3M Duel-Ended Combat Arms™ Earplugs Litigation

Background

3M is a Minnesota-based, multi-billion dollar American multinational corporation, with operations in more than 70 countries across the world. 3M’s Duel-Ended Combat Arms™ Earplugs were issued to thousands of U.S military servicemen and women between 2003-2015. These earplugs were defective, causing countless service members to suffer hearing loss and/or tinnitus (ringing in the ears). If you have been affected a Corpus Christi personal injury lawyer may be able to assist you.

Allegedly, 3M and its predecessor, Aearo, were aware of these design defects as early as the year 2000, but hid this defect, and falsely represented and certified that the earplugs complied with the military’s requirements.

In July of 2018, 3M agreed to pay $9.1 million to resolve claims under the False Claims Act that it sold the defective earplugs, failed to tell the military of the known defect, and engaged in fraudulent conduct that concealed the ineffectiveness of the earplugs to the detriment of the thousands of U.S military service members.

The Defect

3M’s Dual-Ended Combat Arms™ Earplugs are too short to be properly inserted into users’ ears. As a result, the earplugs do not remain tight and can loosen, without the user noticing, which can cause hearing loss, hearing impairment, and tinnitus(ringing in the ears).

Eligibility

1) Served in the U.S Military between 2003 and 2015

2) Were issued 3M’s Dual-Ended Combat Arms™ Earplugs

3)Have experienced hearing loss, hearing impairment, and/or tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

Contact The Patel Firm PLLC today to learn more about how we can assist you with your case. You can contact us online or you can call us at (361) 400-2036. Call us now!