3M Defective Combat Earplug Lawsuits in Florida

3M Combat Ear Plugs Version 2 (CAEv2) was standard issue for all branches of the U.S. military between 2003 and 2015. They were designed to protect against hearing loss from extremely loud noises during combat such as gunfire and explosions; however, these earplugs were found to be defective, resulting in permanent hearing loss and other hearing issues.

If you have suffered hearing issues after using CAEv2 earplugs during your military service, you may qualify for a lawsuit to recover financial compensation to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and even pain and suffering.

At The Ferraro Law Firm, we have over three decades of experience handling complex product liability cases in Florida. Our legal team can evaluate your case, gather supporting evidence, and maximize your entitled compensation.

The 3M Defective Earplug Lawsuit Includes the Following Criteria

  • You were in the U.S. military between 2003 and 2015
  • You were issued 3M Combat Ear Plugs Version 2 earplugs during your service
  • You have been diagnosed with hearing loss or tinnitus

If you believe you meet the standard for a consultation, consider the answers to the most frequently asked questions about receiving compensation for products used while in military service. 

Who Qualifies for the 3M Lawsuit?

If you were active in any branch of military service in the US at any time between 2003 and 2015 and you used the dual-sided, military-provided, black and yellow Combat Arms earplugs, you may suffer from injuries related to your service. If you suffer hearing loss, ringing ears, or other related symptoms, you may be entitled to compensation.

Why Are 3M Earplugs Defective?

The design of the 3M combat earplugs resulted in a defective product. These dual-ended earplugs had an olive side and a yellow side. While the former was designed to block all sound—like regular earplugs—the latter was supposed to block out loud sounds such as impulse noises in the combat zone while still enabling users to hear verbal commands.

Rather than blocking sounds as intended, the design that 3M used allowed the earplugs to loosen in the user’s ear. According to court documents, the company conducted tests in 2000 that showed the earplugs received an inadequate noise reduction rating (NPR) but knowingly sold defective combat earplugs to the U.S. military. 

On July 2018, 3M agreed to pay $9.1 million to the U.S. government. However, none of the award goes to the veterans who were harmed by the defective earplugs, which is why we are filing lawsuits on behalf of veterans.

Contact The Ferraro Law Firm For Help Today

Our Florida trial lawyers have an exceptional track record of success going up against large corporations in court, recovering billions of dollars for our clients. We offer our legal services on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t have to pay us anything attorney fees until we win your case.

Thousands of individual plaintiffs have filed claims against 3M in the defective earplugs lawsuits. Earplugs litigation doesn’t need to consume your life or that of your veteran. Contact us to learn more about how the earplug lawsuit lawyer team at The Ferraro Law Firm will walk you through earplug settlement or pursuing a combat earplugs lawsuit.