People are filing 3M Earplug lawsuits because the dual-ended Combat Arms™ Earplugs, Version 2 (CAEv2) used by military personnel were defective, causing hearing loss and tinnitus in service members.
The 3M earplugs recall was not publicly announced, but the defects became widely known when a whistleblower lawsuit was unsealed in 2018. The earplugs, which were issued to military personnel between 2003 and 2015, were purportedly too short and could subtly loosen in the user’s ear, leading to potential hearing damage. The case was concluded when 3M agreed to pay $9.1 million to the U.S. government to settle allegations that it knowingly sold these defective earplugs to the military.
Tinnitus and hearing loss are the top two health conditions among military veterans at the Veterans Benefits Administration, affecting millions. Many veterans have traced their hearing issues back to the faulty 3M earplugs, leading to a surge in legal cases against the company.
In recent court verdicts, juries have awarded tens of millions of dollars to groups of veterans who suffered hearing damage. These court decisions have set a precedent for ongoing and future cases, making it a significant matter for 3M.
The main injuries reported in the 3M earplug lawsuits are tinnitus and hearing loss. Veterans suffering from these conditions after using 3M earplugs during their military service are seeking compensation for their pain, suffering, and medical expenses.
Any military veteran or active-duty personnel who served between 2003 and 2015, used the 3M dual-ended Combat Arms Earplugs, Version 2 (CAEv2), and has since experienced hearing loss or tinnitus may be eligible to file a lawsuit.
If you are unsure if you qualify, an attorney specializing in 3M Earplug lawsuits can help you assess your eligibility at no cost to you. If you’re suffering from these conditions and used the faulty 3M earplugs during your service, it is crucial to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.