At the end of April 2020, hundreds of pages of newly unsealed documents were added as evidence in a series of lawsuits against 3M that started to be filed in late 2018. The documents include emails, memos, receipts, and depositions involving the purchase of the earplugs from 3M by the US Department of Defense between 2003-2015.
The newly revealed files show employees at 3M joked about the extremely profitable margins they would receive from the Department of Defense, and also dismissed considerations of honesty regarding a potentially faulty product.
Lawsuit Against 3M Earplugs
Originally developed by Aearo Technologies, the Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplugs (CAEv2) were produced to protect US soldiers from training and combat-related hearing issues. The lawsuit claims that manufacturers were aware 3M earplugs were defective as early as 2000 and covered up tests showing the product could result in injury.
After the September 11 2001 terrorist attacks, the US military required soldiers to wear 3M earplugs during all training and combat duty. These particular 3M earplugs were designed with two ends to allow for flexibility of use. One was designed to block most ambient noise, so soldiers could still hear their commanders and peers, and the other had a complete sound-canceling effect. The lawsuit states that the stem connecting the dual ends of the 3M earplugs was too short and therefore was defective as it didn’t provide a proper protective seal. This product defect led to thousands of veterans suffering from tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing damage, and complete hearing loss.
How we can help you
If you or someone you love is a veteran who used 3M’s Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplugs (CAEv2) and subsequently suffered hearing damage, you may be able to receive a settlement. Our team of 3M earplug lawyers has extensive experience with litigation of mass tort cases. If you want to receive the compensation you deserve and bring justice to the company responsible for your suffering, contact Kwartler Manus, LLC today.
You may be eligible to join the lawsuit against 3M earplugs if you:
- Served in the U.S. military 2003 – 2015
- Used 3M’s Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplugs (CAEv2) during that time
- Suffer from hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
The defective 3M earplugs were issued to US Army personnel both during training and in the following combat zones:
- Afghanistan
- Iraq
- Libya
- Pakistan
- Somalia
- The Indian Ocean
If this sounds like you or someone you love, reach out to our firm online or at the office by calling (267) 457-5570 as soon as possible for a FREE consultation. Our attorneys are dedicated to helping those harmed by defective products and can help you get compensated for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.