How Many Veterans Are in the Lawsuit?
Nearly 300,000 U.S. service members and veterans are suing 3M over earplugs they claim didn't work. These lawsuits have been consolidated in the Northern District of Florida before Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
The litigation is 3M Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2885 | Northern District of Florida | United States District Court.
How Many 3M Bellwether Trials Were There?
There were a total of 16 bellwether test trials in which plaintiffs ended up with a win-loss record of 10-6, with total damages of over $300 million. So the average trial resulted in an average payout of $30 million per trial.
Related Article: 3M Military Earplug Lawsuit Update
What Have We Learned From the Lawsuits That Have Gone to Trial?
Results from the 16 bellwether trials indicate that juries do not like how 3M handled the situation with its Combat Arms earplugs, and they will award a great deal of money if they believed that negligence caused plaintiffs' hearing loss or tinnitus.
What Happens After a Bellwether Trial?
If the bellwether trials fail to lead to an agreement between the parties, Judge Rodgers will remand the cases back to their local federal jurisdictions to be tried as individual cases. In other words, the class action then breaks apart, and individual cases are set up for trial in the jurisdictions they were initially filed in.
Related Article: 3M Earplug Case Settlement Info
What is the Statute of Limitations?
In most U.S. states, you have a period of 2 years to file a lawsuit over any hearing loss you suffered from 3M Combat Arms Earplugs.
What Year Were 3M Earplugs Issued?
3M dual-ended Combat Arms earplugs were the standard issue in certain branches of the U.S. military from 2003 until the company stopped producing them in 2015. Aearo Technologies Inc. created the earplugs, and 3M bought the company in 2008.
How Do I Join the Lawsuit?
For help with how to file a 3M earplug lawsuit, please fill out the form below or call (866) 588-0600 for a FREE consultation with an experienced 3M earplug lawyer. We will review your claim, help determine your eligibility, and if you decide to hire us, fight tirelessly for your right to compensation for your injuries.
Related Articles:
See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys have covered.
FAQs
What Is the Average Payout for a 3M Earplug Lawsuit?
The average payout for a 3M earplug lawsuit varies widely, but the global settlement of $6 billion averages out to roughly $22,000 per pending case. However, this average is misleading because a claimant's payout depends on their specific payout tier based on the injuries they suffered.
What Is the Evidence Needed to Support a 3M Earplug Lawsuit Claim?
The evidence needed to support a 3M earplug lawsuit claim includes medical records showing hearing loss or tinnitus, service records proving military service during the time the earplugs were issued, and documentation of using the 3M earplugs.
Can I Still Join the 3M Lawsuit?
You can still join the 3M lawsuit if you meet specific criteria. Contact a personal injury attorney promptly to confirm eligibility and meet any legal deadlines.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Settlement Fund?
It typically takes up to a month and a half to receive your settlement funds. During this period, it's important to plan how you will manage your financial obligations. Having realistic expectations and a financial strategy can help you navigate the waiting period effectively.