New $77.5 Million Verdict in Army 3M Earplug Case:
In the U.S., we pride ourselves on caring for our veterans and active duty military. But what happens when the equipment we provide to protect our service members fails to do the job? That’s the situation facing 3M over the company’s Combat Arms Earplugs Version 2, manufactured by 3M and issued to military service members between 2003 and 2015. 3M faces the largest consolidated federal class action lawsuit in U.S. history. And things aren’t looking good for 3M, as a recent verdict demonstrates.
3M’s $77.5 Million Loss
In May 2022, a Florida jury awarded a U.S. Army veteran $77.5 million in a lawsuit versus 3M. James Beal served in the Army from 2005 to 2009 and in the Army reserves until 2011. He wore the 3M earplugs while using a variety of weapons, eventually suffering hearing loss and tinnitus.The Beal trial was the last of 16 trials meant to help facilitate settlement talks and test the strength of the plaintiffs’ cases. The plaintiffs won ten of the 16 cases, winning more than $300 million. Beal’s award is the largest verdict yet.
The Defective Earplugs
Aero Technologies first developed the earplugs before 3M bought the company in 2008. A whistleblower first brought allegations of wrongdoing to the federal government, alleging 3M knew the earplugs were defective in qui tam litigation under the False Claims Act. The U.S. Department of Justice pursued the case, eventually settling with 3M for $9.1 million. However, the government’s settlement did nothing to compensate the service members harmed by 3M’s defective earplugs.
You Need Skilled Legal Guidance
If you or someone you love has suffered hearing loss or damage while serving in the military and using 3M earplugs, you should consult an experienced attorney. At the Madeksho Law Firm, we’ve fought for many clients harmed by 3M earplugs. Find out how we can help you too. Call us at 888-910-6376 or contact us online. Your initial consultation is free, and there's no cost unless we recover money for you.
