance, any recovery through settlement or judgment is considered discharged in bankruptcy.
Recently, Revlon submitted an omnibus objection to multiple proofs of claim, including those from approximately 3,000 hair straightening claimants, and they anticipate filing more objections.
In their update to the court, Revlon criticized the plaintiffs’ lawyers’ status report, claiming it inaccurately portrayed the bankruptcy court’s order. They also pointed out that the hair-straightening-claim objections had already been resolved prior to the bankruptcy court’s hearing on the objections, which was omitted in the report.
If you or a loved one frequently used hair relaxers, chemical hair straighteners, or other hair straightening products and were subsequently diagnosed with uterine cancer or another cancer related to these products, you may be eligible to file a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit.
Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation. You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Hair Straightener Cancer Lawsuit instantly.