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Defective Military Earplugs from 3M

Written by AskTheLawyers.com™

Defective Military Earplugs from 3M

Written by AskTheLawyers.com™

AskTheLawyers™

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Defective Military Earplugs from 3M

Product Liability Attorneys Assist with Defective Product Injuries

In recent months, many veterans are finding that they have something in common: serious injuries related to ear damage. These injuries stem from alleged defects in standard-issue earplugs that were designed to be worn into combat. However, an apparent design flaw allowed some sound to slip through. As a result, many military service men and women have reported injuries and conditions like hearing loss, balance problems, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). As injured veterans explore their legal options, it’s important to note that this is not the first time these earplugs have faced legal problems.

3M Earplug Lawsuits: A History

In July of 2018, 3M settled a lawsuit about the allegedly defective earplugs (specifically, the dual-ended CAEv2 Combat Arms). 3M was acting as a subcontractor to the US government to provide supplies to the military. These earplugs were reportedly standard-issue from 2000 to 2016, but have since been discontinued. The lawsuit claims that 3M knowingly sold the government a defective product, and failed to disclose information about the defect, even though the company allegedly knew the defect was there. The two parties reached a settlement for $9.1 million. However, this lawsuit was just a precursor to the claims being explored by injured vets across the country. Since this $9.1 million settlement isn’t going to them, they need to seek action by themselves to reclaim any of the damages. Lewis S. "Mike" Eidson, a founding partner with Colson Hicks Eidson, explains further: “The settlement is very low for a case as far-reaching as this one, and none of the money goes to the people injured by the defective product,” he says. “Our men and women in uniform have a right to sue 3M for the damages to their health caused by these earplugs.” Eidson said that an estimated 2 million of these earplugs were distributed before they were discontinued, so a large number of veterans are potentially affected.

Justice for Victims of Defective Product Injuries

Product manufacturers have a duty to provide safe products to the public. Either a faulty design or poor manufacturing practice can provide grounds for a product liability lawsuit. In many cases, investigations into defective products reveals that the makers knew it was dangerous, but chose to release the product anyway. Consulting with an attorney is the first step towards recovering after a product causes serious damage or harm. Find an injury attorney near you with experience in product liability litigation.

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