Popular global brand 3M won a defense contract to sell the U.S. military combat earplugs. Between 2003 and 2015, they supplied millions of servicemen and women with their Combat Arms Earplugs (CAEv2). The earplugs where typically black and yellow and were intended to protect military personnel from high levels of sound from entering their ear canal while also allowing them to maintain communication with one another.
The earplugs were dual ended with one side intended to block all sounds, including voices, and the other side to block impulse sounds, such as gunfire, while still allowing verbal commands to come through. Unfortunately, these earplugs were defective. As a result, if you used these products during your time in the service, you may benefit from scheduling a consultation with a 3M defective ear plugs lawyer in Memphis, Tennessee.
How Were the Earplugs Defective?
Rather than blocking out the sound, as was supposed and promised to be the case by 3M, the design was defective. The earplugs consisted of yellow fins, or flaps, that interfered with the ability to properly seal inside of the ear canal, unless the fins were manually folded back — an instruction that was never included with the product. Testing conducted in 2000 also suggested the stem of the plug was too short and the open side of the ear plug allowed for an amplification of noise. It is also being alleged that the maker manipulated the results of past testing in order to meet the high standards of the U.S. Government. Due to the defective earplugs, U.S. military personnel may have been exposed to high levels of sounds during combat and combat drills. Because such levels of sound can cause serious harm, it is important for anyone who used this product in good faith to speak with a Memphis, TN 3M defective ear plugs lawyer about their legal options.
Compensation Beyond VA Disability
Over 3 million U.S. military veterans are currently receiving partial or full disability for hearing-related problems. Even if you are getting disability payments, you may also be entitled to compensation from 3M for the pain and suffering caused because of the defect.
The Cost of Filing a 3M Defective Earplug Lawsuit
3M is a massive corporation which is why you should have a Memphis, TN 3M defective ear plugs lawyer on your side. We are taking these cases on contingency which means you will not pay anything upfront, and only if we win your case will a percentage be deducted. Our fees are a small amount of your potential damages and will be discussed in advance.
Getting Started with Your 3M Hearing Loss Case
As a veteran it might be devastating to find out that your hearing loss was caused by a company who had a duty to you and the U.S. government to protect your hearing. We empathize with what you’re going through and would like to help you fight your rights and get justice.
If you would like to find out if you can pursue compensation for your hearing loss or tinnitus while in the U.S. Military, please call a Memphis, TN 3M defective ear plugs lawyer today.
IMPORTANT – Darrell Castle & Associates PLLC is only filing lawsuits against 3M, and not the U.S. Military, Department of Defense, or Government.