Man says hair product caused him injuries

CHARLESTON -- A man is suing Combe Incorporated after he claims he sustained injuries from one of its hair products.

On Nov. 6, 2009, Goldie Rhodes was involved in an incident where he used a hair-coloring product of the defendant and suffered burns to his face, according to a complaint filed Nov. 1 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Rhodes claims he was following the written instructions detailed on the label when he suffered the burns to his face.

The defendant designed, manufactured and sold the hair coloring product in a defective condition that was not reasonably safe for its intended use, according to the suit.

Rhodes claims Combe owed a duty to consumers to design and manufacture safe hair color products that prevent unnecessary injuries.

The defendant knew or should have known that the product might be defective and incorrectly manufactured, according to the suit.

Rhodes is seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. He is being represented by Christopher J. Heavens.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Jennifer Bailey.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 11-C-1951