More than a hundred thousand veterans have filed military hearing loss claims in what is shaping up to be one of the largest mass tort lawsuits in the U.S.

According to the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, at least 139,000 claims have been filed (or are in the process of being filed) against 3M Company over military hearing loss. Lawsuits allege that 3M’s military earplugs, worn during both training and combat duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, are defective, leading many service members to develop a range of serious hearing problems.

Veterans say that they were issued dual-ended Combat Arms earplugs, manufactured by 3M, between 2003 and 2015, affecting thousands of U.S. service members.

Earplugs, like any other protective gear such as helmets or boots, are essential, and any defects could be extremely dangerous. Earplugs, in particular, protect against the sounds of gunfire, artillery, and explosions, which are extremely loud and common enough that without good, working earplugs, hearing loss would be very likely.

Unfortunately, veterans claim that the Combat Arms earplugs were defective, failing to provide a protective seal to truly block out sound.

3M Company denies guilt and continues to maintain that its earplugs were neither defective nor the cause of hearing loss in any service members.

“3M has great respect for the brave men and women who protect us around the world, and their safety is our priority,” said Fanna Haile-Selassie, 3M’s communications manager, in a statement. “We have a long history of partnering with the U.S. military, and we continue to make products to help protect our troops and support their missions.”

Problems with Earplugs

Various issues were listed regarding 3M earplugs. Many veterans have reported suffering from tinnitus, which is a ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears. Tinnitus is common for most people once in a while, but long-term tinnitus like this can have serious effects, such as making it difficult to concentrate or sleep.

Others have reported suffering more extreme hearing loss as well.

The military hearing loss trial is expected to begin sometime in early 2021 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, with Judge M. Casey Rodgers overseeing the case.

This is not the first time 3M has been hit with litigation over its allegedly defective military earplugs. Back in July 2018, 3M agreed to settle under the authority of the federal False Claims Act with the Department of Justice over the military hearing loss issues associated with its earplugs. That lawsuit was settled for $9.1 million.

Filing a 3M Defective Earplugs Lawsuit

If you have suffered from hearing loss issues after using 3M’s Combat Arms earplugs during training or combat duty in Iraq or Afghanistan, 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.

Pursuing litigation can be a daunting prospect, 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.