Romanucci & Blandin Attorneys David A. Neiman and Sarah M. Raisch named to Leadership of Hair Relaxer Cancer Cases

Romanucci & Blandin, LLC is investigating claims against hair product manufacturers L’Oreal, SoftSheen Carson, Dark and Lovely, amongst others, alleging their hair straightening treatments caused an increased risk of uterine and ovarian cancer in women who used them. Individuals who have used hair straighteners and developed uterine and ovarian cancer may be eligible for compensation.

Hair straightener treatments may contain toxic chemicals which increase the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer, particularly in Black or Hispanic women who may use the products more often. Hair straighteners can contain formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals, phthalates, parabens, bisphenol-A and other toxins that may be carcinogenic. Other scientific studies have linked toxic chemicals to cancer in females, including breast and endometrial cancer, as well as short and long-term illnesses such as respiratory distress and asthma.

A judge in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois appointed Romanucci & Blandin Partner David A. Neiman to the Plaintiff's Steering Committee for the multidistrict litigation (MDL) for these cases. Senior Attorney Sarah M. Raisch recently was named to the Leadership Development Committee for the MDL.

“This MDL presents a great opportunity to join an esteemed group of lawyers fighting to rectify the catastrophic and permanent injuries needlessly caused by the careless and deceptive marketing practices by the defendant companies, who intentionally placed profits over consumer safety," Partner David A. Neiman said.

"It is a privilege for me to have a role within one of the most diverse leadership committees in MDL history," Senior Attorney Sarah M. Raisch said. "Society's pressure to adhere to specific beauty stands, in addition to these companies' indifference to the potential of harm, has led to thousands of lives being altered by hair relaxer and straightener products."

Hair straightener products are available from large retailers and beauty stores. These hair relaxers may heighten the risk of cancer or other health illnesses if used by consumers. Brands may include:

SoftSheen Carson (SSC), L’Oreal; SSC Dark and Lovely, L’Oreal; Mizani, L’Oreal; Revlon; Organic Root Stimulator (ORS) Olive Oil; African Pride; Africa’s Best; Just For Me; ProfectivMegaGrowth; Soft & Beautiful; Motions; Silk Elements; Isoplus; Crème of Nature; TCB Naturals

Learn more about hair relaxer cancer cases on our Mass Torts & Class Actions page.