3M Company, a defense contractor, knowingly sold defective earplug devises to the United States military, resulting in countless hearing injuries. According to the lawsuit, the Combat Arms Earplugs, Version 2, were created by 3M for military use to protect soldiers from loud, damaging noises during training and in combat. However, the design of these earplugs causes them to slip out imperceptibly, leaving the user susceptible to major hearing damage.
Because of this new information, several military members are coming forward to fight 3M for compensation for the harm they suffered while using these defective devices. If you served in the military and suffered hearing damage while using military-issued earplugs, you may be eligible to receive compensation.
About the Lawsuit
The 3M military earplug suit was originally brought to light by a whistleblower at a competitor company. According to the whistleblower, 3M knew their earplugs were defective, yet they continued to manufacture and sell them to the U.S. military for profit. The allegations go so far as to accuse 3M of falsifying proof of the earplugs’ effectiveness.
According to The United States Department of Justice, 3M agreed on July 26, 2018, to pay $9.1 million to resolve the allegations.
The Defect
The earplug defect causes the device to slip from the correct position within the ear, rendering the safety features all but ineffective. The Combat Arms Earplugs are designed to block out damaging noises while still allowing wearers to communicate, an asset while troops serve in combat situations overseas. However, if the earplugs fail to block out damaging noises, such as those caused by explosives and gunfire, the wearer could suffer irreparable hearing damage.
Damages caused by the 3M earplugs include partial hearing loss, complete hearing loss, and tinnitus, a painful ringing in the ears.
At Law Offices of Vic Feazell, P.C., we believe in protecting our military veterans, which is why we want to help those injured by 3M earplugs. Hearing damage can be painful, permanent, and life-altering. If you were harmed because of the ineffectiveness of these products, you have a right to seek compensation and justice from the liable party.
Do you think you may have a 3M earplug lawsuit? Contact the Law Offices of Vic Feazell, P.C. today to speak with one of our lawyers, or call our firm at .