The U.S. government purchased thousands of earplugs from Aearo Technologies, Inc., and 3M Company between 2003-2015. The earplugs are double-sided, with one side reducing noise levels while allowing servicemembers to hear verbal commands, and the other side blocking out all noise for protection during combat and training exercises.
However, it was later revealed that the earplugs were defective and didn’t provide adequate protection for users due to a design flaw. That resulted in thousands of veterans suffering severe ear damage, resulting in hearing loss, tinnitus, and other ear-related problems. Aearo Technologies, Inc., the first company to manufacture and sell the earplugs, was aware of the defects as early as 2000. The company was later purchased by 3M in 2008. Because of the companies’ negligence, they were forced to pay $9.1 million to the U.S. Department of Justice.
However, many servicemembers are still suffering from the effects of the defective earplugs. At Ferrer Poirot Feller Daniel, our defective product lawyers want to ensure that all injured veterans get the compensation they deserve after being injured by faulty earplugs that were still sold by their manufacturer, even after their flaws were known.
If you or someone you love suffered hearing loss or tinnitus after your military service, it may be due to defective earplugs. Contact us today for a free evaluation of your case. We’ll review the facts of what happened, and then we’ll work hard to help you get the money you deserve.