Pennsylvania 3M Defective Earplug Lawyers

Fighting on Behalf of U.S. Military Veterans

Did you serve in the U.S. military between 2003 and 2015 and did you use 3M Combat Arms Earplugs, Version 2 (CAEv2)? Are you experiencing hearing problems or have you been diagnosed with hearing loss? You may have a potential product liability claim against the manufacturers of the defective 3M earplugs.

The Pennsylvania 3M defective earplug lawyers at Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law PC are prepared to listen to your story and fight for your rights. We believe that you should not have to face the debilitating effects of hearing loss after already giving so much to serve your country; let our attorneys fight for the justice and recovery you so deserve.

Give us a call at (877) 989-4878 or submit a free online case evaluation form to request a meeting with one of our attorneys today. We are available 24/7.

The Use of Dual-Ended Earplugs in the Military

Between 2003 and 2015, the United States provided 3M Combat Arms dual-ended earplugs to soldiers. Designed and supplied by Aearo Technologies, then later 3M Company, these earplugs had a dual purpose: the closed end was to protect soldiers’ hearing by blocking all sounds, such as dangerous impact noises, and the open end would allow soldiers to block loud impulse sounds while still hearing spoken words.

However, the earplugs, which could be distinguished by the double cone-like ends that were olive green and yellow, are too short to be properly inserted into the ear canal. Since the earplugs did not correctly fit in some wearer’s ears, the earplugs loosened and allowed dangerous sounds to breach the ear canal, increasing the risk of hearing loss and tinnitus (a ringing in the ears).

Whistleblower/Qui Tam Lawsuit Against 3m

In May 2016, a False Claims Act claim was filed against 3M, alleging the company knew the earplugs had a design defect that exposed the U.S. military to dangerous sound levels, causing hearing issues. According to the lawsuit, testing by the company had shown the earplugs had a noise reduction rating of zero. Despite this knowledge, 3M supplied the U.S. government with the defective earplugs and then requested payment without disclosing the alleged design defect or any flawed testing it did on the product. As a result of this negligence, U.S. military personnel were exposed to a serious risk of hearing loss and other hearing problems.

The U.S. government and 3M settled in 2018 for $9.1 million without the company making any admissions to liability.

Are You Entitled to Compensation?

Though the U.S. government was able to seek justice for its damages, U.S. military personnel were not part of this settlement. Soldiers who bravely faced combat are now facing issues with their hearing.

You may be entitled to the following compensation if the following criteria apply to your case:

• You served in the U.S. military between 2003 and 2015
• You were issued 3M Combat Arms Earplugs, Version 2 during your service
• You now suffer from either permanent hearing loss or tinnitus

According to product liability law, you could receive damages for economic loss, such as medical bills and loss of income or earning potential. You may also be eligible for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment. An experienced personal injury attorney can assist you with your claim; contact Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law PC today to learn more.

How Our Firm Can Help

At Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law PC, we honor those who served our country bravely. It is tragic to think our soldiers were hurt by the products that were meant to protect them. We want to help you seek compensation for the damage that was done to your hearing and the ways in which your injuries have affected the quality of your life. With decades of experience in personal injury and product liability litigation, Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law PC is ready to be your voice inside and outside the courtroom.

The time to act is today. If you served in the military and used 3M Combat Arms Earplugs, Version 2, contact our Pennsylvania defective 3M earplug lawyers today for a free consultation. Results matter, and we know how to fight for the justice and compensation you need.

Schedule a free and confidential consultation with us today by calling (877) 989-4878 or by contacting us online.