3M Earplugs

When a product is issued to service members, the service members should be able to rely on the device to perform its intended function. Sadly, many veterans and active service members sustained hearing damage because of 3M combat arms earplugs. Pending litigation seeks compensation for these individuals because of the defective earplugs.

The Tampa product liability lawyers of Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers have over 120 years of combined legal experience handling personal injury claims. Our personal injury law firm has recovered over $500 million for our injured clients.

Contact our product liability litigation attorneys at (813) 222-8656 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with a Tampa 3M earplug lawsuit attorney. 

How Our Tampa Product Liability Lawyers Can Help with Your Claim 

How Our Tampa Product Liability Lawyers Can Help with Your Claim 

Product liability claims can be challenging. You have the burden of proving the product was defective, and the defect caused your injury. But in the 3M cases, the manufacturers deny that the combat earplugs were defective. 

When you hire Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers to handle your case, you can expect us to:

  • Investigate how the product caused your injury and gather evidence proving the product is defective
  • Identify all parties who are liable for the defective product
  • File claims and lawsuits to protect your right to compensation
  • Work with expert witnesses to identify the defect and document the severity of your injuries
  • Calculate the value of your damages and aggressively pursue the at-fault parties for full damages

Our injury lawyers use a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases. Therefore, you do not pay any attorneys’ fees when you retain our law firm to represent you. Our attorneys’ fees are paid when we recover money for your claim. If you do not receive money for your case, you are not charged any attorneys’ fees.

Contact our law office to schedule your free consultation with one of our Tampa personal injury attorneys. 

What Are 3M Combat Earplugs?

Service members must protect their ears from loud noises in combat zones, ammunition testing, and other exercises. The 3M Company provided the federal government with earplugs that allegedly had a unique design. The design blocked loud noises while allowing service members to have greater situational awareness compared to regular foam earplugs.

However, when the service members inserted the earplugs into the ear canal, some members reported that the earplugs did not fit correctly or became loose. This alleged design defect puts the service members at risk of developing hearing loss and tinnitus.

The U.S. Department of Justice entered a settlement with 3M after a whistleblower exposed the design flaw. The company agreed to pay the government $9.1 million to settle allegations that 3M knew about the design defect and failed to warn the federal government.

Unfortunately, that settlement did not compensate injury victims for their damages. Therefore, thousands of product liability cases have been filed throughout the United States against 3M seeking compensation for damages. 

3M Combat Earplug Lawsuits 

The 3M lawsuits have been consolidated into the largest MDL in history. The cases are being heard in the Northern District of Florida

It is important to remember that cases in an MDL are not class action lawsuits. Each case is heard separately and decided on the merits of the case. Plaintiffs in some of the cases have been awarded millions of dollars for their damages. 3M has prevailed in a couple of other cases. 

Do I Have a Claim Against 3M for Damages Caused by Military Earplugs?

If you developed hearing loss or tinnitus after using 3M combat earplugs, you might be entitled to compensation under product liability laws. 

The symptoms of tinnitus and hearing loss include, but are not limited to:

  • Ringing or buzzing in the ears
  • Hypersensitivity to some sounds
  • Difficulty understanding when someone speaks
  • Sounds and speech sound muffled
  • Trouble concentrating or sleeping
  • Feeling a full sensation in the ears
  • Turning up the volume on devices because you cannot hear them
  • Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, doorbells, and alarm clocks
  • Asking people to repeat what they say or to speak louder

If you have any symptoms of hearing loss or tinnitus, seek medical attention immediately. We also encourage you to contact our office to speak with an attorney. You could be entitled to compensation for your damages, including lost wages, medical expenses, permanent hearing loss, and pain and suffering. 

Your time to file a 3M earplug lawsuit is typically limited by a statute of limitations of four years in Florida. Do not wait to contact our office to discuss your legal options. It is not too late to file your own lawsuit against 3M for providing defective earplugs to military personnel. 

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Tampa Product Liability Lawyers

If you used 3M earplugs and sustained hearing loss or other injuries, we want to help. Call now for a free consultation with one of our Tampa product liability lawyers. Let’s work together to hold the manufacturer financially liable for the damages caused by a defective earplug.