COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT 3M COMBAT EARPLUGS LAWSUITS
Military personnel has been using 3M Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplugs for more than ten years to shield their hearing from intense noises, including gunshots, explosions, and helicopter noise.
The design of the earplugs had a flaw, though, in that the buds were too short, and each plug’s seal within the user’s ear loosened over time (under the user’s unawareness). The outcome was that the user wasn’t getting enough noise protection from the earplugs, which increased the risk of hearing impairment.
The manufacturer also falsely certified the earplugs as meeting the criteria and claimed the device had a noise reduction rate (NPR) of 22. This caused military members to sustain permanent injuries like hearing impairment and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
What is the 3M earplug lawsuit?
Following accusations that 3M provided subpar earplugs to servicemen and servicewomen between 2003 and 2015, the business 3M (formerly Aero Technologies) settled a lawsuit in July 2018 for $9.1 million given to the U.S. military.
As a result of 3M’s failure to inform the military of earplug flaws, specific service members are now suing the company to obtain compensation for the harm they incurred.
You deserve the chance to fight for a just settlement if you or a loved one experiences hearing loss or tinnitus after using the 3M Combat Arms Earplugs.
Who may bring a lawsuit against 3M?
You should speak with a lawyer about a potential product liability claim against 3M if you have been diagnosed with any injury after frequently using 3M Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplugs. You must demonstrate the following:
You suffered injuries (like total or partial hearing loss or tinnitus) from wearing 3M Combat Arms Earplugs while serving in the military or armed forces from 2003-2015.
Your inability to prove that your injuries result from using earplugs will be your biggest challenge. You’ll require your precise diagnosis and treatment strategy.
What is the value of a 3M earplugs lawsuit?
You may wonder how much financial compensation you could receive for your losses if you consider bringing a 3M earplug case (called “damages”). Damages might be unpredictable and differ depending on the circumstances.
Typically, 3M earplug litigants seek payment for:
- Past lost income
- Future lost income (or “diminished earning potential”)
- Pain and suffering
- The cost of previous and future medical treatment (physical and mental).
Punitive damages have also been granted in cases involving the 3M bellwether plaintiffs. 3M Combat earplugs injury attorneys keep a close eye on impending 3M earplug bellwether trials for more cues about whether the 3M claims will settle and their potential value.
Must you hire a lawyer?
Similar to other mass torts, 3M claims are complex. You’ll need a medical professional who is familiar with your diagnosis and can show how it relates to using 3M earplugs.
You’ll also need a lawyer who won’t be intimidated by a defendant like 3M with huge funds and a solid legal defense.The 3M earplugs MDL is the biggest in recorded history, and an attorney knowledgeable about the MDL and how it can apply to your case is necessary.
