3M Loses 1st “Bellwether” Earplug Trial
3M was hit with more than $6,000,000 in punitive damages after a jury found the company’s defective earplugs caused hearing loss among military veterans. The loss in the first “bellwether” 3M earplug trial is a significant setback for the St. Paul-based company.
3M faces more than 200,000 claims alleging that its Combat Arms earplugs were defective and caused hearing loss and tinnitus. More than 3,000 lawsuits have been filed. The 3M earplug lawsuits represent the largest multi-district litigation (MDL) in U.S. history.
This 3M earplug trial involved three consolidated lawsuits brought by three former U.S. service members who suffered hearing loss after using Combat Arms earplugs. A “bellwether” trial is intended to help test plaintiffs’ claims and often influences potential future settlements.
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.
3M Denies Responsibility
In a statement issued after the court loss, 3M said that it did not believe the plaintiffs had proven their case, and that the company is exploring options for appeal.
“We remain confident in our case and are ready to defend ourselves against plaintiffs’ allegations at the upcoming trials,” 3M said.
Do You Qualify for a Claim?
Our attorneys are actively investigating claims that defective 3M earplugs caused hearing loss or tinnitus among U.S. troops.
You may qualify for a 3m earplug lawsuit if you meet the following criteria:
- Served in the military between 2003 and 2015
- Served in active combat
- Used 3M Combat Arms dual-ended earplugs
- Diagnosed with hearing loss or tinnitus within one year of discharge
- Received an honorable discharge
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.
For a FREE consultation with an experienced 3M earplug lawsuit attorney, please call 1-800-525-7111.
The consultation is free, there is no obligation, and we don’t get paid unless you do. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you won’t pay any attorney fees. It’s as simple as that.
Call 1-800-525-7111 and let’s review your claim.
You defended us. Now it’s our turn to fight for you.
Riddle & Brantley has been serving injury victims since 1985 and has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for clients, including more than $600 million since 2000 alone (see disclaimer below).
“By far the best law firm that actually cares about helping veterans.”
–B. Fields, Riddle & Brantley client
Many of our attorneys and staff have close family ties to the military and we are ready to help however we can. Call 1-800-525-7111 and let’s review your claim.
*** 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.