3M Combat Earplugs
Overview
Our firm is investigating 3M combat earplug claims and why 3M’s earplug manufacturer sold alleged defective ear plugs. In addition to the defective combat earplugs, we are investigating why 3M’s earplug manufacturer failed to notify and warn the U.S. government and our U.S. service members of it’s defective combat ear plugs, Version 2 – CAEv2. Any veteran and/or active duty military personnel that experienced tinnitus, ringing in their ears, partial hearing loss, and/or major hearing damage, may be entitled to monetary compensation. If you are a U.S. service member or veteran that served in combat between 2003-2015, you may be entitled to significant compensation.
Who Can File A 3M Combat Earplug Lawsuit?
If you developed or experienced partial or total hearing loss or tinnitus after your return from combat in Afghanistan or Iraq, you may have a claim. From 2006-2015, defense contractor, 3M, was the exclusive dual-ended combat earplug provider for the U.S. military. During that time, the VA estimates that close to 100,000 military service members could have suffered from an injury related to defective 3M combat earplugs. In 2016, a whistleblower came forward and alleged that 3M knowingly sold the U.S. military faulty earplugs and falsified certifications to meet U.S. military standards. Recently, in summer 2018, 3M settled claims with the U.S. government for 9.1 million (without admitting liability). As a result of 3M litigation, many service members may now have claims for their hearing loss and tinnitus.
Department of Defense
According to the U.S. Department for Veteran Affairs, data shows that nearly 1 in 5 veterans who served between 2003-2015 receive VA disability benefits for tinnitus and/or hearing loss.
Defense contractor, 3M, has worked with the U.S. military for years. 3M’s combat earplugs were supposed to help protect our soldiers from hearing loss. However, 3M failed to inform the U.S. government of their alleged knowledge that some of the combat earplugs were defective. The 3M Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplugs (Version 2 — CAEv2) used from 2003-2015 were alleged to be defective.
3M combat earplugs were worn by soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq. 3M military allegedly issued combat earplugs that it knew would not protect soldiers from hearing loss and/or tinnitus. 3M combat earplugs should have protected our U.S. soldiers while allowing for soldiers to safely communicate on the battlefield. U.S. soldiers believed that 3M combat earplugs would block noises from explosions and eliminate other loud sounds. As 3M knows, U.S. service members have complained that 3M earplug, combat earplugs were too small and ineffective to block loud noises.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the medical side effects?
Defense contractor, 3M, has worked with the U.S. military for years. 3M’s combat earplugs were supposed to help protect our soldiers from hearing loss. However, 3M failed to inform the U.S. government of their alleged knowledge that some of the combat earplugs were defective. The 3M Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplugs (Version 2 — CAEv2) used from 2003-2015 were alleged to be defective.
3M combat earplugs were worn by soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq. 3M military allegedly issued combat earplugs that it knew would not protect soldiers from hearing loss and/or tinnitus. 3M combat earplugs should have protected our U.S. soldiers while allowing for soldiers to safely communicate on the battlefield. U.S. soldiers believed that 3M combat earplugs would block noises from explosions and eliminate other loud sounds. As 3M knows, U.S. service members have complained that 3M earplug, combat earplugs were too small and ineffective to block loud noises.
News & Resources
3M Litigation | Scores of Service Members Have Filed Claims | https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2019/02/14/hundreds-of-vets-are-suing-over-these-defective-combat-earplugs/
Want to Learn More?
Fill out the form below and we will reach out to setup a free case evaluation.