Earplugs and hearing protection are critical safety measures to help service members mitigate hearing damage from gunfire and loud environments. Combat earplugs are especially important during combat and training that involves repeated and ongoing loud noises.
Recently, a decision under the 2018 False Claims Act determined that 3M knowingly issued faulty dual-ended Combat Arms Earplugs to the United States military. Many military servicemen and servicewomen who used these earplugs experienced hearing damage as a result, and they are now pursuing mass tort litigation against 3M to recover compensation for their injuries.
If you were issued a pair of 3M combat earplugs during your service and your hearing was adversely affected, you may be eligible for financial compensation. For a free consultation on your case, call the 3M mass tort lawyers in Brookhaven, NY from Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. at (631) 600-0000 to speak to a member of our team today.
The Department of Justice Held 3M Responsible
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) takes serious and immediate action against companies who knowingly make false claims when they provide goods and services to military personnel.
In 2018, 3M agreed to pay a sizeable financial settlement to the DOJ for failing to make the military aware of known dangers and defects that limit the effective protection their dual-ended Combat Arms Earplugs were intended to provide. This action was taken when an anonymous whistleblower came forward to make the DOJ aware of this potential issue.
You May Be Entitled to a Settlement
The DOJ acted on behalf of taxpayers. You are entitled to act on your own behalf as well. Like other military veterans, you may qualify to join a mass tort lawsuit against 3M to receive financial compensation for damage to your hearing or for loss of hearing due to these earplugs.
A mass tort lawsuit is a form of consolidated court action against a party that has harmed multiple individuals. Unlike a class-action lawsuit, where each plaintiff is paid the same amount, the plaintiffs in a mass tort must demonstrate the extent of their specific injuries for the court to determine the size of the award.
The 3M mass tort lawyers in Brookhaven, NY from Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. may be able to help you establish your claim in the 3M mass tort. For a free consultation, call our offices today at (631) 600-0000.
Harm Caused by Defective 3M Earplugs
The dual-ended Combat Arms Earplugs 3M sold to the military are alleged to be too short to provide the necessary fit inside service members’ ears required for protection.
Military service—especially in combat situations—exposes service personnel to extremely loud noises, which increases their risk of developing debilitating conditions like hearing loss and tinnitus. Because of these risks, the armed services issue devices specifically designed to protect hearing and require routine hearing tests.
In the case of 3M’s dual-ended Combat Arms Earplugs, that protection was deemed inadequate. Users of these earplugs may have experienced significant medical issues that include:
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is caused by recurring exposure to extremely loud noise. In most cases, this type of hearing loss is irreversible. Hearing loss can have lasting negative impacts on your life. People suffering from hearing loss may struggle to hear in crowded surroundings, shy away from social gatherings, and need to use electronic devices at higher volumes than normal.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is caused by an underlying condition that damages the ear. It can cause sufferers to experience a constant and relentless ringing of the ears. Sufferers might also have trouble sleeping and concentrating, and might experience feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression.
If your reliance on 3M earplugs during military service resulted in damage to your hearing, you may be eligible to join a mass tort lawsuit for financial compensation. For further information, contact the 3M mass tort lawyers in Brookhaven, NY with Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. by calling (631) 600-0000.
How Hearing Loss Is Treated
If you suffer from hearing loss as a result of defective 3M combat earplugs uses during your service in the military, there may be treatment options available for you. Depending on the severity of your injury, one of the following treatment options may provide you with some relief.
Treatments for hearing loss include hearing aids, surgical draining, coping mechanisms, and family and environmental support.
Treatment for tinnitus includes defining and treating the underlying condition that resulted in your diagnosis of tinnitus. You might also benefit from intentional noise suppression, strategic use of white noise, hearing aids, and specialized training.
If your injuries were a result of 3M’s defective earplugs, you may be able to receive compensation for hearing loss treatment in the 3M mass tort.
Call for a Consultation With a 3M Mass Tort Legal Team
If you are a military veteran who relied on 3M combat earplugs to protect your hearing and suffered injuries, you are not alone. If you suffer from ringing in your ears or from a partial or complete hearing loss, our lawyers may be able to help you recover a settlement in the 3M mass tort.
To review your case of military service-related hearing loss, call Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. at (631) 600-0000. Consultation calls are free, and our team can help you understand if you qualify to join others in holding 3M responsible for the hearing damage their product defect caused.
