Seeking Compensation for Hearing Loss
3M is facing tens of thousands of lawsuits from military veterans who have suffered hearing loss and other damages, even though they used the combat earplugs provided by the company. The 3M earplug lawsuit, including the 3M earplugs lawsuit and 3M defective earplug lawsuit, claims 3M knew the earplugs were defective but sold them to the military anyway, putting thousands of our brave men and women at risk of hearing impairment. The 3M military earplug lawsuit is one of the largest mass tort cases in recent history.
If you served in the U.S. military between 2003 and 2015 and have been diagnosed with hearing impairment, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your injuries. The 3M earplug lawsuit eligibility depends on various factors, and our class action lawyers may be able to file a claim on your behalf. Our firm has obtained more than $300 million on behalf of our clients. Partner James Lynch is a lifetime member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Our experienced attorneys offer a free consultation and represent clients for no upfront fees. That means we do not get paid until the end of the legal process.
Call today for a free consultation: (800) 518-0508
How do I Know if I Might Have a Case?
Veterans who used 3M Combat Arms Earplugs and suffered hearing loss or damage should strongly consider reaching out to a licensed attorney. You may be eligible to file a claim through the 3M earplug lawsuit sign up process. You may have a valid legal claim, but we cannot know for sure until we meet with you to discuss your situation, including your:
- Specific diagnosis
- Date of diagnosis – was it during your service or after discharge
- Preexisting hearing problems you had before additional hearing damage from your service
Service members deployed to the following combat zones likely used the defective 3M earplugs:
- Afghanistan
- Iraq
- Pakistan
- Somalia
- Libya
- Indian Ocean
Department of Defense contractors who worked between 2003 and 2015 may have also used defective 3M earplugs.
Another factor that may come into play is how you have responded to treatment. If your hearing loss is permanent, the 3M earplug lawsuit payout per person may be higher. Is your hearing expected to get better? Is the damage permanent?
Give us a call today. We are here to help. Phone: (800) 518-0508
Benefits of Hiring an Attorney
As discussed above, it is important to discuss your claim with an attorney to determine if you have a valid case. Many victims ask, “How much is the 3M earplug lawsuit worth?” The value of your case will depend on the damages that may be available and your specific injuries.
An attorney can also explain the legal process, file the case on your behalf, keep you informed about what is happening, discuss settlement offers, and represent you at trial.
Experienced legal representation is particularly important in defective product cases, as 3M earplug lawsuit updates show that the company has extensive legal resources to defend against claims. The companies being sued have a lot of money at their disposal and teams of attorneys looking to protect them from liability.
You need an attorney with the resources and know-how to build a strong case to counter the claims made by the defense. Lynch Law Firm, PC has handled many complex cases, including the 3M combat earplug lawsuit update, and secured compensation for victims.
What Type of Compensation Might Be Available?
If you suffered hearing loss or are experiencing tinnitus after using 3M earplugs between 2003 and 2015, you may be eligible to recover compensation for medical expenses related to treating these injuries such as the cost of hearing aids, surgery, prescription medications and other treatments.
If your injuries forced early retirement or hindered your ability to earn income, you may also be eligible to pursue compensation for lost wages or loss of future earning capacity. Many veterans are wondering about the 3M earplug lawsuit payout estimates, and while amounts vary, significant settlements have already been awarded.
Additionally, you may also be eligible for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering caused by the hearing loss. If 3M is found to have engaged in extreme or malicious negligence, victims may also be able to seek punitive damages.
Lynch Law Firm, PC is ready to aggressively pursue the compensation you need to pay for the treatment of your injuries and other damages. If you are considering joining this litigation, you may need to complete the 3M earplug lawsuit claim form before the deadline.
Background on 3M Earplug Claims
Between 2003 and 2015, 3M Combat Arms version 2 (CAEv2) earplugs were standard issue equipment for all branches of the military. These earplugs were meant to protect service members from hearing loss that may be caused by consistent exposure to loud noises like those of nearby aircraft, explosions and gunfire.
The earplugs were designed to provide two levels of protection, as they consisted of two inverted cones. One end of the cone was meant to be inserted into the ear canal to create an airtight seal and prevent you from hearing loud noises. The other end was meant to attenuate or lower the volume of sound before it reached the ear canal. This design was meant to allow users to still hear talking nearby.
3M marketed these earplugs as meeting the military’s requirements for ear protection for soldiers. The problem is the stem connecting both cones was too short, which meant the cone in the ear canal often did not go in far enough to be effective. That meant the earplugs did not filter out loud noises as intended, and service members were not aware of this.
Many service members suffered long-term hearing damage, including partial or complete hearing loss or tinnitus.
What did 3M Know About the Risk to Users?
A whistleblower complaint filed in 2016 alleged 3M and Aearo Technologies were aware of the defect in the Combat Arms Earplugs. The cone did not fit far enough into the ear canal to protect wearers from damage caused by loud noises.
The complaint alleged that the company hid this information to successfully negotiate a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense, therefore engaging in a conspiracy to defraud the government. The 3M earplug lawsuit update revealed proof 3M falsified test results to help secure the contract.
3M reached a $9.1 million settlement of the whistleblower claim but did not admit wrongdoing.
What Has Happened with the 3M Earplug Lawsuits that Have Been Filed?
3M is facing tens of thousands of claims from service members who suffered hearing damage that may have been caused by defective earplugs. As so many claims-making similar allegations have been filed, many were consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL). The 3M MDL had more than 229,000 pending cases as of mid-April 2021.
In March 2021, the first bellwether trial began in Florida. These trials help both sides determine how juries are likely to decide these cases. After a few bellwether trials, many claimants may see settlement offers. If the first trial ends favorably for the victims, it could be a step toward other claimants receiving compensation.
If you suffered a hearing injury after using 3M Combat Arms Earplugs, you may be able to join the MDL or file a separate case and pursue compensation. If you are wondering about the 3M earplug lawsuit claim deadline, now is the time to take action.
Let Us Review Your Claim. Call Today
3M may have knowingly put members of the U.S. Armed Forces at increased risk for hearing loss, tinnitus or some level of hearing impairment. 3M may be responsible for damages suffered by veterans who used the company’s CAEv2 earplugs, which were standard issue between 2003 and 2015.
The licensed attorneys at the Lynch Law Firm, PC in New Jersey are prepared to review your claim and help you pursue the compensation you need.
Call us today to discuss your claim in a free consultation. There is no obligation to take legal action, and we do not get paid unless you do—so there is no risk to you.
Schedule your free evaluation today: (800) 518-0508
* Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.