Combat Veterans Sue 3M for Allegedly Defective Earplugs
Hundreds of American combat veterans are suing the 3M Company for defective combat earplugs. 3M is a Minnesota-based government contractor that manufactured and sold the U.S. military allegedly defective combat earplugs. The plaintiffs allege that the earplugs allowed dangerously loud sounds to slip through the plugs because they did not maintain a tight seal.
The earplugs have allegedly caused tinnitus, hearing loss, and a loss of balance in combat veterans who used them. Are you a New Hampshire combat veteran who used 3M’s dual-ended, trademarked Combat Arms earplugs and who is now suffering related injuries? If so, you may be entitled to compensation.
3M May Have Known That Their Earplugs Were Defective
While 3M has not yet admitted to any wrongdoing, nonetheless, plaintiffs allege that 3M and its predecessor, Aearo Technologies, Inc., knew that the earplugs were defective and lied about their safety. The plaintiffs assert that they have evidence that the earplugs are too short to adequately protect the ears of the users when worn as directed.
Who May Have a Valid Claim for Compensation?
Plaintiffs throughout the United States have been filing lawsuits against 3M. The following people may have a personal injury lawsuit:
- Military service members who served between 2003-2015
- Service members who wore 3M Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplugs
- Those who suffer from tinnitus
- Those who suffer from partial to full hearing loss ranging from mild to profound
- Those who have other health problems related to their ears, such as a hard time balancing
Defective Design Lawsuits
Plaintiffs allege that 3M’s Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplugs have a defective design. In other words, plaintiffs allege that 3M knowingly manufactured a product with a flawed design. The company allegedly sold a product, knowing they have a dangerously defective design. Specifically, the earplugs do not protect the user’s hearing when the user inserts the earplugs as directed. When properly inserted, the edge of the third flange of one end of the earplug presses against the ear canal and folds back in shape.
When part of the earplug folds back in shape, it prevents a complete seal from forming. Without a proper tight seal, explosive noise reaches the eardrums and can cause severe, even permanent damage. In many cases, the wearer of the earplugs does not know that they are failing to protect his or her eardrums.
Compensation Available for Plaintiffs
Successful defective product plaintiffs are entitled to compensation for their injuries. At Ward Law, our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients who have suffered personal injuries. Plaintiffs may be entitled to compensation for their medical expenses, lost past and future wages, pain, and suffering. If you have served our country as a member of the Armed Forces or as a National Guard member, you deserve our country’s highest respect. You should not have to suffer alone from a defective product you used during your service to our country.
