In July 2018, 3M agreed to pay $9.1 million to the U.S. Government for knowingly selling defective earplugs to the U.S. military. These earplugs may have caused significant and even permanent harm to the hearing of numerous military personnel deployed between 2003 and 2015.
If you or a loved one suffered injury due to these defective 3M earplugs, please contact Anapol Weiss in Philadelphia immediately to discuss your legal options. We are currently pursuing lawsuits against 3M to seek compensation for service members who have been injured due to their
We believe service members who have been harmed by 3M’s defective earplugs should not have to suffer the lasting effects alone – and our attorneys want to help you seek justice today.
The Defective 3M Combat Arms Earplugs
From 2003 to 2015, 3M Company sold its Combat Arms Earplugs, Version 2 (CAEv2) to the U.S. military to serve as standard issue safety devices for hundreds and thousands of service members. With one yellow end and one black end, these dual-ended combat arms earplugs offered military personnel the option to either block all sounds (black side) or only hear low-level sounds like verbal commands while blocking out louder noises (yellow side).
However, the earplugs were designed too short for proper insertion into users’ ears. As a result, the defective combat earplugs would gradually loosen, unbeknownst to the wearer, until they failed to provide adequate hearing protection.
What Are the Effects of These Defective Earplugs?
The defective CAEv2 plugs provided inadequate protection from loud noises such as gunshots, explosions, and large equipment. This can damage the sound receptors in your inner ear, causing tinnitus, a symptom associated with hearing loss.
Tinnitus is the sensation of hearing sound even though no external sound is present. This is characterized by “phantom noises” in your ears, which can sound like ringing, buzzing, humming, hissing, or clicking.
Although most cases of tinnitus are minor and temporary, prolonged exposure to loud noises can further worsen hearing damage. A slight ringing can quickly turn into a roaring that can significantly affect your quality of life. Victims of tinnitus may experience:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty hearing external sound
- Fatigue
- Stress
- Memory problems
- Sleep problems
- Depression, anxiety, and general irritability
What Happened in the Settlement with the Government?
The July 2018 settlement alleged that 3M was not only aware of the defects in the Combat Arms Earplugs, but also did not disclose this design defect until the contract with the U.S. military was finalized.
As a result, they agreed to pay $9.1 million to the United States government to resolve allegations – but did not compensate any service members affected by these defective products. Any affected service members must file a civil lawsuit to pursue full and fair compensation for your injuries.
Who is Liable for Combat Arms Earplug Injuries?
At Anapol Weiss, we believe that 3M Company is fully liable for any and all of its defective dual-ended military earplugs– and any resultant injuries to the affected military personnel.
- 3M knew previously about the potential defects in their earplugs.
- As early as 2000, 3M (previously Aearo Technologies) was aware that, because of the defect, the earplugs did not show any prolonged benefits to noise reduction.
- 3M did not disclose these defects to the U.S. government until after the contract was signed.
Military personnel who served from 2003 to 2015 may be affected by 3M’s defective CAEv2 earplugs – including those who were deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. 3M deserves to be held accountable for their negligent actions – and you deserve compensation for any injuries suffered as a result. Contact us to seek justice today.
Free Consultation With Mass Tort Attorneys
If you or a loved one were seriously injured by defective 3M dual ended earplugs, please contact Anapol Weiss immediately to discuss your legal options.
Anapol Weiss is a leading Philadelphia law firm with mass tort lawyers ready to fight on behalf of U.S. service members who have experienced hearing damage and hearing loss as a result of 3M’s defective earplugs.
You have a right to be compensated for your injuries as a result of 3M’s gross negligence – and we can help you fight for what’s fair. Schedule a free case evaluation today to see how we can help you seek justice.