Defective Military Earplug Hearing Loss Lawsuits
Military service members receive earplugs from the U.S. government to help prevent hearing loss caused by combat and job-related tasks. One particular model manufactured by 3M—a double-sided earplug called the Combat Arms—has been shown to feature a defective design that increases the risk of permanent hearing loss/and or tinnitus.
If you or a loved one served in the military and suffered permanent hearing loss and/or tinnitus due to defective 3M earplugs, you may be eligible for significant compensation. At Ferrer Poirot Feller Daniel, our defective product lawyers have more than 35 years of experience fighting for injury victims nationwide, and we’re ready to help you, too. Dial (888) 485-8844 or complete the free consultation form on this page to contact our 24/7 legal team now.
3M Military Earplugs Increase the Risk of Permanent Hearing Problems
3M Combat Arms earplugs are double-sided, providing two different functions. Inserting them into the ear in one direction allows the wearer to hear speech, while inserting them in the opposite direction offers greater noise protection. Both ends of each plug are connected by a stem. However, evidence suggests the length of the stem prevents the plugs from being inserted far enough into the ear to adequately protect service members from developing hearing problems.
Now, thousands of servicemen and women who served in Iraq and Afghanistan are facing serious complications, such as permanent hearing loss and tinnitus—a condition that causes noise or ringing in the ears.
3M Settles Whistleblower Lawsuit for $9.1 Million
Evidence filed in a government whistleblower lawsuit shows that Aearo Technologies, the company that first designed Combat Arms earplugs, was aware of design defects as early as 2000. In 2008, Aearo was acquired by 3M. It has been alleged that both companies falsified test results to claim the earplugs met the government’s standards for hearing protection.
3M agreed to pay $9.1 million to the United States Department of Justice. The settlement does not include compensation for individual service members and veterans who suffered due to defective earplugs.
At Ferrer Poirot Feller Daniel, we’re here to help those who suffered hearing loss as a result of defective service-issued earplugs. Our legal team is now investigating 3M military earplug hearing loss lawsuits, and we’re prepared to hold 3M accountable for their negligence.
Nationwide Attorneys Helping Military Hearing Loss Victims
At Ferrer Poirot Feller Daniel, our nationwide attorneys have been protecting the rights of injury victims for more than 35 years, and we’re ready to help you, too. You can count on our legal team to take every step necessary to hold 3M accountable for the harm their defective military earplugs have caused to you or your loved one. Call (888) 485-8844 or fill out the free online form on this page to get started now.
This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with 3M, Aearo Technologies, or the U.S. government.
Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.