Youngstown Criminal Law Group Seeks Payment for Military Victims of Hearing Loss

Youngstown Mass Tort Lawyer Fights for Veterans Affected by Defective 3M Ear Protection

Hearing connects us with the world around us and the people we care about. It alerts us to dangers, fosters communication, and enriches our quality of life. When this vital sense is impaired, it can lead to significant safety risks and diminished enjoyment of daily activities. That’s why hearing loss is often categorized as a catastrophic injury. The 3M Company’s responsibility in producing and distributing defective earplugs to U.S. military personnel highlights a serious act of negligence. Service members, who deserve top-tier protective gear for their duties during training and on the battlefield, unfortunately received earplugs that failed  to shield them from harmful noise.

As a result, thousands of veterans now face hearing loss, tinnitus, and other related conditions. At Youngstown Criminal Law Group based in Youngstown we proudly support our nation’s veterans. If you’re experiencing hearing issues connected to your military service despite using earplugs, our team may evaluate your eligibility for compensation from the 3M settlement fund. If you qualify, we will pursue the payment you rightfully deserve.

How the Case Against 3M Began

The 3M Company partnered with the U.S. Department of Defense to supply ear protection for soldiers regularly exposed to extreme noise caused by ordnance and other sources. Between 2003 and 2015, the company delivered the Combat Arms Earplugs Version 2 (CAEv2). However, these earplugs failed to protect service members from noise-induced hearing damage. Over time, a significant number of U.S. veterans reported hearing issues, including tinnitus—a condition characterized by persistent sounds like ringing, buzzing, or whooshing in the ears. This frustrating condition can contribute to anxiety, irritability, focus difficulties, depression, and sleep disruptions. Prolonged sleep issues can further result in poor health and memory loss. The Veterans Administration officially recognizes hearing loss and tinnitus as compensable disabilities.

This issue came to light in 2016 when Moldex-Metric, another device-maker, filed a whistleblower complaint accusing 3M of selling “dangerously defective” earplugs to the Department of Defense. 3M agreed to settle this case for $9.1 million without admitting liability. However, the settlement prompted thousands of individual veterans to pursue lawsuits for the hearing problems caused by the earplugs. With approximately 250,000 claims, this litigation became the largest mass tort case in United States history.

Current Status of the 3M Earplug Case

By August 2023, 3M reached an agreement to pay $6 billion to veterans who suffered harm from using the defective earplugs. This settlement allows injured veterans to file claims for compensation directly from the fund without undergoing litigation in court.

Who Qualifies for a 3M Earplug Settlement?

You might qualify to file a claim if the following applies to you:

• You served in the U.S. military between 2003 and 2015.
• You used Combat Arms Earplugs during your service.
• You now experience hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or other related symptoms.

Collaborating with an experienced products liability attorney ensures the best opportunity to prove eligibility and file a strong claim. Ohio Injury lawyers can help guide you through the process.

Contact a Youngstown Injury Lawyer for a Free 3M Earplug Claim Consultation

At the Youngstown Criminal  law group, we assist Ohio veterans who are dealing with hearing damage resulting from defective 3M earplugs. If you believe you’ve been affected, contact us for guidance. We’re here to help review your case and determine your eligibility for compensation.

Call (330) 992-3036 or reach us online to book a free consultation.