Defective 3 M Earplugs Were Used by U.S. Troops During Combat

Moore Law Group is investigating claims regarding defective 3M earplugs. From 2003 to 2015, U.S. Troops were provided 3M earplugs to use during combat. Unfortunately, the manufacturer knew the earplugs were defective and would not serve their purpose to protect men and women of the U.S. military from hearing loss, but provided them to the military anyways. 

Use

The dual-ended earplugs, manufactured by 3M, were standard-issue for military servicemembers from 2003 through 2015. 

Defect

Both ends of the earplug could be used for noise protection, but the earplug design was defective and too short, resulting in improper placement, giving the user little to no protection from high-volume sounds. Additionally, the earplugs could loosen in the ear, resulting in little to no protection from high-volume sounds. Users believed the earplugs would protect them from eardrum damage, but 3M knew the defective design did not work to protect users.  

Despite 3M’s knowledge that the earplugs were defective, they continued to provide the earplugs, needlessly exposing military personnel to high-volume sounds without adequate eardrum protection, resulting in injury.  

Injuries

Hearing loss is one of the most widespread issues affecting men and women of the U.S. military. Because of 3M’s conduct, military personnel were led to believe they were taking precautions to protect their hearing, when in reality, the earplugs provided by 3M provided little to no protection. 

The defective earplugs resulted in hearing loss, tinnitus, and other injuries to military personnel who used the defective earplugs. 

Lawsuits 

Lawsuits allege that 3M knew the earplugs were defective and did not meet military safety standards as claimed, but provided the earplugs anyways, resulting in permanent injuries to U.S. military personnel. 

The Whistleblower Settlement 

In July 2018, 3M and the Department of Justice announced a settlement for over $9 Million. The individual who “blew the whistle” on 3M and its predecessor, Aearo Technologies, Inc., alleged the companies knew the earplugs were too short for proper insertion, could loosen imperceptibly, and therefore did not serve their purpose. The lawsuit further alleged that 3M did not disclose this design defect to the military. The whistleblower received $1,911,000.00 for coming forward to report 3M’s unlawful conduct. 

Compensation for Servicemembers – Have you been harmed? 

Veterans and servicemembers who have suffered injuries because of defective 3M earplugs may pursue legal recourse through civil lawsuits. 

The 3M earplug lawyers at Moore Law Group are investigating lawsuits against 3M on behalf of individuals that have been injured. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation and evaluation of your potential lawsuit. Call (502) 717-4080 for a free evaluation of your potential case.