Have you served in the United States military between the years of 2003 and 2015, either as a current active member or someone who has retired? Were you provided yellow-and-drab-green dual-ended 3M Combat Arms Earplugs for use in combat and training situations? Have you been diagnosed between then and now with hearing loss or tinnitus?
If you answered yes to all of these questions, then you may have a valid claim to file against 3M for providing you with defective earplugs. Sullivan & Brill, LLP and our mass tort lawyers in NYC are here to help military service members seek justice and compensation from 3M. We proudly stand up for the rights of our nation's protectors.
Contact us right away to schedule a free consultation with our team.
From 2003 to 2015, 3M had an exclusive contract with the United States Armed Forces to provide protective earplugs to servicemen and servicewomen in all branches. 3M provided almost-exclusively its Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplugs, which are noticeable for their yellow and drab-green dual coloration. Military service members complained that these particular earplugs would fall out or come loose during regular use.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) data shows a significant increase in hearing loss and tinnitus diagnoses among military service members between the years of 2003 and 2015. Inversely, the number of these same diagnoses begin to decline to expected numbers in 2016, once the 3M earplugs were no longer used.
It was found through a Department of Justice investigation that 3M likely knew the earplugs were defective years before providing them to the military. A whistleblower lawsuit started by a rival earplug manufacturer helped reveal the product's defects and 3M's internal knowledge. 3M agreed to pay a $9.1 million settlement to the DOJ to resolve the allegations.
If you were not given an effective product from 3M to protect your hearing while serving in the military, then they should be held accountable for your hearing loss or tinnitus today. The settlement paid to the DOJ is not for civil damages. As such, you still have the right to file your own claim today.
In your 3M earplugs lawsuit, you can seek damages for:
At this time, it is expected for a mass tort to be filed in response to the growing number of 3M lawsuits. Our New York City mass tort lawyers of Sullivan & Brill, LLP can help you create your claim and seek compensation as deserved. Our talented team has secured multiple multimillion dollar case results for clients in the past, and we would be honored to see what we can do for you.
Call (212) 566-1000 to request a case evaluation with our 3M lawsuit attorneys in NYC.
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