The Minnesota-based manufacturing company 3M has been caught in the blast zone, as hundreds of military veterans are filing 3M earplug lawsuits for defective earplugs used in the field. While believed that the company willingly provided the Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplugs, Version 2 (CAEv2), 3M put America’s finest in danger of losing their hearing permanently. Whether the company was willing, the side effects are real, and the brave men and women who suffer are looking for malpractice lawyers to defend them.
Who Was Affected?
Those who are most likely affected were military service members in the Navy, Air Force, and Reserves. Between 2003 and 2015, military service men and women used the double-sided 3M Combat Arms Earplugs while stationed in Afghanistan or Iraq. The Dual-Ended Earplugs were used with the intent to protect military personnel’s ears from loud explosions and gunfire, while still allowing softer noises, like voices, to penetrate.
Do I Qualify?
Military men and women who were affected by the 3M Combat Earplugs may have already been diagnosed with hearing loss or tinnitus. For those still questioning whether they should seek a judgment, there are standards to consider.
- Were you a military service member between 2003 and 2015?
- Did you have documented hearing loss or tinnitus before entering service?
- Do you currently have documented hearing loss or tinnitus after serving with the military?
- Were you issued the 3M earplugs at any time during your service?
- Do you have a dishonorable discharge?
- Have you already received a settlement or payment for your hearing loss?
- Were you given specific instructions on which end of the Dual-Ended Combat Earplugs should be used during certain situations?
- Do you now suffer from ringing in your ears, headaches, or dizziness?
- Have you paid out any medical bills or had lost wages due to the hearing issues?
Wasn’t There Already a Settlement?
Though a false claim lawsuit was filed by the Department of Justice, and a $9.1 settlement was agreed upon, this money will not be seen by the men and women who were directly affected by the defective Dual-Ended Combat Earplugs. Instead, the money is given back to the military to make up for losses incurred because of purchasing the faulty earplugs. This is why so many veterans are now seeking top personal injury lawyers who specialize in malpractice. Military personnel who were affected will not see any of that settlement.
Is it Too Late?
The 3M Earplug Lawsuit is underway in many states. Michigan currently has a statute of limitation of only three years for injury to a person due to defective manufacturing. If you, or a loved one, have been affected by the 3M Combat Earplugs, seek a free consultation now.
Why Should I Seek an Attorney?
Many people believe that taking part in a class action suit is enough; however, this is not always the case. When joining a class action suit, you agree to be considered as part of a larger entity, where all those taking part are considered equal. However, you are an individual who was affected individually. Hiring an attorney will guarantee you are seen as an individual and are advocated as such.
As of 2018, 3M has a revenue of $32.77 billion. A huge company like this will have a team of lawyers dedicated to making sure you do not receive a settlement of worth. Having a malpractice attorney fighting for your best interests is wiser than trusting attorneys you’ve never met to consider you rather than the whole. Skilled attorneys can delay proceedings for their clients, causing manufacturing companies, like 3M, to raise court costs and prolong the lawsuit.
Take Your Stand
Your medical costs and health are specific to you and should be treated that way. Consider seeking a personal injury attorney to fight for you, your family, and your future.
