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Who is Eligible for the 3M Combat Arms Earplugs Lawsuit?
You may qualify to file a lawsuit if:
- You served in any branch of the U.S. military between 2003 and 2015; and
- You used the dual-sided, military-provided, black and yellow Combat Arms earplugs; and
- You now suffer hearing loss, ringing ears (tinnitus), or other related symptoms
Related Article: 3M Military Earplug Lawsuit Update
Will 3M Settle Out of Court?
To date, 3M has not settled any lawsuits involving its Combat Arms Earplugs. Thousands of individual plaintiffs have filed claims against 3M in the defective earplugs lawsuits. These complaints have been centralized in multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Florida before Judge M. Casey Rogers.
Related: When Will the 3M Earplug Lawsuits Be Settled?
What Happens in a Multidistrict Litigation?
After an MDL has been created, the litigation will proceed to the discovery phase. During discovery, 3M was required to hand over documents that contain information relevant to allegations made in the lawsuits. Witnesses are then questioned under oath during depositions, and this testimony may be used at trial to support or rebut allegations in the 3M lawsuit.
Why Do Mass Torts Take So Long?
Mass torts like the 3M MDL have several processes that take a fair amount of time and effort, including gathering testimony from hundreds of thousands of plaintiffs, sharing evidence between parties, and selecting cases for bellwether trials.
How Many Bellwether Trials Were There in the 3M MDL?
There were a total of 16 bellwether trials involving the claims of 19 individual plaintiffs. The plaintiffs won 10 out of the 16 trials, and the total damages awarded against 3M were about $300 million.
Is it Too Late to Join the 3M Lawsuit?
With the multidistrict litigation still pending, affected active duty military and veterans who served at any time between 2003 and 2015, and who subsequently experienced severe hearing loss or tinnitus after using 3M Combat Arms earplugs should contact us for a FREE consultation ASAP. As of October 2022, it is not too late to join these lawsuits, but you should act now to protect your legal rights.
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FAQs
1. What Compensation Is Available Through the 3M Lawsuit?
Compensation may include medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and disability benefits.
2. Do You Need to Pay Legal Fees Upfront?
Many attorneys handling 3M lawsuits work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay only if you win the case.
3. What Is the Role of a Medical Examination in the 3M Lawsuit?
A medical examination can provide crucial evidence of hearing loss or tinnitus, supporting your claim in the lawsuit.
4. What Happens After Joining the 3M Lawsuit?
Your attorney will handle the legal proceedings, which may include evidence gathering, negotiations, and potentially going to trial if a settlement isn’t reached.