Over the past two years, women have been filing hair relaxer lawsuits against manufacturers of chemical hair straightener products. They used hair relaxers and developed uterine, endometrial, or ovarian cancer. They are suing the companies that made these dangerous products linked to their cancer diagnosis.
To date, over 10,000 lawsuits for hair relaxers are currently pending in the federal court system. The litigation continues to grow as more and more women come forward with potential claims.
Understanding Bellwether Trials: The Test Cases That Shape Mass Litigation
Currently, the “bellwether trial process” is underway, whereby a pool of test cases is selected to represent the larger group filed in the MDL.
A bellwether trial is a test case selected from a large group of similar lawsuits, often in a multi-district litigation (MDL) or mass tort setting.
It’s used to gauge how a jury might react to the evidence and arguments presented in the broader pool of cases, helping lawyers and the court assess the potential outcomes and value of the litigation.
These bellwether cases are then tried as sample jury trials to gauge how jurors would respond to the legal arguments, scientific evidence, and expert testimony presented by both plaintiffs and defendants.
A common MDL tactic, bellwether trials provide litigants with a preview of the strengths and weaknesses of both sides’ evidence. While not binding decisions, they often influence the initiation of settlement negotiations.
32 Bellwether Cases Selected in Hair Relaxer Cancer Litigation as Fact Discovery Begins
The honorable U.S. District Judge Mary Rowland, the federal judge presiding over the hair relaxer federal multidistrict litigation (MDL), ordered Plaintiffs and Defendants to each select 20 cases by April 30, 2025, for a total of 40 bellwether test cases, with trial dates scheduled to begin late 2026 or early 2027.
After both sides were given the opportunity to strike four cases, the total pool number is currently 32. Importantly, Judge Rowland ordered that the cases selected only include plaintiffs whose diagnoses are uterine, endometrial, or ovarian cancer.
With the selection of the bellwether pool complete, case-specific fact discovery and deadlines have begun for each of the bellwether cases.
Understanding Daubert Hearings: Challenging the Admissibility and Reliability of Expert Testimony in Pre-Trial Proceedings
The process will include general causation expert deadlines, reports, as well as pre-trial motions, including but not limited to a Daubert motion and a Daubert hearing.
In a Daubert hearing, the admissibility of expert witness testimony is contested. One side argues that the expert’s testimony, often scientifically related, is not relevant or reliable in the case.
Examples of unreliability include:
- Whether or not the basis of the expert’s testimony or theory has been published in credible journals
- Whether the methodology upon which the expert rests his or her theory is accepted in the scientific community
- Whether or not the methodology can be replicated and tested.
If the Court finds that the science and research do not support the litigation premise, the litigation can be “thrown out on Daubert,” meaning the case can be dismissed prior to trial.
Hair Relaxer Lawsuits Advance: Special Master to Guide Settlements as Research Confirms Cancer Risks
In the hair relaxer MDL, research indicates a strong association between hair relaxers and certain types of cancer in African American women. These cancers include uterine, endometrial, and ovarian cancer.
The latest study on this topic was published in October 2022 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
While the bellwether test trials will undoubtedly influence settlement discussions, the appointment of a settlement special master will also expedite the discussions.
A special master will help facilitate a structured settlement for these cases, and Plaintiffs and Defendants have proposed an individual for the Judge’s approval.
During the settlement process, the cases will be assessed individually based on several factors:
- The type of cancer
- Severity of the disease
- The permanent impact on one’s health and overall well-being.
The litigation is two years in, but it is still possible to file a claim in the MDL.
The Yost Legal Group: Advocating for Women Diagnosed with Cancer After Hair Relaxer Use
At The Yost Legal Group, we are committed to standing up for women who have developed cancer after years of using hair relaxer products.
Recent scientific studies, including a pivotal October 2022 publication in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, have confirmed a strong link between long-term hair relaxer use and an increased risk of endocrine-related cancers such as uterine, endometrial, and ovarian cancer.
Fighting for Justice and Accountability
Women who trusted these products deserve answers, justice, and support. The Yost Legal Group is actively representing women from across the country in the ongoing multidistrict litigation (MDL) involving hair relaxers.
Our experienced legal team is dedicated to holding manufacturers accountable for failing to warn consumers about these serious health risks.
Compassionate Advocacy, Powerful Results
Let us file your hair relaxer cancer lawsuit today. Time may be limited depending on when you first learned about the hair relaxer litigation.
We understand the emotional and physical toll a cancer diagnosis brings—not just to you, but to your loved ones as well. Our hair relaxer attorneys handle every case with care and professionalism.
We dedicate ourselves to achieving the best results for our clients. Every woman deserves to have her voice heard and her rights protected.
Time is Limited to File Your Hair Relaxer Litigation Claim
There are strict deadlines for filing a hair-straightener lawsuit in the multidistrict litigation (MDL). If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with uterine cancer, endometrial, or ovarian cancer after using hair relaxer products, don’t wait.
Acting now is the best way to protect your rights. It gives you the chance to seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact The Yost Legal Group Today
We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss your situation and help you understand your legal options. There are no upfront costs, and we only get paid if you win your case.
Reach out today—our team is here to support you every step of the way. Call us at 1-800-YOST-LAW (1-800-967-8529) or text us at 1-410-659-6800.
Your story matters. Let The Yost Legal Group help you fight for the justice you deserve.
If you developed uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, or endometrial cancer after long-term use of hair straightener products, call us. You can also fill out the Free Consultation form on our website, and we will contact you shortly.
We will be in touch with you shortly to conduct your “Free Case Review.” It is important to know your legal options.
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