Earplugs are valuable devices that help protect our hearing against loud noises. They are especially effective in protecting the hearing of members of the military who are subjected to a number of loud noises that are extremely likely to lead to a loss of hearing.
Starting in 2003, the military was given dual ended Combat Arms Earplugs, Version 2 (CAEv2). These were supplied through to 2015 and were reportedly a standard issue. However, after time, it was found that the earplugs were defective and may have caused significant hearing loss in military veterans. These veterans may be compensated for hearing loss or tinnitus that may have occurred as a result of the defective earplugs.
If you’re among the thousands of veterans who suffered hearing loss after using earplugs, the 3M earplugs lawsuit lawyers at Walton Telken, Injury Attorneys can assist you in claiming financial compensation.
Thousands of veterans are claiming monetary payments for tinnitus, hearing loss and other medical problems after using the military-issued hearing plugs. Our lawyers for 3M earplug lawsuits can help you bring your case.
What is the 3M earplugs lawsuit about?
3M sold their earplugs to the military, but for some service members, the earplugs were not effective. As a result, many service members suffered hearing problems including hearing loss and tinnitus. The lawsuit is about claiming compensation for those victims and holding the manufacturer accountable for selling a defective product.
How a 3M Earplug Law Can Help You
What kind of lawyer handles 3M earplug claims?
The kind of lawyer that handles 3M earplug claims is a personal injury lawyer. They help individuals who are victimized by the actions of others. One type of claim they handle is harmful products that cause injury. With experience in personal injury law, they help the individual with their unique issues and advocate for their rights, working towards the best result possible for their client.
About 3M Earplugs and Military Use
An earplug costs just cents to make, but it is so important. To the worker who relies on them, the earplugs are a critical part of their personal protective equipment. Aearo Technologies, LLC first manufactured the Combat Arms version 2 (CAEv2) earplugs in 2003. From 2003-2015, they sold them to every branch of the military. Millions of service members may have used them.
3M purchased Aearo in 2008, and continued to manufacture and sell the product. Millions of service members now have a disability rating for tinnitus. More than 250,000 legal claims have already begun. Service members who have not yet filed are eligible to bring their own claims for compensation.
The Defective Ear Plug Lawsuit Against 3 M
3M’s settled a whistleblower lawsuit launched on behalf of the U.S. government by a qui tam relator. The allegations were that 3M and its predecessor corporation, Aero Technologies, knew that their product was defective since 2000.
Aero admitted that the earplugs had been tested and came back with a noise reduction rating of zero. Yet, the company continued selling supplies to U.S. troops, navy and air force personnel.
The U.S. government also jumped in with its own allegations stating that Aero and 3M knowingly sold a product that was too short for proper insertion in the user’s ears.
The result of the lawsuit was a settlement agreement in which 3M agreed to pay $9.1 million to the U.S. government.
3M Combat Earplugs Lawsuit FAQ’s
If you or someone you know has suffered hearing damage as a result of using 3M earplugs, you may have several questions. Here are some that are commonly asked. Hopefully, this helps you get some of the answers you are looking for.
Why are 3M earplugs dual ended?
3M earplugs featured a yellow and black end. These dual ends were intended to be versatile enough to provide hearing protection while allowing service members to communicate when necessary. One side of the earplugs was intended to block all sound while the other end was intended to block the type of loud sounds service members are likely to hear on the battlefield while still allowing other sounds, like spoken words, to come through.
In what way were 3M earplugs defective?
The 3M earplugs were designed in such a way that they would loosen in the wearer’s ear. They featured yellowfins that interfered with a tight seal that was supposed to form in the wearer’s ear canal unless they were folded. In addition to this, the noise reduction rating on the earplugs was zero and they did not allow for the proper insertion needed to protect hearing.
Can Veterans Get Compensation from 3M Beyond VA Disability?
Yes. Many veterans may already receive disability from the military that covers the hearing loss. However, these veterans may still be entitled to compensation from 3M to cover hearing loss, tinnitus or any other health issues that may have occurred as a result of wearing the earplugs.
Are the 3M Defective Earplug Lawsuits a Class Action?
No. A class action lawsuit is one where a single plaintiff or group of plaintiffs seek to represent everyone in a similar situation who have not filed individual lawsuits. The 3M defective earplug lawsuits will not be considered a class action but a mass tort. In a mass tort, everyone files their own individual lawsuit but cases are often consolidated in front of a single judge.
Is the 3M hearing loss lawsuit real?
Yes, the 3M hearing loss lawsuit is real. Victims may have suffered hearing loss because of the design of the earplugs. Because the earplugs fail to meet legal standards for safe products, victims may be entitled to claim compensation for physical and emotional suffering.
How do you qualify for the 3M Lawsuit?
To qualify for the 3M lawsuit, you must have suffered physical harm from using the earplugs. You must have used the earplugs, suffered a hearing issue and not had a significant history of noise exposure from another source. A lawyer can give you an exact idea of whether you qualify for the 3M lawsuit.
What is the legal basis for the 3M earplugs lawsuit?
The legal basis for the 3M earplugs lawsuit is defective design. Plaintiffs believe that manufacturers either knew about the defects or should have known. They say that their hearing issues are either due to faulty design or dishonest behavior. Either way, they say the actions of the company fall below legal standards and make them legally liable.
What is the 3M Lawsuit Update 2021?
In September 2021, juries heard the first of three cases involving 3M earplug hearing damage. Two of the juries found for the victims and awarded $8.7 million total. A third jury found in favor of the defense saying that there was no proof that the defective plugs caused the victim’s hearing problems.
Courts intend to hold more hearings in late 2021. Cases have been consolidated for multi-district litigation proceedings in the Northern District of Florida, before judge Casey Rodgers. Courts and litigants alike look to make progress on the more than 250,000 cases that are pending nationwide.
3M Earplugs Compensation
What compensation can a victim receive in the 3M earplugs lawsuit?
Compensation that a victim may receive in the 3M earplugs lawsuit includes:
- Diagnostic testing
- Medical treatment
- Cost of ear plugs, hearing aids and other assistance needed
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, mental and emotional anguish
- Embarrassment, anxiety and injury to lifestyle
- Punitive damages
Your lawyer can help you understand what damages to expect in your case as well as a range of possible outcomes.
Is it too late to join the 3M earplugs lawsuit?
Every lawsuit is governed by a statute of limitations that defines the time by which a claim must be filed. Therefore, it is important to contact a lawyer right away.
What is the average payout for the 3M earplug lawsuit?
Of the three 3M lawsuit cases that have been heard by a jury, five plaintiffs recovered an average of $1.7 million each. The cases were each decided separately, with one case resulting in a verdict in favor of the defendant. How much a victim may receive depends on what happened in their specific case and the losses that they have.
Lawyers for 3M Earplug Lawsuits – Taking New Cases – Free Consultation
The Walton Talken, Injury Attorneys are personal injury attorneys with more than 135 years of combined experience. This experience makes the difference for you when it’s time to pursue complex legal issues and fight until justice is served. We’re passionate about our work helping individuals who are harmed by dangerous products.
If you have a hearing problem after using 3M earplugs, you may receive a payment – but time is limited. You must file a claim before time runs out.
Contact our law firm for your free consultation. We’re taking new 3M cases now, and you only pay if we win your case. Call or send us a message today.
Seeking Compensation for Your Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be extremely difficult to deal with. It can lead to added medical expenses and reduced quality of life.
Tinnitus, in particular, can be extremely unpleasant. It is a constant hissing or ringing in your ears that is so distracting, you may be unable to sleep or concentrate. It can also make it difficult to interact socially which can lead to feelings of isolation and depression.
If you are a veteran who experienced hearing loss as a result of wearing the 3M earplugs, you deserve compensation.
Your first step in getting the compensation you deserve will be getting in touch with a reliable attorney. He or she will need to determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit.
Eligible veterans will need to have served in the military between 2003 and 2015. They will need to have been issued earplugs to wear during this time period and they will need to have experienced some amount of hearing loss, tinnitus or other hearing issues.
If you are looking for a reliable lawyer to represent you in your 3M lawsuit, Stephanie Lyons is an attorney you can trust. With over 10 years of experience as an injury lawyer, she is well versed in representing victims of corporate negligence. She works nationally taking the time to develop meaningful relationships with her clients allowing her to fight for them on a personal and professional level which fuels her passion for a successful outcome. There is no out of pocket cost to you. Walton Telken works for you on a contingency fee basis.
If you are suffering hearing loss as a result of the lack of protection 3M earplugs provided during your time in the military, it’s time to take action. The company knew the shortcomings of their product and allowed servicemen and women to wear them anyway. Don’t let them get away with it. Turn to Stephanie Lyons to discuss your potential 3M hearing loss case.
