3M Earplugs and Veterans’ Hearing Loss Claims

Mountaineer Criminal Law Group Seeks Justice for Military Victims of Hearing Loss

Hearing connects us to the world around us and helps us stay safe while fostering relationships with friends and loved ones. However, when hearing is damaged, it disrupts this connection, creating safety concerns and reducing quality of life. This is why hearing loss is considered a catastrophic injury. It’s also what makes 3M Company’s production and distribution of faulty earplugs for U.S. military personnel such a troubling failure in responsibility. Service members who deserve the highest-quality equipment while protecting our nation were instead provided with defective earplugs that failed to shield them from harmful noise levels.

Due to these defective products, countless veterans have reported experiencing hearing loss, tinnitus, and related health issues. At Mountaineer Criminal Law Group in West Virginia, we are committed to supporting veterans and standing up for their rights. If you’ve suffered hearing damage in connection with your military service despite using earplugs, we can review your situation to determine your eligibility for compensation through the 3M settlement fund. If eligible, we will work tirelessly to secure the payment you rightfully deserve.

How Did the Case Against 3M Emerge?

The 3M Company entered into a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense to develop hearing protection tools for service members regularly exposed to extreme noise from combat environments and training scenarios. Between 2003 and 2015, 3M supplied the military with Combat Arms Earplugs Version 2 (CAEv2). Unfortunately, these earplugs failed to provide adequate noise protection. Over time, many veterans began reporting hearing-related issues such as hearing loss and tinnitus.

Tinnitus, an often-debilitating condition marked by persistent ringing, buzzing, or whooshing sounds in the ear, is among the most reported difficulties. The chronic nature of tinnitus can lead to anxiety, irritability, poor concentration, depression, sleep disruptions, and overall declining health. The condition may also result in memory loss and difficulty retaining focus over time. Both hearing loss and tinnitus are recognized by the Veterans Administration as compensable disabilities.

The case against 3M began gaining traction in 2016 when Moldex-Metric, a California-based device company, filed a whistleblower complaint. They alleged that 3M provided “dangerously defective” earplugs to the Department of Defense. This resulted in a settlement of $9.1 million in 2018, although 3M did not admit liability. Subsequently, thousands of veterans filed individual lawsuits alleging hearing-related harm caused by the defective earplugs. These claims, amounting to roughly 250,000 cases, became part of the largest mass tort case in United States history.

Current Status of the 3M Earplug Case

As of August 2023, 3M agreed to set aside $6 billion for veterans harmed by these defective earplugs. This agreement allows those who qualify to apply for compensation from the settlement fund without needing to go through lengthy court litigation.

Eligibility for a 3M Earplug Settlement

You may qualify to file a claim against the 3M settlement fund if the following apply to you:

• You served in the U.S. military between 2003 and 2015.
• You were issued or used Combat Arms earplugs during your service.
• You are now experiencing hearing issues, such as hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or other related symptoms.

To increase your chances of putting forward a strong claim, it’s essential to consult an experienced products liability attorney.

Contact a West Virginia Attorney for Assistance

At Mountaineer Criminal Law Group, located in West Virginia, we are dedicated to standing by veterans who have suffered as a result of 3M’s negligence. Our experienced team includes professionals skilled in various areas of law, including as a West Virginia car accident lawyer and West Virginia Personal Injury Attorney, ensuring you receive tailored guidance for your case.

If you or a loved one believe you’ve experienced hearing loss or tinnitus due to defective 3M earplugs used during service, reach out to us for a free consultation. We’re here to help you qualify for the settlement you deserve.

Contact Us

To take the first step, please call Mountaineer Criminal Law Group at 304-202-5835 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your complimentary consultation at one of our West Virginia groups.

Trust Mountaineer Criminal Law Group to advocate for you—we’ll be with you every step of the way.