Lawsuit for 3M Military Earplugs

Military earplugs are intended to ensure a tight fit in the ears of service members, providing protection against the deafening sounds of explosions and gunfire on the battlefield. However, lawsuits filed against 3M claim that the company sold ineffective military earplugs between 2003 and 2015. These earplugs allegedly failed to fit securely, leaving wearers vulnerable to hearing damage.

If you’re a veteran experiencing hearing loss after using 3M Combat Arms Earplugs Version 2 (CAEv2) during training or deployment and were discharged prior to January 2015, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit seeking compensation. Youngstown Criminal Law Group is here to represent military personnel who have experienced hearing loss under these circumstances. Our experienced Carrollton criminal lawyer, especially skilled in such cases, can guide you through the legal process and help secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Things to Know About the 3M Military Ear Plugs Lawsuit

Settlement and Allegations Against 3M

In July 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice announced a $9.1 million settlement with 3M Corporation for a whistleblower lawsuit filed under the False Claims Act. This lawsuit alleged that 3M knowingly sold defective military earplugs to the government.

The settlement, filed in a South Carolina federal court, indicated that 3M’s earplugs—designed to be dual-ended—were too short to be fully inserted into the ear. Their design flaw caused them to gradually loosen, making them unable to protect users from harmful loud noises on the battlefield.

These dual-ended earplugs were promoted for their versatility, working as both traditional earplugs and in an open position to attenuate loud noises while allowing quieter sounds to pass through. However, the U.S. Department of Justice accused Aero Technologies employees (later part of 3M Corporation) of being fully aware of these defects back in 2000, yet continuing to sell the devices to the military throughout the following years.

Legal Developments

An MDL (Multidistrict Litigation) was established in April 2019 for handling 3M Combat Arms Earplugs cases in the Federal Court of Florida. If you’ve served in the military and are now suffering from hearing loss caused by using these defective earplugs, the Carrollton OVI lawyer at Youngstown Criminal Law Group can assist in pursuing your case effectively.

Military Hearing Injuries

Hearing loss is one of the most commonly reported service-related injuries among military personnel. Nearly 60% of service members report hearing loss following their time in the forces. By 2014, more than 933,000 veterans were receiving disability compensation for service-related hearing loss, and around 1.3 million veterans had been compensated for tinnitus—a persistent ringing in the ears caused by high-intensity noise.

Hearing damage can result from:

• Acute exposure to intense noises such as explosions
• Long-term exposure to repeated gunfire
• Prolonged exposure to high-decibel environments, such as aircraft carrier decks or engine rooms

Why Choose Youngstown Criminal Law Group?

At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we’ve helped many veterans gain compensation for hearing loss that impacts their quality of life. Whether you’ve experienced reduced hearing ability, tinnitus, or other auditory injuries, our dedicated legal team, including experienced Carrollton criminal lawyers, can help you achieve resolution.

We Fight for Veterans

Our team has filed numerous lawsuits against 3M Corporation on behalf of veterans who’ve suffered preventable injuries due to defective earplugs. We’ve previously secured damages and benefits for our clients, recognizing their right to enjoy life fully despite service-related injuries.

How We Can Help

If you’re a veteran in or around Carroll County seeking justice and resolution for your hearing loss, reach out to our team of experienced attorneys. Our Carrollton OVI lawyers are skillfully prepared to handle your claim and ensure you receive the benefits and compensation you deserve.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

Don’t wait—if you or a loved one has suffered from hearing loss after using defective 3M military earplugs, contact Youngstown Criminal Law Group today. Get the expert legal guidance you need to hold 3M accountable, restore your quality of life, and secure the compensation that’s owed to you.

Call us (330) 992-3036 now for a consultation, and take the first step toward resolution.