FREE Case Review (866) 588-0600

North Dakota 3M Earplug Lawyer

The 3M company held the exclusive contract to manufacture earplugs for the United States military for over a decade. The company has since admitted to knowing the earplugs didn’t work properly or even at all, resulting in severe hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) for hundreds of thousands of service members.
Awards & recognition
C.L. Mike Schmidt Published by C.L. Mike Schmidt

3M Earplug Whistleblower Lawsuit

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced in July 2018 that it had reached a settlement with the 3M Company over its 3M Combat Arms Earplugs Version 2 (caev2). In a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower, 3M admitted that it knew as early as 2000 that the earplugs did not have adequate noise protection.

As a result of this false claim, 3M agreed to pay the Federal Government $9.1 million to resolve the allegations. The lawsuit established important facts about the defective 3M Combat Arms Earplugs; however, none of the money went to the injured military service members who wore the earplugs.

3M subsequently tried to use the government contractor immunity defense, but in July 2020, the Honorable Judge Casey Rodgers ruled that the company was responsible for the faulty design of the earplugs, not the military. This was a huge victory for victims of the defective 3M Earplugs all across the U.S.

Related Article3M Earplug Lawsuit Update

What Made the 3M Combat Arms Earplugs Defective?

The 3M military earplugs were designed to allow 2 types of noise reduction; 1 that would block out all noise and another that would block loud sounds like gunshots and explosions but still allow the wearer to communicate and hear orders from commanding officers. The earplugs could be reversed, depending on what they were being used for.

However, according to a DOJ investigation, the 3M Combat Arms Earplugs were too short, and small fins on the plugs prevented a tight seal from forming in the user’s ear canal. As a result, the earplugs could come loose inside the ear and fail to provide any sound protection without the user even realizing it.

Troops who wore the 3M earplugs were repeatedly exposed to damaging noises, and many developed significant hearing loss and/or tinnitus as a result.

Related Article3M Hearing Protection Lawsuit

Hearing Loss Caused by 3M Military Earplugs

Due to the fact that Combat Arms earplugs failed to provide the hearing protection 3M promised, veterans and current military service members developed severe health complications. You may qualify to file a 3M lawsuit seeking damages if you used 3M earplugs and subsequently experienced:

  • Partial or total hearing loss
  • Ringing or buzzing in your ears
  • Unusual pitch perception
  • Tinnitus
  • Hyperacusis
  • Meniere’s disease

Unfortunately, in many cases, these conditions may affect you permanently. Don’t be a victim of another party’s negligence in silence. Our North Dakota 3M Combat Arms Earplug attorneys are ready to help you seek justice for your injuries.

What to do if You Suffered Hearing Loss from 3M Earplugs

If you or someone you know wore 3M Combat Arms Earplugs Version 2 (caev2) and subsequently developed hearing loss, tinnitus, or other ear injuries, you may qualify to file a lawsuit seeking damages for your injuries. Even if you already receive disability payments and/or hearing aids from the VA, you may still be eligible to file a claim. You may be able to seek compensation to assist with:

As a result of the 3M payout settlement, veterans and current military service members across the U.S. are now seeking damages for the injuries they suffered from defective Combat Arms Earplugs. Please note: The 3M lawsuits are not part of a class action, but rather part of multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Florida. There are currently more than 300,000 lawsuits included in the MDL.

Due to the complexity of these types of lawsuits, we strongly recommend that you seek the assistance of a knowledgeable and experienced 3M Combat Arms earplugs attorney in North Dakota with the know-how and resources to properly help secure compensation.

Read AlsoHow Much Money Are Veterans Getting for the 3M Lawsuit?

What is the Average 3M Earplug Payout?

Even though the 3M whistleblower lawsuit settled for $9.1 million, this money went to the U.S. Government, not individual plaintiffs. Most individuals who file successful lawsuits may expect payouts between $5,000 and $250,000. However, it is important to keep in mind that everyone’s case will have different results. Fill out the form below and our attorneys will review your case to give you a personalized estimate of what your claim may be worth.

FAQs

Can I still file a lawsuit if I no longer have the defective earplugs?
Yes, you can still file a lawsuit even if you no longer have the earplugs. Medical records, military service records, and other documentation can support your claim.

What are some potential defenses 3M might use in these lawsuits?
3M may argue that the earplugs were used improperly, that the military did not follow proper usage instructions, or that the hearing loss was due to other factors. An experienced attorney can counter these defenses with strong evidence.

How will my attorney prove that 3M knew about the defects?
Your attorney will gather evidence such as internal company documents, emails, and testimonies to show that 3M was aware of the defects and failed to warn users. This evidence is crucial for building a strong case.

Related Articles:

See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys have covered.