Federal Jury Orders 3M to Pay $7.1 Million to Veterans Over Defective Combat Earplugs

3M Co. has been found liable for hearing loss and related injuries suffered by three former service members who accused the company of covering up defects in its Combat earplugs.

On Friday, April 30, 2021, a federal jury in Florida decided that the company must pay more than $7 million in damages. Each plaintiff was awarded $2.1 million in punitive damages and $830,500 in compensatory damages for their medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

The verdict means 3M has lost the first test trial in the mass tort litigation over its Combat Arms Earplugs, Version 2 (CAEv2), which were used by the U.S. Military between 2003 and 2015.

Over 200,000 Similar Claims Still Pending

Friday’s verdict could set the stage for the more than 200,000 similar claims still pending in federal court, as well as hundreds of others filed in state court in Minnesota, where 3M is headquartered.

Two additional test trials, both concerning a single service member’s case, are expected to begin later in May. These “bellwether” trials are meant to test the strength of plaintiffs’ claims and gauge damages so parties can potentially negotiate a deal to resolve the other cases.

Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC represents service members who suffered hearing loss, tinnitus, and other injuries due to CAEv2 earplugs and has been closely tracking test trials in Florida. Our lawsuit against 3M and other claims brought by victims allege CAEv2 earplugs were too short to properly fit, were prone to coming loose, and that 3M failed to disclose defects that hampered their effectiveness.

As litigation moves forward and test trials provide promising signs that a global settlement may be on the horizon, BCH is reminding current and former service members who have suffered noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus after using faulty 3M earplugs that they may be entitled to compensation. You can learn about your rights and 3M military earplug lawsuits by speaking with an attorney from our firm.

Our Texas trial lawyers are available to review your potential case to see if you have grounds to bring a claim. We proudly serve clients nationwide, offer FREE consultations, and collect no fee unless we win. For a FREE consultation, call or contact us online