If you are a veteran of the United States Military and you suffer from hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ear), you may be entitled to compensation.

3M Earplug Lawsuits - Overview

Messa & Associates currently represents hundreds of veterans and active duty service men and women nationwide from the Army, Army National Guard, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps who have been diagnosed with hearing loss and/or tinnitus as the result of the use of defective 3M earplugs during their military service.

We represent individuals in nearly all military ranks and positions who have served or are currently serving, stateside and overseas, and whose lives have been forever changed by 3M's blatant disregard for their well-being.

Who Can File a 3M Earplug Lawsuit?

Members of the military who served during the period 2003-2015 and suffered hearing loss or damage, including tinnitus (ringing in the ears), after using the 3M Combat Arms Earplugs (v. 2) may be able to submit a legal claim.

The Combat Arms Earplugs Version 2

The 3M Dual Ended Combat Arms Earplugs (v. 2) are pictured to the left. These were the standard issue military earplugs for over a decade. The earplugs were color coded - green (weapons-fire mode) and yellow (closed/constant protection mode). It has been alleged, among other things, that these earplugs were too short to be inserted properly. Consequently, it has been alleged that the earplugs loosened, which was imperceptible to the user, and effectively left military personnel users without hearing protection. Despite the fact that military personnel were relying upon government-issued earplugs, they were not protected from dangerous and damaging sounds.

3M Settled False Claims Action Brought By the United States Government for over $9M Relating to the Defective Earplugs

In July 2018, 3M agreed to pay $9.1 million dollars to resolve a qui tam or whistleblower lawsuit brought on behalf of the U.S. Government against 3M, claiming that 3M sold the defective Combat Arms Earplugs (v. 2) knowing they were defective. Additional claims included;

1
The Combat Arms Earplugs (v. 2) had a design defect which caused the earplug to imperceptibly loosen in the ear, causing the earplugs to be less or even ineffective;
2
The testing methodology used by 3M was flawed and not in compliance with required standards; and
3
The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) listed on the packaging of the Combat Arms Earplug (v. 2) was inaccurate.

Further, it was alleged that 3M knowingly sold the Combat Arms Earplugs to the United States Military without disclosing the design defect, the flawed testing, or the inaccurate NRR rating. Specifically, it was alleged that 3M knew that the Combat Arms Earplugs (v. 2) were too short to be properly inserted into the ear and therefore did not perform properly for certain users. 3M did not disclose this information to the United States and delivered the Combat Arms Earplugs (v. 2) knowing that they were defective.

3M settled this lawsuit with the United States, agreeing to pay $9.1 million to resolve these allegations. 3M contends that this settlement does not constitute an admission or determination of liability.

None of 3M’s settlement with the United States will be distributed to individual military personnel affected by the defective earplugs, which is why Philadelphia personal injury attorneys at Messa & Associates are filing 3M earplug lawsuits on behalf of these brave men and women.

3M Earplug Lawsuits on Behalf of Military Personnel

Individuals throughout the country who were injured by the defective 3M earplugs are bringing cases for their injuries, which are being consolidated in a Multi-district Litigation.

Numerous injured combat veterans and active duty military personnel are filing 3M earplug lawsuits claiming that 3M knew that the Combat Arms Earplugs (v. 2) were defective yet concealed that information from the military.

Possible Compensation for 3M Earplug Lawsuits

All 3M earplug lawsuits are in the beginning stages and therefore they have not yet resulted in any verdicts or settlements. Money damages, however, may be awarded for any of the following:

1
Medical expenses (past and future), including doctor visits, prescriptions, costs of laboratory tests, mental or occupational therapy.
2
Pain, including physical, mental , or emotional suffering
3
Cost of hearing aids (past and future)
4
Loss of income (past or future)
5
Loss of enjoyment of life

Punitive damages may be awarded as punishment against 3M because 3M’s actions were allegedly deliberate and willful, and because 3M allegedly acted with deliberate indifference to the rights and safety of the military personnel using their product.

We Can Help!

Call the Philadelphia personal injury lawyers of Messa & Associates today to discuss your case with a professional who has the knowledge to answer your questions or submit a free online inquiry.