.1).1905011100550.jpg)
If you’re a veteran who served in any branch of the United States Armed Forces between 2003 and 2015 and you’re experiencing hearing problems or hearing loss, you may be one of many soldiers who received defective earplugs manufactured by 3M Company. Learn if your symptoms match those of other confirmed cases and how to bring your suit to court.
Deceptive Distribution
Soldiers serving in the Iraq War, the War in Afghanistan, and other conflicts from 2003-2015 received 3M Combat Arms Earplugs as standard issue during their service.
3M and the company they acquired that was responsible for the manufacture of the defective earplugs, Aero Technologies, made earplugs that were too short to be fully inserted into the ear. This caused the earplugs to come loose, leaving soldiers’ ears vulnerable to extremely loud sounds, including gunfire and explosions. 3M and Aero Technologies personnel did not test the earplugs properly and received reports of these defects. Documents allege that 3M knew about the earplug defects as early as 2000, yet decided to distribute the earplugs to military personnel anyway.
Hearing Problems Caused by Defective Earplugs
The exposure to loud sounds as a result of the malfunctioning earplugs caused many veterans to suffer partial to total hearing loss and other issues, including those below:
Tinnitus: A constant ringing noise caused by exposure to loud sounds. Tinnitus can affect the victim’s ability to hear or understand speech, a condition also known as auditory processing disorder (APD).
Balancing problems: The inner ear helps maintain balance. When the inner ear is damaged due to loud sounds, victims may not be able to balance properly.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, hearing problems including tinnitus are by far the most prevalent service-connected disability among veterans. Approximately 1.3 million veterans receive compensation for tinnitus. If you’re a veteran suffering from hearing problems, the 3M defective earplugs may be the cause.
Do I Qualify for a 3M Defective Earplugs Lawsuit?
If you’re a veteran suffering from hearing problems that you think were caused by defective earplugs, you’re not alone. Last year, the Justice Department announced that 3M agreed to pay $9.1 million to settle claims that it furnished U.S. service members with earplugs it knew were defective.
Don’t let 3M get away with the damage it caused to your hearing ability. Our personal injury attorneys at Vollor Law Firm, P.A., P.A. can fight for the justice you deserve. In order to qualify for a 3M defective earplugs lawsuit, you must meet the criteria below:
Must have served in the U.S. military between 2003 and 2015.
Must have used 3M Combat Arms earplugs during military service.
Must have been diagnosed with a hearing problem.
Hire a Qualified Personal Injury Attorney
If you suspect you’re one of the veterans who has been harmed by 3M’s defective earplugs, it’s critical you hire a qualified personal injury attorney to fight for you. When it comes to personal injury cases, experience is key. At Vollor Law Firm, P.A., P.A., we have extensive trial experience and we will fight hard for you, as you fought hard for our country.
Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t owe us anything unless we win money for you. We’re your resource for navigating the complicated processes involved with pursuing legal action against negligent parties.
If you served in the military from 2003-2015 and you’re experiencing hearing problems or hearing loss, don’t go another day without seeking justice. Contact Vollor Law Firm, P.A., P.A. at (662) 269-6188 for a free consultation today!