Top 2025 Products Affecting Women’s Safety
By Jennifer D. Donnelly, Esq.
From cosmetics to medical devices, products designed for, or heavily used by, women have led to severe injuries, sparking lawsuits, regulatory changes, and public awareness. Product liability claims arise when defective or dangerous products cause harm. In 2025, women are at the forefront of some of the most significant cases due to targeted marketing and societal roles.
Hair relaxers and straightening products
Heavily marketed hair relaxers and chemical straightening products have been linked to serious health issues including uterine, ovarian, and endometrial cancers. Over 7,000 lawsuits have been filed in the U.S., alleging that some hair relaxers such as Keratin & Brazilian blow-out products contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, without adequate warnings to its consumers. A 2022 NIH study found that women using chemical hair straighteners more than four times a year had a 2.5 times higher risk of uterine or ovarian cancer, with black women disproportionately affected due to higher usage rates.
Transvaginal mesh implants
Transvaginal mesh, used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence—conditions primarily affecting women post-childbirth or menopause—has caused severe health complications. Over 100,000 lawsuits against manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson and Boston Scientific allege inadequate testing and failure to warn women of the risks associated with implantation of mesh. Injuries resulting from transvaginal mesh include irreversible vaginal scarring, chronic pain, fistulas, mesh erosion, and organ damage, often requiring corrective surgeries.
Depo-Provera (injectable birth control)
Depo-Provera is an injectable birth control that is typically given once every three months. Recently, several legal concerns and cases have arisen related to the drug’s side effects, risks, and the adequacy of its labeling. One concern is that patients who have used Depo Provera for one year or more (or at least 4 injections), have shown that they may be more likely to develop meningiomas, a type of tumor that develops in the brain or spine. Treatment for meningioma may include medications, radiation, or surgery. Despite the drug’s manufacturer being aware of this serious risk, patients potentially have claims that they were not adequately warned about the risks or that they were not given the necessary information to make an informed decision about using the contraceptive method.
Tepezza
Tepezza is an infusion drug therapy used to treat Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), including conditions also called Graves’ Eye Disease, Graves’ Ophthalmopathy, or Graves’ Orbitopathy. Tepezza was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; however, prior to FDA approval, patients in the clinical trials complained of hearing loss and impairment as well as tinnitus (ringing in the ears) following the usage of Tepezza. During the FDA review process, Horizon acknowledged the potential side effects of hearing loss or damage but characterized it as only temporary. Follow-up studies and investigations suggested that some patients had persistent hearing loss, contrasting claims that hearing impairment was temporary. Criteria for these claims include those who received Tepezza infusion(s) before July 24, 2023, and suffer from persistent hearing loss, impairment, and/or tinnitus.
What steps to take
If you or someone you know believes they have been impacted by one of these products, here are some steps to take to advocate for yourself and help navigate a potential claim:
1. Act promptly: Statutes of limitations vary by state and have very specific criteria. If you are unsure if you fit the criteria for one of these claims, you should seek legal advice promptly. Delays can affect your claim.
2. Document evidence: Retain product packaging and receipts, medical records, and usage history. Photos of injuries or complications can strengthen cases.
3. Seek medical attention: Early diagnosis of injuries, like cancer or neurological symptoms, supports claims and health outcomes. Regular physicals and screenings are critical for your own health and well-being.
4. Consult specialized attorneys: All consultations are free, and you do not pay an attorney’s fee unless a settlement is received. It is vital to have an attorney’s guidance through the intricacies of a product liability case. Having an attorney allows you to focus on what matters most: attending your doctor’s appointments and healing your injuries. Contact me at 302-565-6123 or [email protected].
Kimmel Carter
Your Delaware Injury Lawyers
Call or Text (302) 565-6100
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Offices in Wilmington, Newark and Reboboth Beach
