Chandler v. L'Oreal United States, Inc.
Chandler v. L'Oreal United States, Inc.
Opinion of the Court
I. INTRODUCTION
In this products liability action, Plaintiff Kim Chandler ("Plaintiff") alleges that she was injured after using an at-home hair relaxer product manufactured and sold by Defendants L'Oreal USA, Inc. and Soft Sheen-Carson, Inc., ("Defendants"). (Docket No. 1-1). Plaintiff asserts claims for strict liability, negligence, breach of implied warranty, fraud and violations of the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law ("UTPCPL") against Defendants. (Id. ). Presently before the Court is a motion for summary judgment filed by Defendants which is opposed by Plaintiff. (Docket Nos. 36; 40). The motion has been fully briefed and neither party requested oral argument, making it ripe for disposition. (Docket Nos. 36-41; 44-45). After careful consideration of the parties' arguments, and for the following reasons, Defendants' motion is granted.
II. BACKGROUND
A. Relevant Facts
Plaintiff is a 62-year old resident of Uniontown, Pennsylvania. (Docket No. 1-1 at 13). She has shoulder length hair which she described as "coarse" and 40 years of experience applying at-home hair relaxer products to straighten her hair. (Docket Nos. 38 at ¶ 3; 41 at ¶ 3; Docket No. 38-2 at 16-17). For the past decade, Plaintiff has relaxed her hair with Defendants' Dark and Lovely ® relaxer. (Id. ). She estimated that she applies this type of product to the areas of regrowth in her hair every four weeks. (Docket No. 38-2 at 38).
On March 11, 2017, Plaintiff went to her local CVS pharmacy in order to purchase Dark and Lovely ® relaxer but the store was out of this product. (Docket Nos. 38 at ¶ 4; 41 at ¶ 4). Rather than travel to a different store, she purchased Defendants' Regular Optimum Salon Haircare ® Defy Breakage Salon No-Lye Relaxer (the "Defy Breakage relaxer"), explaining that she did so because her hair "needed done." (Docket Nos. 38 at ¶ 1; 41 at ¶ 1). Plaintiff testified that she had not previously used the Defy Breakage relaxer. (Docket Nos. 38 at ¶ 2; 41 at ¶ 2). She conceded that when she purchased the Defy Breakage relaxer, she did not look at the exterior packaging other than to determine the strength of the product, which was listed on the box as "regular." (Docket No. 38-2 at 38). Plaintiff admitted that she did not read any of the warnings on the exterior of the box or the list of ingredients. (Id. ). However, she stated that she read the instructions contained within the box before using the Defy Breakage relaxer. (Docket Nos. 38 at ¶ 15; 41 at ¶ 15).
The front of the exterior packaging of the Defy Breakage relaxer contains a photograph of a female model with straight hair. (Docket No. 38-3). The product is advertised as a "No-Lye Relaxer," "with whipped oil moisturizer," and "90% Less Breakage," for "Stronger, Smoother, *557Hair," on both the front and top of the package. (Id. ). These areas also include "IMPORTANT - READ & FOLLOW THE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS," in smaller print. (Id. ). The bottom of the packaging lists the product's chemical ingredients and describes the contents of the box. (Id. ).
The rear of the exterior packaging also provides that the Defy Breakage relaxer offers "Exclusive Salon Haircare at Home," and "90% LESS BREAKAGE," "[w]ith patented Strengthening Ceramide, and Coconut Oil, Defy Breakage Relaxer Kit helps replenish moisture for smooth, healthy-looking hair. Supreme conditioning infused at every step, before, during and after relaxing." (Id. ). This portion also lists the seven items contained within the box, numbering them one through seven. (Id. ).
The side of the exterior packaging contains the following warnings:
IMPORTANT - READ BEFORE PURCHASING
- This product may not be suitable for all hair types; a strand test must be performed prior to application.
- Use the strength of relaxer suited to your hair.
...
- Do not use on bleached hair, highlighted hair, hair treated with henna or metallic salts, or hair processed with a thio/perm product such as thioglycolate, thiolactate, cysteine, cysteamine, sulfite. Hair loss or breakage could occur.
- Do not use on hair that is fragile, breaking, splitting or otherwise damaged; for example, due to frequent coloring or other chemical processes.
- If you have permanent or demi-permanent haircolor, wait at least 2 weeks before relaxing.
- Do not use if you have a sensitive, irritated or damaged scalp.
- It is recommended that you use petroleum jelly during application as indicated in enclosed instructions.
...
USAGE ADVISORY - SAFETY WARNINGS
- Read and follow enclosed instruction sheet completely before using. Failure to follow instructions or warnings or other misuse of the product can cause serious injury to eyes or skin and can damage hair or result in permanent hair loss.
...
- Contains alkali.
- Wear gloves provided in the kit throughout the relaxing process.
- Avoid contact with eyes. Can cause blindness ...
- Keep relaxer off scalp and other skin areas.
- In case of contact with skin, rinse immediately.
(Docket No. 38-3).
An instructions page is enclosed within the packaging. (Docket No. 38-4). Under the "SAFETY WARNINGS" section, the instructions reiterate that "[t]his product may not be suitable for all hair types; a strand test must be performed prior to application" and contain two separate lists, the relevant portions of which follow:
When you should NOT relax your hair:
• Not suitable for use in children
• If you have a sensitive, irritated or damaged scalp
• If hair has been bleached or highlighted, processed with a thio (perm) product.... or treated with henna or metallic salts. Hair loss or breakage could occur.
*558• If hair is fragile, breaking, splitting or otherwise damaged, for example, due to frequent coloring or other chemical processes
...
• If the strand test results in hair breakage or scalp irritation, do not relax hair.
...
What you should know before relaxing your hair:
• Keep out of reach of children
• This product may not be suitable for all hair types: a strand test must be performed prior to application
• Read and follow directions and warnings completely. Failure to follow directions and warnings, or other misuse of the product can cause serious injury to eyes or skin and can damage hair or result in permanent hair loss.
...
• Use the strength of Optimum Care relaxer suited to your hair.
• If hair has been relaxed previously, apply product to new growth only. Application of product to previously relaxed hair can cause hair breakage.
...
FOLLOW ALL DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY
(Id. ). A separate section titled "PREPARATION OF THE HAIR," provides that:
Following the application directions, test the mixture on one hair strand before relaxing all the hair. In case of hair breakage or scalp irritation after the test, do not use this product or any other relaxer. Because timing and precision application is imperative to avoid hair loss, hair breakage and/or scalp injury, it is recommended that you do not apply the relaxer yourself. Ask another person to assist you. Always do a strand test before relaxing, even if you have relaxed before. The Strand Test determines how long to straighten the hair. Prior to application, it is recommended that you apply petroleum jelly on hairline, nape of neck and ear area only.
(Id. ). Once the relaxer is applied to the strand, the instructions direct users to:
check texture and straightness of your hair frequently while waiting. If they are satisfactory before recommended processing time is up, end the test. Record time in Time Chart above and use as your processing time. Otherwise, use the time recommended in Time Chart. Never exceed the maximum processing time indicated in the Timing Chart.
(Id. ). The instructions also provide that "[i]n case of hair breakage or scalp irritation after the test, do not use this product or any other relaxer." (Id. ).
Under the "APPLICATION" section, there is a Timing Chart which has three columns for hair type, recommended strength, and processing time. (Id. ). For "normal" hair, the recommended strength is the "Regular" relaxer and the processing time is 15-18 minutes. (Id. ). For "coarse" hair, the recommended strength is the "Super" relaxer (a different product) and the processing time is 18-20 minutes. (Id. ). Finally, the instructions list a step-by-step process for using the relaxer. (Id. ). Relevant here, the second step "Apply the Relaxer Mixture" instructs users to:
Set a clock or a timer. Apply relaxer mixture to dry hair per the directions below without touching scalp. If the hair has already been relaxed, apply to new growth only. Follow the processing times. The application time should be counted in the total processing time. NEVER LEAVE THE RELAXER
*559MIXTURE ON HAIR LONGER THAN THE MAXIMUM PROCESSING TIME INDICATED IN THE STRAND TEST. NEVER EXCEED THE MAXIMUM PROCESSING TIME INDICATED IN THE TIME CHART.
(Id. ).
Plaintiff did not apply the Defy Breakage relaxer to her hair immediately after purchasing the product. Two days later, on March 13, 2017, Plaintiff used a heated curling iron on her hair in preparation of the application. (Docket No. 38-2 at 37). She applied the relaxer the next day, March 14, 2017. (Docket No. 38-5). Plaintiff did not ask anyone to assist her and applied the relaxer herself. (Id. ). Plaintiff admitted that she did not perform a strand test prior to applying the relaxer. (Docket No. 38-2 at 42). She testified that she had never performed a strand test when applying a relaxer product to her hair in the past. (Id. ). Plaintiff stated that she left the relaxer in her hair for 20 minutes and that the time included her preparation time. (Id. at 43). She explained that her hair was "coarse" and used the time provided in the instructions for that hair type. (Id. ). When Plaintiff rinsed off the relaxer, some of her hair fell out and went down the drain. (Id. at 48). Plaintiff kept the box for the Defy Breakage relaxer but did not retain any of its contents. (Docket No. 38-5 at 2).
Two weeks after sustaining this injury, on March 28, 2017, Plaintiff sought treatment from Dr. Dayna Hrovath of Mountain State Dermatology and was diagnosed with traumatic alopecia of the scalp and prescribed medications to treat her condition. (Docket No. 1-1). In a letter prepared on that date, Dr. Hrovath states that:
Kim Chandler [...] presented to our office today with hair loss to her superior scalp. She states that a week ago she was using "Optimum Care Hair Relaxer" according to directions and when she rinsed, her hair fell out. She denies burning or rash.
Upon examination there was a large area on her superior scalp of widespread hair loss. No erythema, burns or rash present.
Diagnosis is traumatic alopecia to scalp. We are treating her to encourage hair regrowth, but this is not guaranteed to help.
(Docket No. 1-1 at 13). Since this initial visit, Plaintiff has experienced some regrowth of her hair, although it has not returned to its original state prior to using Defendants' product. (Docket No. 38-2 at 57).
B. Procedural History
Plaintiff filed this case on August 4, 2017 in the Court of Common Pleas of Fayette County and Defendants removed the action to this Court on August 30, 2017. (Docket No. 1). Defendants filed their Answer on September 6, 2017. (Docket No. 5). The parties' efforts at resolving the matter through Court-ordered mediation were unsuccessful and the case continued through discovery, which ended on March 9, 2018. (Docket Nos. 15; 34). In the interim, the Court denied motions filed by Plaintiff to remand the matter to Fayette County and to compel discovery, the latter of which was resolved after the parties completed a meet and confer at the Court's direction. (Docket Nos. 22; 32; 34). The Court likewise denied Defendants' partial motion for summary judgment as it was filed prematurely while discovery was ongoing and prior to the Court establishing a briefing schedule. (Docket No. 28).
After discovery concluded and the Court entered a briefing schedule, Defendants submitted the pending motion for summary judgment, supporting brief, concise statement of material facts and appendix *560on April 9, 2018. (Docket Nos. 36-38). Plaintiff responded on May 4, 2018 by filing her response, concise statement of material facts and opposing brief. (Docket Nos. 39-41). Plaintiff did not present any additional evidence in opposition to the motion. (Id. ). Defendants replied on June 4, 2018. (Docket No. 44). Plaintiff then filed her sur-reply on June 7, 2018. (Docket No. 42). Neither party requested that the Court hold oral argument. (See Docket No. 35). Accordingly, as the motion is now fully briefed, it is ripe for disposition.
III. LEGAL STANDARD
Summary Judgment is appropriate when the moving party establishes "that there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law." FED. R. CIV. P. 56(a). A genuine dispute of material fact is one that could affect the outcome of litigation. Willis v. UPMC Children's Hosp. of Pittsburgh ,
The initial burden is on the moving party to adduce evidence illustrating a lack of genuine, triable issues. Hugh v. Butler Cnty. Family YMCA ,
Nonetheless, a well-supported motion for summary judgment will not be defeated where the non-moving party merely reasserts factual allegations contained in the pleadings. Betts v. New Castle Youth Dev. Ctr. ,
IV. DISCUSSION
Defendants move for summary judgment as to each of Plaintiff's product liability claims set forth in her Complaint, i.e., breach of implied warranty of merchantability, negligent failure to warn, strict liability, fraud, and an asserted violation of the UTPCPL.
A. Insufficient Evidence of Product Defect
In order for Plaintiff to prevail on her strict liability, negligence, and breach of implied warranty claims, it is her burden to demonstrate that the Defy Breakage relaxer was defective. See e.g., McDaniel v. Kidde Residential and Fire & Commercial ,
1. Failure to Warn
Plaintiff's failure to warn claims sound in strict liability and negligence. (Docket No. 1-1). Pennsylvania has adopted Section 402A of the Restatement (Second) of Torts for strict products liability claims. Webb v. Zern ,
*562"A dangerous product can be considered 'defective' for strict liability purposes if it is distributed without sufficient warnings to notify the ultimate user of the dangers inherent in the product." Davis v. Berwind Corp. ,
In Pennsylvania, claims for negligent failure to warn are governed under Section 388 of the Restatement (Second) of Torts. Smith v. Howmedica Osteonics Corp. ,
Although negligence and strict liability claims remain distinct under Pennsylvania law, there is some overlap in the context of a failure to warn theory. See Igwe ,
In this Court's estimation, Plaintiff has failed to present sufficient evidence to establish a genuine dispute of material fact for trial on her failure to warn claims as a reasonable jury could not conclude that the warnings provided were inadequate and no evidence has been presented to demonstrate that an adequate warning may have prevented her injury. See Flanagan v. martFIVE, LLC ,
Specifically, the exterior warnings clearly state under bold headings "IMPORTANT - READ BEFORE PURCHASING" and "USAGE ADVISORY - SAFETY WARNINGS" that:
[t]his product may not be suitable for all hair types, a strand test must be performed prior to application [and] [r]ead and follow enclosed instruction sheet completely before using. Failure to follow instructions or warnings or other misuse of the product can cause serious injury and can damage hair or result in permanent hair loss.
(Docket No. 38-3). In similar vein, the interior instruction sheet states under a bold "SAFETY WARNINGS" heading that "[t]his product may not be suitable for all hair types; a strand test must be performed prior to application." (Docket No. 38-4). The directions further warn that "you should NOT relax your hair" "if the strand test results in hair breakage or scalp irritation" and reiterate that "this product may not be suitable for all hair types: a strand test must be performed prior to application" as one of the important things "you should know before relaxing your hair." (Id. ). A separate section titled "Preparation of the Hair" provides additional admonitions as to the need for users to conduct a strand test and directions as to how to do so:
Following the application directions, test the mixture on one hair strand before relaxing all the hair. In case of hair breakage or scalp irritation after the test, do not use this product or any other relaxer. Because timing and precision application is imperative to avoid hair loss, hair breakage and/or scalp injury, it is recommended that you do not apply the relaxer yourself. Ask another person to assist you. Always do a strand test before relaxing, even if you have relaxed before. The Strand Test determines how long to straighten the hair. Prior to application, it is recommended that you apply petroleum jelly on hairline, nape of neck and ear area only.
...
[...] check texture and straightness of your hair frequently while waiting. If they are satisfactory before recommended processing time is up, end the test. Record time in Time Chart above and use as your processing time. Otherwise, use the time recommended in Time Chart. Never exceed the maximum processing time indicated in the Timing Chart.
(Id. ). The instructions again state that "[i]n case of hair breakage or scalp irritation after the test, do not use this product or any other relaxer" and "NEVER LEAVE THE RELAXER MIXTURE ON HAIR LONGER THAN THE MAXIMUM PROCESSING
*564TIME INDICATED IN THE STRAND TEST." (Id. ).
Plaintiff has not adduced any evidence supporting her position that these warnings and instructions were inadequate. (See Docket Nos. 39-41; 45). She also did not testify that she misunderstood any of them. (Docket No. 38-2). Instead, she explained that she did not conduct a strand test because she had never done so when applying different hair relaxer products to her hair in the past. (Id. at 42). She described that she left the product in her hair for 20 minutes because she has "coarse" hair and the table on the instruction sheet indicated that Defendants' "super" relaxer should be applied for a maximum of 18-20 minutes to that hair type. (Id. at 42-3). In addition, despite claiming the provided warnings were insufficient, Plaintiff has not presented any evidence of an alternative warning which would have protected her from the harm she sustained. (See Docket Nos. 38 at ¶ 25; 41 at ¶ 25 ("It is Plaintiff's position that the warning is insufficient. It is not Plaintiff's obligation to provide Defendant with a sufficient warning.") ). Absent such evidence, a jury would have to speculate to find in her favor. See Flanagan ,
2. Manufacturing Defect
Plaintiff also asserts claims for strict liability and breach of the implied warranty of merchantability,
*565The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit recognizes that claims for breach of the implied warranty of merchantability and strict liability asserting a manufacturing defect are "essentially the same." Smith ,
To establish a breach of the implied warranty of merchantability, Plaintiff must show that Defendants' relaxer was defective. Altronics of Bethlehem v. Repco, Inc.,
Initially, Plaintiff has not presented any direct evidence of a specific manufacturing defect in the Defy Breakage relaxer. (See Docket Nos. 39-41; 45). To this end, Plaintiff admits that she did not retain any portion of the product that she applied to her hair; hence it could not be evaluated (by an expert or otherwise) to determine if it adhered to the product specifications. (See Docket Nos. 38-5 at 2; 41). She likewise has not introduced any evidence of a defect in the entire batch or line of relaxer products from which the product she purchased was manufactured. (See Docket Nos. 39-41; 45). However, the absence of direct evidence is not fatal to her claim, as a manufacturing defect can be proven circumstantially under the malfunction theory. See Barnish v. KWI Bldg. Co. ,
To meet her burden in this regard, Plaintiff must provide evidence of a malfunction along with evidence ruling out abnormal use or reasonable secondary causes of the malfunction. See McDaniel ,
(1) the malfunction of the product; (2) expert testimony as to a variety of possible causes; (3) the timing of the malfunction in relation to when the plaintiff first obtained the product; (4) similar accidents involving the same product; (5) elimination of other possible causes of the accident; and (6) proof tending to establish that the accident does not occur absent a manufacturing defect.
Barnish ,
a plaintiff does not present a prima facie malfunction theory case if the plaintiff's theory of the case includes facts indicating that the plaintiff was using the product in violation of the product directions and/or warnings. In such a case, no reasonable jury could infer that an unspecified defect caused a malfunction when the more likely explanation is the abnormal use.
Barnish ,
Having carefully considered the evidence of record, it is this Court's opinion that Plaintiff has not met her burden to demonstrate a genuine dispute of material fact that the Defy Breakage relaxer was defective under the malfunction theory.
Beyond these deficiencies, which preclude a finding that the product malfunctioned, Plaintiff has not presented any of the other types of potential evidence which would support an inference that a manufacturing defect in the product was the proximate cause of her injury. Indeed, the only evidence introduced into the summary judgment record consists of excerpts of Plaintiff's deposition, her responses to interrogatories and the product's packaging and instructions. (See Docket Nos. 38; 41). To this end, Plaintiff has not presented any of the following: expert testimony as to a variety of other possible causes; evidence of similar accidents involving the same product; evidence eliminating other possible causes; or proof tending to show that this type of injury does not occur absent a defect in the product. (See Docket Nos. 40-41; 45). At most, Plaintiff suggests that she will present evidence at trial showing that the product has caused this type of injury to other individuals who followed the instructions and conducted the strand test. (Docket Nos. 40; 45). Of course, these types of allegations, without supporting evidence, are insufficient to create a genuine dispute of material fact at the summary judgment stage. Anderson , 477 U.S. at 256,
For all of these reasons, the Court finds that Plaintiff has failed to meet her burden to put forth evidence demonstrating a genuine dispute of material fact that the Defy Breakage relaxer was defective. See Smith ,
B. Insufficient Evidence of Misrepresentation and Justifiable Reliance
Plaintiff next asserts product liability claims under the UTPCPL and for common law fraud. (Docket No. 1-1). She alleges that misrepresentations on the packaging included: that the product is a "No-Lye Relaxer," implying that it is safe and contains non-caustic chemicals; offers "exclusive salon haircare at home" with "90% less breakage"; and "patented Strengthening Ceramide, and Coconut Oil, Defy Breakage Relaxer Kit helps replenish moisture for smooth, healthy-looking hair. Supreme conditioning infused at every step, before, during and after relaxing." (Docket No. 40 at 4-5). Defendants seek summary judgment on the basis that Plaintiff has not met her burden to demonstrate that she justifiably relied upon any of the alleged misrepresentations provided along with the Defy Breakage relaxer. (Docket Nos. 37; 44). Having considered the matter, the Court once again agrees with Defendants and will grant their motion for summary judgment as to these claims.
The UTPCPL provides a private right of action for consumers harmed by unfair methods of competition or deceptive business practices. 73 P.S. § 201-9.2(a). Under the statute, it is unlawful for manufacturers to represent "that goods or services have sponsorship, approval, characteristics, ingredients, uses, benefits or quantities that they do not have" and to represent "that goods or services are of a particular standard, quality or grade, or that goods are of a particular style or model, if they are of another." 73 P.S. § 201-2(4)(v), (vii). In order to maintain a cause of action under the UTPCPL, a consumer must show that (1) she purchased or leased the good primarily for consumer purposes, (2) she suffered some ascertainable loss, and (3) the loss resulted from an unlawful method, act, or practice under the statute. McDaniel ,
In similar vein, to establish a claim of fraud under Pennsylvania law, Plaintiff bears the burden of demonstrating: (1) a representation; (2) which is material to the transaction at hand; (3) made falsely, with knowledge of its falsity or recklessness as to whether it is true or false; (4) with the intent of misleading another into relying on it; (5) justifiable reliance on the misrepresentation; and (6) that the resulting injury was proximately caused by the reliance. Shuker v. Smith & Nephew, PLC ,
After reviewing the parties' briefs and corresponding arguments, the Court concludes that Plaintiff has not meaningfully responded to Defendants' position that her deposition testimony undermines her claim that she justifiably relied upon any of the alleged misrepresentations her counsel points to on the products' packaging. (See Docket Nos. 40; 45). To reiterate, Plaintiff testified that when she purchased the Defy Breakage relaxer, she did not look at the exterior packaging other than to determine the strength of the product, which was listed on the box as "regular." (Docket No. 38-2 at 38). Plaintiff admitted that she did not read any of the warnings on the exterior of the box or the list of ingredients. (Id. ). While she read the instruction sheet, there is simply no evidence in the record that she actually read the alleged misrepresentations in the product's marketing when she purchased and/or used the product, let alone relied upon any of those statements to her detriment. (See Docket Nos. 38; 38-2; 41). Without such evidence, Plaintiff has failed to meet her burden to create a genuine dispute of material fact for trial. Therefore, Defendants' motion for summary judgment on Plaintiff's UTPCPL and fraud claims is granted.
V. CONCLUSION
Based on the foregoing, Defendants' motion for summary judgment [36] is granted and all of Plaintiff's claims will be dismissed, with prejudice. Appropriate Orders follow.
The Court notes that it need not engage in a choice-of-law analysis because the parties agree that all of Plaintiff's claims are governed by Pennsylvania law. See e.g., Walney v. SWEPI LP ,
The Court notes that Pennsylvania law also permits a strict liability claim alleging that a product is defectively designed but no such claim is advanced by Plaintiff in this case. See e.g., Roudabush v. Rondo, Inc. , No. 3:15-CV-059,
Plaintiff clarifies in her Brief in Opposition that she has not asserted a claim for breach of implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose. (Docket No. 40 at 7 ("Plaintiff's Complaint alleges an implied warranty of merchantability, and not a cause of action of 'fitness for a particular purpose.' ") ).
Although the decision in Tincher was limited to the context of a design defect claim, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court expressed that "the foundational principles upon which we touch may ultimately have broader implications by analogy." Tincher ,
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Kim E. CHANDLER v. L'OREAL USA, INC. and Soft Sheen-Carson LLC
- Cited By
- 16 cases
- Status
- Published