Between 2003 and 2015, military personnel experienced risk for permanent hearing loss or other hearing impairments due to allegedly defective 3M combat arms earplugs. If you or a loved one served in the military during this time and suffered hearing loss and/or or tinnitus, you may be entitled to compensation. Read on to learn more.

1.  Lawsuit Allegations

The False Claims Act lawsuit filed alleged that military contractor 3M knowingly sold defective 3M combat arms earplugs to the United States military between 2003 and 2015. In other words, the “known” defects did not meet military safety standards as claimed and allegedly caused wearers to develop permanent hearing loss/tinnitus.

2. Defective Dual-Ended Earplugs

Dual-ended 3M combat earplugs listed in lawsuit had green on one side and yellow on the other. Each color indicated a certain level of noise protection for the wearer. However, the basic function of the earplugs was faulty as they were too short. The earplugs could also gradually loosen in the wearer’s ear. Both product design shortcomings exposed military personnel to damaging noise levels that contributed to hearing loss and/or tinnitus.

3. $9.1 Million Settlement in False Claims Act Case

A July 2018 lawsuit verdict found 3M Company guilty of knowingly selling defective combat arms earplugs (CAEv2) to the United States military without disclosing said earplugs could result in wearers developing hearing loss and/or tinnitus. As a result, the U.S. military received a $9.1 million settlement from 3M.

4. New Combat Arms Earplugs Lawsuits

Attorneys are now forming individual 3M combat earplugs lawsuits specific to personal experience and injuries to recover compensation on their behalf.  Financial compensation could cover medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the alleged defective combat arms earplugs.

If you or a loved one meet the following criteria, you may be entitled to recover compensation. Moreover, the same criteria apply even if you currently receive disability or other service-related benefits!

• Served in the military between 2003-2015.
• Issued 3M earplugs during service.
• Suffer from permanent hearing loss or tinnitus.

5. How to File an Individual Lawsuit

Call Patterson Legal Group at 888-687-2400 to receive prompt, professional legal assistance and a free consultation. You can also connect with a representative through our LiveChat feature, or submit the details of your case using our contact form.  Please note that by contacting our firm you are under no obligation to enter a formal agreement. However, time restrictions may apply. So, don’t delay!

6. No Out-of-Pocket Costs to File a Lawsuit

You do not pay a dime unless our legal team wins compensation on your behalf. Our legal team is here to help find answers to any questions you may have regarding filing a potential 3M combat arms earplugs lawsuit.

The information on this blog is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to serve as legal advice for an individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship nor does viewing this material constitute an attorney-client relationship.