3M Hit with Litigation Over Defective Combat Arms Earplugs

Manufacturing giant 3M Company is facing litigation filed by veterans all over the U.S. whose allegedly defective Combat Arms earplugs have led to hearing problems and even permanent damage, including tinnitus.

A growing number of veterans are coming forward with claims of hearing damage caused by defective 3M Combat Arms earplugs. So far, more than a hundred veterans have turned to litigation against 3M.

Members of the military say that they were issued dual-ended Combat Arms earplugs manufactured by 3M that didn’t properly protect against damaging noises in both training and combat. These earplugs were issued to U.S. service members in Iraq and Afghanistan for more than a decade, between 2003 and 2015. Thousands of U.S. service members were issued these earplugs during this time.

Unfortunately, some veterans claim that the earplugs allowed dangerous sound through the earplugs that has led to serious and even permanent hearing problems.

The U.S. Department of Justice conducted an investigation that found that the 3M earplugs were too short for proper insertion into the ears of users, making them ineffective against noises that could cause hearing problems.

In July 2018, 3M came to a $9.1 million settlement agreement with the DOJ to resolve allegations that it knew the dual-ended Combat Arms earplugs it provided to the military were defective. The settlement brought an end to these claims but did not assign any liability.

3M released a statement in response to the veterans, saying that “3M has great respect for the brave men and women who protect us around the world, and their safety is our priority,” but that they “deny this product was defectively designed and caused injuries.”

Litigation claims that the allegedly defective earplugs may have caused thousands or even millions of U.S. soldiers to suffer from a variety of hearing loss issues.

Filing a Faulty 3M Earplugs Lawsuit

More and more people who have served in the U.S. military and have since suffered from hearing loss are pursuing litigation, alleging that defective earplugs from 3M Company are at fault. Plaintiffs have claimed that these earplugs have led to hearing problems like tinnitus, partial or even total hearing loss, and more.

If you or someone you love has suffered from hearing loss issues after using 3M’s Combat Arms earplugs between 2002 and 2015, you may be eligible for compensation. Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the damage caused by these problems, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses or lost wages, as well as hold those responsible for your suffering accountable for their actions and inactions.

Pursuing litigation can be daunting prospect, especially while you’re already dealing with health complications, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.