Georgia Supreme Court Allows Woman’s Chemical Hair Relaxer Lawsuit to Move Forward

ATLANTA, GA. — The Georgia Supreme Court has cleared the way for a woman to pursue her lawsuit claiming that years of using chemical hair relaxers caused her serious health problems — marking a significant ruling that could influence future product liability cases in the state.

In a Wednesday decision, the state’s highest court overturned a lower court’s dismissal of the case filed by Kiara Burroughs, who alleges she developed uterine fibroids after years of using hair relaxer products made by Strength of Nature and L’Oréal.

Court Overturns Lower Ruling

Burroughs filed suit after being diagnosed in 2018, citing research that linked chemical hair relaxer use to reproductive health issues and some cancers. Her lawsuit argues that repeated exposure to these products caused her medical condition and that manufacturers failed to adequately warn consumers about potential risks.

The companies sought to have the case dismissed under Georgia’s 10-year statute of repose, which restricts how long consumers have to bring product-related claims. But the Supreme Court disagreed, ruling that Burroughs’ claims were not barred and that her case can move forward in court.

Legal experts say the ruling could have implications for similar lawsuits across Georgia, especially those involving long-term consumer product exposure.

Companies Maintain Products Are Safe

Both L’Oréal and Strength of Nature expressed disappointment in the decision, insisting that their products meet all safety standards.

“We are disappointed in the ruling but remain confident that our products are safe when used as directed,” representatives from both companies said in a statement following the court’s decision.

Burroughs’ case joins a growing list of lawsuits nationwide alleging a connection between chemical hair straighteners and women’s health problems, including uterine fibroids and certain types of cancer.

Health and Legal Implications

The lawsuit cites a national study suggesting a link between prolonged use of chemical relaxers and higher rates of uterine and ovarian cancers, particularly among Black women, who represent the majority of product users.

Advocates have argued that these products have disproportionately affected women of color and that manufacturers failed to provide transparent safety warnings.

While Wednesday’s ruling does not determine guilt or liability, it allows Burroughs and her legal team to present evidence in trial court — a step forward in what could become a landmark case in Georgia’s consumer safety law.

The Georgia Supreme Court’s decision underscores the importance of judicial review in balancing public health concerns against the state’s product liability limits.

Residents can follow updates on major Georgia court rulings and consumer protection cases at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com, where ongoing coverage continues to spotlight legal developments impacting communities across the South.