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3M earplugs bankruptcy overview:
- Who: 3M has filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy for its subsidiary Aearo Technologies.
- Why: 3M announced that it is creating a $1 billion trust to pay hundreds of thousands of claimants alleging its CAEv2 earplugs were defective and caused them to suffer hearing loss.
- Where: Multidistrict litigation revolving around the claims is ongoing in Florida federal court.
3M has filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy for its Aearo Technologies subsidiary following hundreds of thousands of complaints alleging its Combat Arms Earplugs were defective and caused users to suffer hearing loss.
The multinational conglomerate said earlier today that it intends to create a $1 billion trust to pay roughly 115,000 individuals who have filed a claim against the company, along with 120,000 more who have claims currently on an administrative docket.
3M also said the funds will go towards paying off individuals who have filed claims revolving around Aearo respirator and mask products.
“We determined that taking this decisive action now will allow 3M and Aearo Technologies to address these claims in a way that is more efficient and equitable than the current litigation,” 3M CEO Mike Roman said in a statement.
3M is currently embroiled in multidistrict litigation in Florida involving claims from hundreds of thousands of service members and military veterans who argue they suffered hearing loss after being issued the company’s CAEv2 earplugs.
Military veterans, service members argue 3M earplugs caused hearing loss
The military veterans and service members are arguing that the earplugs provided to them by 3M and Aearo between 2003 and 2015 were defective and, in addition to causing hearing loss, could lead to tinnitus.
In June, the federal judge overseeing the multidistrict litigation ordered the parties into mediation and refused 3M’s request to undo an $8 million award which stemmed from a bellwether trial, reports Law360.
An investigation into the 3M and Aearo earplugs by the Justice Department determined that a design defect caused them to be too short for proper ear insertion, causing a user to be at risk for permanent hearing loss or impairment.
Have you suffered hearing loss after being issued 3M or Aearo CAEv2 earplugs? You may qualify to join a free 3M earplugs class action lawsuit investigation.
The 3M earplugs Chapter 11 bankruptcy Case is In re: Aearo Technologies LLC et al., case number 1:22-bk-2890, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Indiana.
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