As of April 2025, the multidistrict litigation (MDL) concerning cancer claims linked to chemical hair relaxers is advancing toward potential bellwether trials. Settlement discussions are gaining momentum as well.
The cases are primarily based on allegations that prolonged exposure to hair relaxer products containing endocrine-disrupting chemicals has led to uterine, ovarian, and endometrial cancers, particularly among Black women and salon professionals.
Overview of the Legal Action Being Taken in Relation to Hair Relaxer Cancer
The multidistrict litigation for these complaints is centralized in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and has consolidated nearly 9,800 cases as of March 2025. Plaintiffs allege that manufacturers of several hair relaxer products failed to warn consumers about the cancer risks associated with the chemicals.
The litigation has expanded to encompass claims from salon professionals who were exposed to these chemicals for a prolonged period of time.
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Scientific Evidence and Causation
A pivotal study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that women who used hair relaxers four or more times per year had a 2.4 times greater risk of developing uterine cancer compared to non-users. Additionally, the risk of ovarian cancer was found to be 50% higher for frequent users of hair relaxers.
These findings have significantly strengthened the plaintiffs’ arguments regarding causation in the litigation.
Legal Developments and Procedural Timeline
In March 2025, the court outlined the bellwether selection process, setting key procedural steps and deadlines. The results of these bellwether cases will establish the process for addressing the issues to be settled in the remaining cases. Plaintiffs and defendants must choose 20 cases each by April 30, 2025, which will be narrowed to 32 initial bellwether discovery cases.
Fact discovery for these cases is to be completed by February 16, 2026. Expert discovery timelines have also been set, with plaintiffs required to disclose general causation experts by October 31, 2025, and defendants by December 1, 2025.
The court aims to choose 12 cases that could work as bellwether trials before further reducing that number to 10 by March 18, 2026. Additional expert discovery in these trial cases is set to conclude by October 16, 2026, with summary judgment and Daubert motions due by November 16, 2026.
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Settlement Negotiations
Settlement discussions are progressing, with plaintiffs and defendants aiming to finalize mediator selections by March 20, 2025. While plaintiffs are eager to engage in meaningful settlement talks, defendants have proposed exchanging case theories within 45 days of a mediator’s selection.
The outcome of these negotiations could significantly impact the resolution of the litigation.
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Financial Implications and Compensation
The MDL has established an 11% assessment on gross monetary recoveries to compensate the attorneys working on behalf of all plaintiffs. This assessment is divided into 8% for legal fees and 3% for expenses.
For plaintiffs, this means that part of any settlement or judgment they receive will go toward funding the common benefit work performed by the MDL attorneys. However, most likely, this will come out of the plaintiff’s lawyer’s fee, not the hair relaxer settlement.
Outlook and Prognosis
The litigation is progressing toward trial, with the first bellwether trials potentially scheduled for late 2025. Given the strength of the scientific evidence and the number of cases involved, the MDL is poised to be a significant legal proceeding in the coming years.
Plaintiffs are optimistic that favorable trial outcomes will result in a resolution that adequately compensates affected women for their suffering.
Don’t Delay When Considering Taking Legal Action
If you suffered harm in relation to the use of a hair relaxer, it is critical that you take action. It’s in your best interest to get your case added to the growing list of legal complaints against the companies that manufacture these products as soon as possible. If you received a cancer diagnosis, hiring a lawyer quickly will help protect you from any unforeseen deadlines.
Your attorney will be able to identify all the deadlines in your case and ensure that your paperwork is filed correctly and on time. While it is too late for your case to be chosen for one of the bellwether trials in the MDL, adding it to the growing list of lawsuits against manufacturers can still help you recover the maximum compensation available.
Get Help From an Experienced Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit Lawyer Today
The hair relaxer cancer litigation is advancing through the legal system, with bellwether trials and settlement discussions on the horizon. If you suffered harm related to using these products, it is critical that you get help from an experienced lawyer. At DeMayo Law Offices, we understand the challenges you face and are here to help. We believe in People Over Profits™.
Since opening our doors in 1992, we have secured more than $1 billion in damages for our clients. Reach out to us today by phone or through our website to set up a free case review with a member of our team. Let’s discuss how we can use our knowledge and experience to help you recover fair compensation for your losses.
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