By Adam W. Pittman on May 7, 2021
After a five-week trial, a Pensacola jury awarded three former service members a total of $7.1 million in damages in the first bellwether trial of the far-reaching 3M defective military earplugs lawsuit. More than 200,000 active and former service members who used the dual-ended 3M Combat Arms Earplugs, Version 2 (CAEv2) could receive significant recoveries for the hearing loss-related injuries.
This is the first verdict rendered among 3M defective earplug lawsuits, and there are two more bellwether trials scheduled in the coming weeks. Cory Watson Attorneys is investigating cases from current and former service members nationwide who suffered hearing loss and/or tinnitus due to using defective 3M Combat Arms Earplugs. These earplugs were sold to the U.S. military and distributed to thousands, putting soldiers at risk for permanent injuries.
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The Combat Arms Dual-Ended Earplugs were standard issue equipment for military personnel in all branches from 2003 to 2015. In those 12 years, the earplugs were distributed to thousands in the U.S. military, putting service men and women at risk for permanent hearing loss or tinnitus. The earplugs were too short for proper insertion, causing them to gradually loosen in user’s ears until they were effectively rendered useless. According to the federal complaint, the earplugs “have likely caused thousands of soldiers to suffer significant hearing loss and tinnitus.”
According to the VA, “hearing problems—including tinnitus, which is a ringing, buzzing, or other type of noise that originates in the head—are by far the most prevalent service-connected disability among American Veterans.”
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A whistleblower alleged that 3M knew about design problems as early as 2000, when the earplugs failed to pass safety tests. 3M continued to market and manufacture the dual-ended earplugs. In July 2018, the Minnesota-based 3M Company agreed to pay a $9 million penalty to the federal government to resolve the whistleblower’s allegations, though the company has admitted no wrongdoing.
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Learn more about Cory Watson’s efforts to get affected military service members justice – “3M Earplug Hearing Loss Lawsuit Featured On CBS This Morning“. Thousands of military service members who suffered significant hearing loss and tinnitus choose Cory Watson to handle their case against 3M. Our experienced defective product lawyers are fighting for clients’ rights to compensation and justice.
If you or a loved one served in the military any time between 2003 and 2015 and has been diagnosed with hearing loss or tinnitus, you may qualify for financial compensation. This lawsuit is not against the government or armed services and does not affect disability benefits. Contact Cory Watson Attorneys today by calling (877) 562-0000 or fill out the FREE online consultation form on this page to learn more about your legal options. Don’t wait to reach out – Contact us today!
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