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Lawsuit for 3M Military Earplugs
Military earplugs are designed to fit securely in the ears of service members to protect their hearing from the powerful sounds of explosions during combat. Lawsuits against 3M claim that military earplugs sold from 2003 to 2015 were defective, as they failed to provide a proper fit and did not adequately protect users’ hearing.
If you’re a veteran experiencing hearing loss after using 3M Combat Arms Earplugs Version 2 (CAEv2) during your training or deployment, and were discharged before January 2015, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit for compensation. At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we advocate for military personnel who have suffered hearing loss due to these earplugs. Our experienced Cadiz criminal lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Things to Know About the 3M Military Ear Plugs Lawsuit
3M and the U.S. Department of Justice Settlement
- July 2018 Settlement: The U.S. Department of Justice announced a $9.1 million settlement with 3M Corp. to resolve accusations under the False Claims Act. The company allegedly sold defective earplugs despite being aware of the issues.
- Allegations: 3M and its predecessors were accused of selling earplugs that were too short to be inserted properly, rendering them ineffective at protecting hearing from loud noises.
Issues with the Defective Earplugs
The defective 3M earplugs were dual-ended, allowing them to be used in two ways:
- Traditional Earplugs Mode: Blocking all noise.
- Open Position Mode: Attenuating loud noises while letting quieter sounds through.
A design flaw made these earplugs too short, causing them to gradually loosen and fail to block loud noises effectively. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Aero Technology employees—who later joined 3M Corp.—were aware of these defects as early as 2000 but continued to sell the earplugs.
Legal Proceedings
- Multidistrict Litigation (MDL): An MDL was established in April 2019 for 3M Combat Arms Earplugs cases in the Federal Court of Florida.
If you’re a veteran experiencing hearing loss due to these earplugs, our Cadiz criminal lawyer is ready to represent you against 3M Corp.
Military Hearing Injuries
Hearing Loss Among Veterans
- Prevalence: Nearly 60% of military personnel report hearing loss after leaving service.
- Disability Compensation:
- Over 933,000 veterans were compensated for hearing loss in 2014.
- Around 1.3 million veterans received compensation for tinnitus or persistent ringing in the ears.
Causes of Hearing Loss in the Military
Hearing damage can result from:
- Acute Exposure: Intense sounds like explosions.
- Long-Term Exposure: Repeated gunfire, engine room noise, or the sounds of aircraft carrier decks.
Seeking Compensation for Hearing Loss
At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we’ve represented numerous veterans and helped them secure compensation for their hearing loss and loss of quality of life. Whether you’re looking for restitution or support for your hearing damage, reach out to us (330) 992-3036. Our Cadiz OVI lawyer can assist you in building a strong case.
If you’re a veteran needing legal guidance, contact Youngstown Criminal Law Group for a consultation with one of our Cadiz criminal lawyers. We’re here to support you every step of the way.