Hair Relaxer Settlement Values May Be Driven by MDL Bellwether Trials
More than two years after the first hair relaxer lawsuits were filed by women diagnosed with uterine cancer, endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer, the evidence in the cases continues to get stronger and the judge presiding over the federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) has established a “bellwether” trial process, which will play a key role in determining future hair relaxer settlement values.
There are currently more than 12,000 claims pending throughout the federal court system, and the size of the litigation continues to grow as more women come forward or learn that they now have cancer from chemical hair straighteners.
Find Out If You Qualify For A Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit
When the hair relaxer litigation first began, cases were investigated involving a wide range of side effects and cancers linked to endocrine-disrupting chemicals used in many hair straightening products. However, the litigation is now focused on three specific cancers, for which there is overwhelmingly strong evidence:
- Uterine Cancer
- Endometrial Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
The first bellwether trials will involve only claims brought by women who developed one of these cancers, which aim to test how juries may respond to evidence that will be repeated throughout thousands of other lawsuits.
While the outcomes of these early MDL bellwether trials won’t be binding on other women presenting claims, they will provide important insight into the amount of damages juries may award, and will likely play a key role in shaping future hair relaxer settlements.
Women diagnosed with uterine cancer, ovarian cancer or endometrial cancer after regular use of chemical hair straighteners still have time to file a claim. To determine whether you or a loved one may be eligible for hair relaxer settlement benefits, complete the form on this page or call our office at 1-800-522-0102.
Understanding Hair Relaxer Bellwether Trials
In large, complex litigations like the hair relaxer cancer lawsuits, bellwether trials are used to test key evidence and arguments before juries. These early trial cases help both sides understand how juries are likely to respond to the scientific evidence, expert testimony, and legal arguments that will be repeated throughout the litigation.
To guide this process, U.S. District Judge Mary Rowland issued a memorandum opinion and order on January 31, 2025, outlining how the bellwether cases will be selected. Under this order, plaintiffs and defendants were each directed to select 20 cases by the end of this month, creating a total pool of 40 bellwether trial candidates. These selections are intended to represent a broad cross-section of claims in the litigation.
Importantly, Judge Rowland indicated that all cases included in the bellwether pool must involve uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, or endometrial cancer diagnosis. However, other injuries can also be involved in these cases, as long as the plaintiff has been diagnosed with one of the three primary cancers.
Bellwether trials serve two important purposes:
- Testing the Strength of the Evidence: Juries’ response to expert testimony and documents about the link between hair relaxers and cancer will give both sides insight into how future cases may be valued.
- Driving Settlement Discussions: The threat of early trial verdicts helps push defendants to consider fair settlement offers to avoid facing thousands of individual trials.
Key Bellwether Deadlines and Timeline
The selection of bellwether cases is expected to take place over the coming months, with hair relaxer trial dates likely to begin by late 2026 or early 2027.
Once the initial cases are selected, these claims will go through case-specific discovery and pre-trial proceedings, giving both sides an opportunity to fully prepare for presenting their claims and defenses in court.
Hair Relaxer Bellwether Case Eligibility Deadlines
- February 1, 2024: Plaintiffs must have filed a Short Form Complaint (SFC) to be eligible for inclusion in the bellwether pool.
- February 28, 2025: Plaintiffs must submit a Plaintiff Fact Sheet (PFS) to be considered for bellwether case selection.
Hair Relaxer Bellwether Case Selection Dates
- April 30, 2025: Plaintiffs and defendants will each select and exchange 20 potential bellwether cases from the pool of eligible claims.
- May 9, 2025: After each side strikes 4 cases from the other’s list, a final pool of 32 initial bellwether discovery cases will be selected and identified in a joint status report.
Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Discovery and Defense Deadlines
- June 9, 2025: Defendants must file answers and affirmative defenses to each of the selected initial bellwether discovery cases.
- September 30, 2025: MDL-wide oral fact discovery must be completed for all cases involved in the litigation.
General Causation Expert Deadlines in Hair Relaxer Litigation
- October 31, 2025: Plaintiffs must disclose general causation expert opinions regarding the cancers linked to hair relaxer use.
- December 1, 2025: Defendants must disclose their general causation expert opinions in response.
- December 15, 2025: Plaintiffs may submit rebuttal expert opinions, addressing any new issues raised by defendants’ experts.
Hair Relaxer Bellwether Trial Case Final Selection Process
- February 16, 2026: Fact discovery for the 32 initial bellwether discovery cases must be completed.
- February 17, 2026: Both sides will submit proposals identifying 12 trial candidates for further consideration.
- March 2026: The court, along with plaintiffs and defendants, will make selections to finalize a group of 10 bellwether trial cases, which will move forward to trial preparation.
Final Discovery and Expert Deadlines Before Hair Relaxer Trials
- May 1, 2026: Final fact discovery in the selected trial cases must be completed to ensure readiness for trial.
- October 16, 2026: All expert discovery specific to the bellwether trial cases must be concluded, including non-general causation experts.
Pre-Trial Motions and Trial Preparation in Hair Relaxer MDL
- By early 2027: The court will address final pre-trial motions and challenges, including Daubert (expert admissibility) motions and summary judgment motions, to prepare cases for potential bellwether trials.
Based on the current schedule, it is expected that the first hair relaxer jury trials may be ready to begin by late 2026 or early 2027. These cases will be closely watched by lawyers and plaintiffs nationwide, as they will involve the same evidence, experts, and arguments that are expected to be used in thousands of other claims.
How Bellwether Trials May Lead to Hair Relaxer Settlements
Throughout the bellwether trial process, the court is expected to continue pushing both sides to engage in settlement talks aimed at resolving the growing number of hair relaxer cancer lawsuits.
In fact, the court has already ordered the parties to begin formal mediation discussions. In a joint status report (PDF) submitted on April 17, 2025, the parties indicate that they have proposed the appointment of settlement special master. If approved by the Court, this neutral third party will help facilitate structured negotiations and guide potential hair relaxer settlements.
As trial dates approach, the risk of substantial jury verdicts will increase pressure on hair relaxer manufacturers to resolve claims. If early bellwether trials return large payout awards for women diagnosed with uterine cancer, endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer, hair relaxer manufacturers may be forced to consider global settlements to avoid litigating thousands of individual cases in courts nationwide.
Factors Impacting Hair Relaxer Settlement Values
While early trials may provide a benchmark for potential payouts, individual hair relaxer settlement amounts will vary based on factors unique to each case, including:
- Type of Cancer Diagnosed: Uterine, ovarian, or endometrial cancer, with some cancers involving more aggressive treatments or long-term health impacts.
- Severity and Stage of the Disease: Early-stage cancers may require less treatment, while advanced stages can result in more serious complications and higher medical costs.
- Impact on Daily Life and Ability to Work: The extent to which the cancer affects daily activities, employment, and quality of life, including lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
- Age and Personal Circumstances: Younger women, or those with dependents, may face longer-term impacts; factors like family responsibilities and overall health are also considered.
- Length and Frequency of Hair Relaxer Use: The duration and consistency of product use, with longer-term exposure often strengthening the link to cancer and increasing potential settlement value.
Still Time to Pursue a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
It is not too late to file a hair relaxer cancer claim. Women who have been diagnosed with uterine cancer, endometrial cancer, or ovarian cancer after using chemical hair straighteners can still join the hair relaxer lawsuit and may be eligible for future settlement payouts.
If you or a loved one have been impacted, contact us today at 1-800-522-0102 or fill out the form below to find out whether you qualify for a hair relaxer lawsuit settlement.
FIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY FOR A HAIR RELAXER SETTLEMENT
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