To a soldier, earplugs are considered just as essential as eye protection and helmets. Many noises in the field, including automatic gunfire, military aircraft, and explosions are twice as loud as the level that causes hearing loss. According to the defense department, veterans are 30% more likely than non-military to have hearing impairment.
3M earplug lawsuit
After the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the US military required soldiers to wear 3M earplugs during all training and combat duty. It is these specific earplugs that are under investigation in relation to a mass tort lawsuit filed in April 2019. Originally developed by Aearo Technologies, the Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplugs (CAEv2) The lawsuit claims that not only are the 3M earplugs faulty but also that manufacturers were aware of the defective design since 2000 and continued to produce them, regardless.
The 3M earplugs in question had two different ends to allow for flexibility of use. One end had a complete sound-canceling effect, and the other was designed to block most ambient noise, so soldiers could still hear their commanders and peers. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit claim that the stem connecting the dual ends of the 3M earplugs was too short and didn’t provide a proper protective seal, causing hearing damage, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and complete hearing loss.
How we can help you
If you are a veteran who used 3M’s Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplugs (CAEv2) and subsequently suffered hearing damages, you may be eligible to receive compensation. Our team of Philadelphia 3M earplug attorneys has extensive experience with the litigation of mass tort cases. If you want to receive the restitution you deserve and bring justice to the company responsible for your injuries, contact Kwartler Manus, LLC today.
You may be eligible to join the lawsuit against 3M 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 personnel during combat 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 attorneys as soon as possible by calling 267-457-5570.