In October 2022, the National Institute of Health released a study that cited an increased link between women who use chemical hair relaxers and uterine cancer. Since then, lawsuits have been brought against major beauty brands like Revlon and L’Oreal from people diagnosed with uterine cancer after frequent chemical hair straightener use (more than four times a year). There is an ongoing multidistrict litigation suit against these brands as more and more victims file claims against these companies. Learn more about the case details here. Updates within the last month have significantly impacted Revlon’s participation in the MDL. Learn more about Revlon’s involvement with the case and what it means for potential plaintiffs below.
Revlon Files for Bankruptcy
The beauty giant filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2022, several months before the NIH’s revealing study linking hair straighteners to cancer-causing chemicals. Several Revlon brand products were listed in the case, such as Crème of Nature, Fabulaxer, Revlon Professional, and Revlon Realistic.
Filing Deadlines for Revlon Cancer Cases
When Revlon filed for bankruptcy, the New York bankruptcy judge presiding over the case gave potential claimants until October 24, 2022, to file any potential lawsuits against the company before the bankruptcy hearings. After this deadline, no one could file any type of lawsuit against the company and wouldn’t be considered part of the bankruptcy repayment plan. Since the NIH study was only released a few days before this deadline, it made it difficult for those who wished to be a part of the MDL against Revlon to file in time.
In mid-March 2023, the New York bankruptcy judge lifted this ban against potential cancer lawsuit claims. The judge enacted the new deadline of April 11, 2023, at 5 pm as the official deadline for all claimants to file cases to be considered as part of the MDL. Those who filed their claims before March 23 would be eligible for voting rights on the proposed bankruptcy plan.
Again, potential claimants who want to file a suit against Revlon for increased uterine cancer risk after using chemical hair straighteners had until April 11, 2023, to file their claim with the court. After this date, Revlon cannot be named as a defendant in the case.
What Does This Mean for Potential Claimants?
If you used Revlon brand relaxers and straighteners and developed uterine cancer, cases must have been filed by April 11. After that, you cannot name Revlon as the defendant in your case. Those who qualify to file a claim must have used chemical hair straighteners or relaxers at least four times a year and have been diagnosed with uterine cancer at least one year after chemical hair straightener use. Revlon brands included in the case are:
- Crème of Nature,
- Herba Rich
- African Pride
- French Perm
- Fabulaxer
- Revlon Professional
- Revlon Realistic
- All Ways Natural Relaxer
After April 11, those affected can file cases naming other brands as defendants, such as L’Oreal, Optimum, Soft & Beautiful, Dabur International, and Olive Oil Girls.
If you’ve developed uterine cancer after using chemical hair straighteners, the team at the Michael Brady Lynch Law Firm can help. We are currently pursuing cases in this MDL to help victims who developed uterine cancer after using chemical hair straightening products. Call our office at 888-585-5970 to speak with an attorney.
Date: Apr 30, 2023
Author: Brandon Salter
