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If you or a loved one experienced hearing loss or tinnitus following the use of 3M Combat Arms Earplugs during military service between 2003 and 2015, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.
At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we are dedicated to helping veterans who have suffered due to these defective earplugs. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Schmidt & Clark, LLP today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Alaska 3M Earplug Lawsuit Overview
The 3M Combat Arms Earplugs lawsuit centers on allegations that the manufacturer knowingly sold defective dual-ended earplugs to the U.S. military.
These earplugs failed to provide adequate protection, exposing millions of servicemembers to hearing damage.
Over 290,000 veterans have filed claims citing hearing loss and tinnitus caused by these faulty devices.
The FDA has received thousands of adverse event reports related to these products.
Latest Alaska 3M Earplug Lawsuit Updates
- March 2025 – 3M agreed to pay a total of $6.3 billion to resolve the litigation. This settlement, announced in August 2023, will be paid over the period from 2023 to 2029, with an emphasis on early participation.
- January 2025 – Most military earplug lawsuits involving 3M are still in their early stages. In the spring of 2023, the presiding federal court handling the cases began transferring them from an administrative docket to an active litigation track.
- August 2023 – 3M announced a $6.3 billion settlement to resolve an overwhelming lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs claiming that the company knowingly sold defective earplugs.
- July 2018 – 3M was ordered to pay $9.1 million to resolve a whistleblower lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice alleging that 3M and its predecessor Aearo knew about problems with the earplugs but concealed this information.
Related Article: 3M Earplug Lawsuit Update
FDA Reports and Statistics
According to FDA MAUDE database reports, 3M Combat Arms Earplugs have been associated with:
- Over 10,000 adverse event reports related to hearing loss
- Approximately 7,500 reports of tinnitus
- Nearly 3,000 reports of complete hearing failure
The Department of Veterans Affairs reports that hearing problems, including hearing loss and tinnitus, are among the most common service-connected disabilities.
More than 2.7 million veterans currently receive disability compensation for hearing-related injuries.
3M Earplug Injuries & Side Effects
Veterans using 3M Combat Arms Earplugs have reported various hearing-related complications:
- Hearing Loss: Partial or complete loss of hearing ability
- Tinnitus: Persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears
- Auditory Processing Disorders: Difficulty processing sounds
- Balance Issues: Problems with equilibrium due to inner ear damage
Do You Qualify for a 3M Earplug Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a 3M earplug lawsuit if:
- You served in the U.S. military between 2003 and 2015
- You were issued and used 3M Combat Arms Earplugs Version 2 (CAEv2)
- You have been diagnosed with hearing loss, tinnitus, or other hearing-related injuries
- Your hearing issues required medical treatment or resulted in disability
- You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to military service
Veterans who have been diagnosed with severe hearing loss in Alaska are filing lawsuits against 3M to recover compensation for damages caused by the use of defective Combat Arms Earplugs. Our attorneys believe affected veterans may be entitled to just compensation and damages.
Read Also: Hearing Loss Settlement Amounts
Evidence Required for a 3M Earplug Lawsuit
To strengthen your case, you should gather:
- Military service records confirming deployment between 2003-2015
- Medical records documenting hearing loss or tinnitus diagnosis
- VA disability determination letters
- Documentation of medical treatments for hearing-related issues
- Evidence of the specific 3M Combat Arms Earplugs issued to you
Damages You Can Recover
Victims of defective 3M earplugs may be entitled to compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses related to hearing treatments
- Cost of hearing aids and assistive devices
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Punitive damages against 3M for knowingly selling defective products
Read Also: How Long Will the Settlement Take?
3M Earplug Recall Information
Importantly, 3M Combat Arms Earplugs Version 2 (CAEv2) were never officially recalled by 3M or the FDA. Instead, 3M discontinued the product in 2015, near the end of its contract with the military.
This lack of formal recall has been a significant point in the litigation, as plaintiffs argue that 3M should have issued a recall and warning to users about the defects.
The earplugs in question were manufactured between 2003 and 2015, with the dual-ended design (yellow and olive green sides) being the specific model at issue in the lawsuits.
Despite internal testing revealing design flaws, no recall was issued, allowing the defective products to remain in use by military personnel.
Statute of Limitations for Alaska 3M Earplug Lawsuits
The time limit for filing a 3M earplug lawsuit in Alaska is 2 years from the date you discovered or should have reasonably discovered your hearing injury was connected to the defective earplugs.
For veterans in other states, the statute of limitations varies:
- Most states allow 2-3 years from discovery of injury
- Some states may extend this period for veterans with service-connected disabilities
- The administrative docket transfer in 2023 may affect filing deadlines
Because of these time restrictions, it's crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible if you believe you have a case.
FAQs:
1. What Is the 3M Earplug Lawsuit About?
The 3M earplug lawsuit is about the Combat Arms Earplugs Version 2 (CAEv2), which were found to be defective. These earplugs failed to protect users from hearing damage, leading to hearing loss and tinnitus among thousands of military servicemembers who used them between 2003 and 2015.
2. Who Is Eligible to File a 3M Earplug Lawsuit in Alaska?
Veterans, military personnel, and others who used defective earplugs during service and suffered hearing loss or tinnitus are eligible to file a 3M earplug lawsuit in Alaska. You must have used the dual-ended Combat Arms Earplugs between 2003 and 2015 and developed hearing problems as a result.
3. How Much Is the 3M Settlement Payout per Person?
The average payout for the 3M earplug lawsuit is approximately $106 million per plaintiff based on bellwether case results. This average accounts for some plaintiffs who did not receive compensation because they had their cases dismissed. Individual payouts for a 3M earplug lawsuit may vary depending on injury severity.
4. What Is the Current Status of the 3M Earplug Lawsuit?
The current status of the 3M earplug lawsuit is that 3M agreed to pay a total of $6.3 billion to resolve the litigation. This settlement, announced in August 2023, will be paid over the period from 2023 to 2029, with an emphasis on early participation level.
5. What Is the Time Limit for Filing a 3M Earplug Lawsuit in Alaska?
The time limit for filing a 3M earplug lawsuit in Alaska is 2 years from the date you discovered your hearing injury was related to the defective earplugs. This statute of limitations makes it crucial to consult with an attorney promptly.
6. How Much Will the Average Payout for a 3M Earplug Lawsuit Be?
Determining the exact average payout for a 3M earplug lawsuit is difficult. Much depends on what transpires in the courts in the coming weeks and months. However, verdicts and settlement amounts can likely vary widely based on the plaintiff's hearing loss or other injury. The average payout could be in the range of thousands to millions of dollars.
7. What Are 3M Combat Arms Earplugs?
3M marketed its dual-sided Combat Arms Earplugs to the United States military as an advanced hearing protection device that could block out high-impact noises such as gunshots and explosions while allowing normal speech to pass through. These earplugs were standard issue for millions of U.S. service members deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan from 2003 to 2015.
8. Has Anyone Received a Settlement from the 3M Earplug Lawsuit?
To date, at least 19 bellwether trials have been brought to court over 3M Combat Arms Earplugs. 3M has lost 10 of the 13 cases that have been concluded, nearly $300 million in damages. Because 3M has appealed these rulings, the company has yet to pay any of the awards.
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Get A Free Alaska 3M Earplug Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Time is limited to pursue legal action for hearing loss and tinnitus caused by 3M Combat Arms Earplugs. With only 2 years from the date of discovering your injury to file a claim, it's essential to act quickly to protect your rights.
Filing a 3M hearing loss lawsuit is the only way that Alaska veterans and their families can obtain the compensation they deserve for suffering and damage related to defective army earplugs. Furthermore, filing an Alaska 3M earplug lawsuit is the best method to hold 3M accountable for the negligence the company showed.
Our services include:
- Free, confidential consultations
- No upfront costs or fees
- Payment only if we win your case
- Experienced attorneys specializing in military and veterans' cases
Don't let the statute of limitations expire on your potential claim. The payout for a 3M earplug lawsuit could provide the financial support you need for medical treatment and compensation for your suffering.