Question 1

When will hair relaxer lawsuits settle?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

How much is a hair relaxer cancer settlement worth?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Can I still file a hair relaxer cancer lawsuit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 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.

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