How Many Lawsuits Have Been Filed?
As of October 2022, over 250,000 lawsuits have been filed against 3M by U.S. military veterans, current service members, and others, alleging that the design of 3M Combat Arms earplugs was defective. The plaintiffs claim they suffered hearing loss and tinnitus caused by defective earplug use.
Related Article: 3M Earplug Lawsuits Info
How Many 3M Bellwether Trials Were There?
There were a total of 16 bellwether trials in the litigation. The plaintiffs won 10 of the bellwether trials and the total damages awarded against 3M were approximately $300 million.
What is the Average Individual Settlement for the Lawsuit?
To date, no plaintiff has settled a lawsuit, as the federal litigation has been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) before Judge M. Casey Rogers in the Northern District of Florida (3M Prod. Liab. Lit., MDL No. 2885 – Master Docket No. 3:19-MD-2885). However, jury verdicts and reported settlement amounts in other tinnitus or hearing loss cases suggest an average individual settlement compensation from $50,000 to $300,000 in compensation.
Related: Settlement Amount for Hearing Loss
How Can 3M Earplugs Cause Tinnitus?
On their own, earplugs do not cause permanent tinnitus. However, permanent tinnitus can result if 3M Combat Arms Earplugs were defective and did not properly protect your ears from hearing damage caused by loud sounds or other harmful noises.
How Long Will it Take for 3M to Settle?
No outcome is guaranteed, but as the bellwether trials have concluded, it seems likely that a global settlement in lawsuits may be reached soon, based on similar mass tort product liability cases.
Related Article: How Long Will the 3M Earplug Lawsuit Take?
What Happens After a Bellwether Trial?
If the results of the bellwether trials do not lead to a settlement agreement, Judge Rodgers will remand the cases back to their local jurisdictions to be tried as individual lawsuits. In other words, the class action then breaks apart, and individual cases are set up for trial across the U.S.
Can I Still Join the Lawsuit?
You may still be able to join the litigation if you meet specific criteria, but you should contact an experienced lawyer to confirm any statutes of limitations you will need to meet. If you miss those deadlines, you could lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries.
See all related product liability cases our lawyers have covered.
Get a Free Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Attorneys
The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is an experienced team of plaintiffs' lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in 3M Ear Plug lawsuits.
We handle individual litigation nationwide and accept personal injury legal action in all 50 states.
Free Lawsuit Evaluation: Again, if you suffered hearing damage, ear damage or other side effects after using 3M earplugs, you should contact our law firm immediately using the contact form below. You may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a Lawsuit and our mass tort law firm can help.
