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3M Combat Arms Earplugs Lawsuit

3M Earplug Lawsuits for U.S. Military Service Members

3M Earplugs Lawsuit Lawyers - Riddle & BrantleyJANUARY 2022 UPDATE: Due to fast-moving developments in this litigation, Riddle & Brantley can no longer accept additional 3M earplug claims. We anticipate that a global settlement may be on the horizon — please stay tuned to our website for the latest updates as more information becomes available.

Combat Arms Earplugs made for infantry by 3M allegedly have a dangerous design defect that can cause them to loosen while being worn. This defect may allow dangerous sound levels to enter the ear and cause hearing loss or tinnitus over time.

If you served in active combat in the military 2003-2015 and suffered hearing loss or tinnitus after using 3M Combat Arms earplugs, you may be entitled to compensation.

The first major “bellwether” trial for 3M earplugs cases is underway. There is no time to waste if you have suffered hearing loss or tinnitus potentially due to 3M earplugs while serving in active duty 2003-2015. Please call our 3M earplugs attorneys at 1-800-525-7111 for FREE, no-obligation consultation today and check out our 3M earplug lawsuit update.

Riddle & Brantley is evaluating these claims and seeking compensation for servicemen and women who have suffered from a serious hearing injury while using the earplugs during active military deployment or training from 2003 to 2015. We can assist you with how to file a 3M earplug claim and handle the entire process from beginning to end.

More than 229,000 veterans have filed 3M earplug lawsuits alleging that 3M Combat Arms earplugs caused hearing loss and tinnitus. The case is the largest multi-district litigation (MDL) in U.S. history.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with hearing loss or tinnitus after using 3M dual-ended earplugs while serving in combat 2003-2015, you may be entitled to compensation, and we would love to help you get the justice you deserve. Many of our 3M earplug lawsuit attorneys and staff have close family ties to the military and we are committed to fighting for those who have fought for us.

3M Earplugs Lawyers for Defective Earplug Lawsuits - Riddle & BrantleyPlease call 1-800-525-7111 to speak with a 3M earplugs lawsuit lawyer at Riddle & Brantley. We’ll review your case and advise you on your legal options.

There are no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we win your case and you receive financial compensation. We don’t get paid unless you do — it’s as simple as that.

Results for Victims of Defective Products

At Riddle & Brantley, we’ve been fighting to hold potentially negligent companies like 3M accountable for decades. In more than 35 years serving injured victims, we’ve recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our deserving clients (see disclaimer below). In fact, since 2000 alone, we’ve recovered more than $600 million in compensation for those who have been injured due to others’ negligence (see disclaimer below).

“This settlement changed me and my family’s lives.”

Linda B., Riddle & Brantley client

You may be eligible for a military earplugs lawsuit and deserve financial compensation. Legal analysts anticipate potentially significant payouts in 3M earplug lawsuits (though there are no guarantees and every case is different). For a FREE consultation with a 3M earplugs lawsuit lawyer, please call 1-800-525-7111 or complete the short form below.

We our proud of the reputation we’ve earned and strive to treat every client like family. It would be an honor to serve you. You’ve served our country and we are ready to fight for you. Call 1-800-525-7111 and let’s review your claim.

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Facts About the 3M Earplug Lawsuits for Active Duty and Retired Military

Between the years of 2003 and 2015, millions of service members were issued Combat Arms Earplugs for training and the battlefield by 3M Corporation. Unfortunately, millions are at risk of hearing injuries due to exposure to damaging sound levels when the earplugs would loosen unexpectedly.

Those specifically impacted may have served in the following combat operations:

  • War of Afghanistan
  • The Iraq War
  • War in North-West Pakistan
  • War in Somalia
  • Operation Ocean Shield in the Indian Ocean
  • American-led intervention in Libya (2011-part of Libyan Crisis)
  • American-led intervention in Iraq (2014 – 2017)
  • American-led Intervention in Syria (2014 to present)
  • Yemeni Civil War (2015 to present)
  • American Intervention in Libya (2015 to present)

3M Earplug Lawsuits - Riddle & Brantley Trial Attorneys3M sold over two million of these earplugs to the U.S. military for over a decade, knowing that properly made safety equipment is vital to personnel safety and combat readiness. The earplugs — which are dual-ended and can be used either as traditional earplugs or flipped into an “open” position to eliminate loud sounds — could loosen accidentally and lose their seal, failing to perform well for certain users.

3M allegedly knew about the earplug defects and even manipulated false testing, yet prevented other companies from selling competing products to the military branches.

3M’s CAEv2 earplugs were standard equipment for certain branches of the military between 2003 and 2015, and the only available option for attenuation earplugs between 2003 and 2012.

As a result, it is likely that hundreds of thousands of soldiers suffered significant hearing loss, meaning not only did the military pay millions of dollars for defective equipment but the public will bear “enormous” costs from treating veterans with hearing damage.

JANUARY 2022 UPDATE: Due to fast-moving developments in this litigation, Riddle & Brantley can no longer accept additional 3M earplug claims. We anticipate that a global settlement may be on the horizon — please stay tuned to our website for the latest updates as more information becomes available.

You may qualify for a 3M earplugs lawsuit if you meet the following criteria:

  • Have served in the U.S. military between 2003 and 2015
  • Have used military-issued 3M Combat Arms dual-ended earplugs during your service
  • Have served in active combat
  • Have been diagnosed with hearing loss and/or tinnitus within 2 years of discharge
  • Have been honorably discharged
  • Not have Kentucky, Tennessee or Louisiana listed as your state of residency on your DD-214

“3M earplugs cases have now gone to trial, and now is the time for affected military service men and women to have their claims investigated.”

-Gene Riddle, military earplugs attorney, Riddle & Brantley

The 4 Ds of 3M Earplugs Lawsuits

The Defendant

The earplugs were developed and manufactured by Aearo Technologies and 3M acquired Aearo in 2008. 3M is a huge company and plays a major role in manufacturing and selling worker safety products, including hearing protection devices like this military earplug. 3M has manufacturing facilities in South Carolina. South Carolina is home to several military bases, so this is a logical state of venue for the US Government to sue 3M.

The Earplug Device

The earplugs are dual-ended and are designed to provide infantry with a single set of earplugs to provide two crucial options to the soldier. They can be used in the closed/blocked position or the open position.  The closed position blocks sound similar to traditional earplugs.  The open or unblocked position is supposed to reduce or block loud explosions common to the field of battle. The open position has a very unique feature which allows the soldier to hear softer or quieter noises, particularly spoken words.

Allegedly the earplugs have a defect in their design. The stem is too short. Therefore, it is difficult to get a proper fit.  The soldier can’t get a tight seal which therefore permits the loud and dangerous sounds to penetrate or bypass the protection provided by the plugs.  Unfortunately, the soldier is not aware of this dangerous condition and can suffer hearing loss.

The Deception 

3M allegedly marketed the earplugs special features to allow infantry in the field to hear verbal commands from superiors and yet protect the soldiers’ hearing from harmful noise.  However, the flaw in the earplugs did not provide the promised protection. The stem was so short that it prevented a proper seal and fit in the ear.  Even though sources report that 3M knew of this defect, 3M continued to market and sell the earplugs to the military, mislead the military about its ineffective protection, and exposed millions of soldiers to potentially significant hearing loss.

The government alleged that 3M manipulated its testing procedures and fitting instructions to conceal their design defect. The government alleged that 3M knew of this defect for more than ten years without disclosing the defect to the government or military.  Shockingly, 3M failed to recall the earplugs and continued to sell them until late 2015 at which time 3M discontinued their manufacture.

The Damage 

Between 2003 and 2105, these 3M dual-ended Combat Arms earplugs have potentially exposed thousands of soldiers to harmful and dangerous noise which may result in serious hearing loss or tinnitus. Hearing loss is a huge healthcare issue for the Department of Veteran Affairs, the VA, as recent data indicates that as much as 52% of combat soldiers may suffer hearing loss.  This could possibly represent the largest ongoing medical cost for the military.

The full complaint regarding 3M earplug lawsuits is available online.

In 2016, a whistleblower lawsuit was filed under the False Claims Act, alleging that 3M knew that the earplugs were defective and fraudulently manipulated their testing and results.  In 2018, the lawsuit was settled by an agreement between 3M and the Department of Justice for $9.1 million dollars.

Does this fully compensate for all the damage done and being done when we consider that 2.2 million of these defective earplugs were sold to US military personnel in war zones across the globe?

How a 3M Earplugs Lawsuit Lawyer Can Help

3M Earplugs Lawsuit Attorneys Serving Veterans - Riddle & BrantleyHearing loss and tinnitus are two of the biggest issues facing military members today. Depression and anxiety are common in veterans who experience hearing loss and/or tinnitus, and these related conditions can have a significant impact on your quality of life.

JANUARY 2022 UPDATE: Due to fast-moving developments in this litigation, Riddle & Brantley can no longer accept additional 3M earplug claims. We anticipate that a global settlement may be on the horizon — please stay tuned to our website for the latest updates as more information becomes available.

If you or someone you know served in the military in active combat between 2003 and 2015 and were diagnosed with or are suffering from hearing loss or tinnitus, after wearing 3M Combat Arms Earplugs, call our product liability lawyers at 1-800-525-7111 today for a FREE, no-obligation consultation.

Our personal injury attorneys at Riddle & Brantley are actively evaluating these claims and seeking just compensation for victims. We can help you with how to join a 3M earplug lawsuit and handle the entire process from start to finish.

Our priority is getting you maximum compensation, and helping make the process as easy, stress-free, and convenient as possible for you.

3M allegedly produced defective hearing protection equipment and failed to warn the military. Due to 3M’s conduct and behavior retired and active members or our military may be entitled to compensation to help pay for injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and even pain and suffering.

“By far the best law firm that actually cares about helping veterans.”

B. Fields, Riddle & Brantley client

Award-Winning Trial Attorneys

With more than 220+ years of combined legal experience, our product liability lawyers are ready to help with your lawsuit. We’re honored to have been recognized by many premier organizations and awards (see disclaimer below), including:

  • The Litigator Award (Attorney Gene Riddle)
  • Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum (Attorneys Gene Riddle and Darren Dawson)
  • Million-Dollar Advocates Forum (Attorneys Gene Riddle, Chris Brantley, and Darren Dawson)
  • The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 (Attorneys Gene Riddle and Darren Dawson)
  • The National Association of Distinguished Counsel (Attorney Gene Riddle)
  • Super Lawyers (Attorneys Gene Riddle, Adam Smith, and Darren Dawson)

“Can I join a 3M Combat Arms earplugs lawsuit?”

JANUARY 2022 UPDATE: Due to fast-moving developments in this litigation, Riddle & Brantley can no longer accept additional 3M earplug claims. We anticipate that a global settlement may be on the horizon — please stay tuned to our website for the latest updates as more information becomes available.

In order to be eligible for a 3M earplugs lawsuit, you must:

  • Have served in the U.S. military between 2003 and 2015
  • Have used military-issued 3M Combat Arms dual-ended earplugs during your service
  • Have served in active combat
  • Have been diagnosed with hearing loss and/or tinnitus within 2 years of discharge
  • Have been honorably discharged
  • Not have Kentucky, Tennessee or Louisiana listed as your state of residency on your DD-214

If you’ve been diagnosed with hearing loss and/or tinnitus after using 3M Combat Arms dual-ended earplugs while serving in the military 2003-2015, you deserve justice and may be entitled to financial compensation.

For a FREE consultation with one of our experienced product liability attorneys, please call 1-800-525-7111 or complete the short form below.

There is no obligation, and there are no upfront costs or attorney fees unless we win your case and you receive financial compensation. We don’t get paid unless you do — it’s as simple as that.

Call 1-800-525-7111 for a FREE case review today.

If you’ve suffered hearing loss or tinnitus after using 3M earplugs while serving our country, you deserve justice — and you may be entitled to significant compensation in a 3M earplugs lawsuit.

A Commitment to Our Military

Our Commitment to 3M Earplugs Victims - Riddle & BrantleyRiddle & Brantley has offices throughout North Carolina and we’re proud to be located in what’s known as “The Nation’s Most Military-Friendly State.” Many of our attorneys and staff have close family connections to the military and we are determined to seek justice for our brave servicemen and women.

North Carolina and South Carolina, as well as Georgia, Virginia, Florida, Texas and California are home to many military bases where soldiers and infantry trained and deployed to combat zones worldwide.

In our home state alone are:

  • Fort Bragg near Raleigh
  • Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville
  • Cherry Point near Kinston
  • Seymour Johnson AFB in Goldsboro

Our main office is located roughly a mile from SJAFB and F-15 Strike Eagles of the 4th Fighter Wing routinely fly over our office. In Goldsboro, we proudly say, “We love jet noise.”

South Carolina is also home to Shaw Air Force Base, Fort Jackson, the Naval Weapons Station Charleston, and the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot at Parris Island. We welcome calls and inquiries from any of our current or past military members who have worn these earplugs and suffered hearing loss.

To learn more about your rights and a potential 3M earplugs lawsuit, call us at 1-800-525-7111 or complete the form below. Our team of experienced 3M earplugs lawyers is here to answer your questions and get you the help you deserve. The best part is there are no upfront costs or attorney fees unless we win your case.

Don’t wait – contact us today. These cases may be moving toward a significant settlement and you don’t want to gamble with your potential compensation.

Call 1-800-525-71111 for a FREE 3M earplugs lawsuit consultation with our experienced attorneys. If you suffered hearing loss of tinnitus after using 3M Combat Arms earplugs while on active duty 2003-2015, you may qualify for a 3M military earplugs lawsuit and we would love to help you if we can.

 


*** Disclaimer: The results mentioned are intended to illustrate the type of cases handled by the firm. These results do not guarantee a similar outcome, and they should not be construed to constitute a promise or guarantee of a particular result in any particular case. Every case is different, and the outcome of any case depends upon a variety of factors unique to that case.

*** Disclaimer: An attorney must meet certain requirements to join these organizations or receive these awards. For more information on Membership Criteria for Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, The National Association of Distinguished Counsel, AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, the Litigator Award, and other memberships, awards, and accolades, please visit our Membership Criteria page. These awards and memberships should not be construed as a promise or guarantee of a similar result. Each case is different and must be evaluated separately.