BELLEVILLE – A group of men and women from across the United States are suing the manufacturers of a hair care product, alleging they have suffered injuries and severe reactions when using the product.
More than 100 plaintiffs filed the lawsuit Jan. 8. in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Combe Incorporated, Combe Products Inc., Combe Manufacturing Inc. and Combe International Ltd., alleging strict liability, negligence, breach of warranty, negligent representation and fraud.
The defendants develop, manufacture, test, promote, label and sell the hair care products and hair dyes known as Just For Men, and have done so since at least 1987. According to the complaint, the defendants failed to adequately warn against the negative effects and risks associated with the product, even if the product was used as directed.
The suit says the risks from prolonged and cumulative use include burns, scarring, allergic reactions, anaphylactic shock and skin depigmentation.
In omitting, concealing and inadequately providing safety information regarding the product, the suit says, the defendants' conduct is fraudulent, unfair and unlawful.
The plaintiffs seek a sum in excess of the jurisdictional requirement of the court, court costs and other relief the court may deem proper. They are represented by attorneys John. J. Driscoll and Philip Sholtz of The Driscoll Firm PC in St. Louis, and Richard W. Schulte of Wright & Schulte LLC in Vandalia, Ohio.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 16-L-18