San Antonio 3M Earplug Attorney

Note – We are no longer accepting 3M Earplug cases.

3M was the exclusive supplier of earplugs to the military from 2003-2012. Unfortunately, the earplugs were defective. In July 2018, the Justice Department announced 3M agreed to pay $9.1 million to resolve allegations that it knowingly sold defective earplugs to the military without disclosing defects that hampered their effectiveness. Many veterans who wore the earplugs report suffering from hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). If you or someone you know has hearing loss or tinnitus after using 3M’s combat earplugs, contact a San Antonio 3M Earplug Attorney today.

Defective 3M Earplugs

The “combat arms earplug, version 2” (CAEv2) featured two different uses for the earplug. The wearer could insert the yellow end into the ear and still hear low-level sound. The wearer could also insert the green end into the ear for more protection. 3M was the only supplier of earplugs to the US military from 2003-2012. 3M discontinued the earplugs in 2015.

San Antonio 3M Earplug Lawsuits

Lawsuits allege that 3M performed tests on their earplugs when the earplugs contained a modification that was not incorporated in the final product, lessening their effectiveness. Additionally, other tests were performed before 3M shortened the earplugs so they could fit into a carrying case. Lawsuits allege that 3M knew the earplugs were too short and could loosen without the wearer knowing, exposing the wearer to hearing damage.

Aearo Technologies was the original manufacturer of the CAEv2 earplugs. 3M purchased Aearo in 2007 for $1.2 billion. Documents made public by a federal judge in Florida show that the earplugs accounted for 5% of 3M’s U.S. revenue and 20% of its operating income. The earplugs cost 85 cents to make but were sold for $7.63. Lawsuits allege that more than 800,000 former service members suffer from hearing damage as a result of the defective earplugs.

Over 1 million veterans receive compensation for hearing loss, which is the leading service-related disability, according to 2015 government data.

San Antonio 3M Earplug Lawyer

San Antonio 3M Earplug lawsuits are serious. You need a serious attorney, and we are committed to seeking justice no matter how complicated the case. A San Antonio 3M Earplug attorney works on a contingency basis, meaning there are no fees unless we get you compensation.

3M Earplug Verdicts

More than 270,000 veterans have filed a claim against 3M so far. Additionally, there are currently more than 7,800 3M earplug lawsuits pending. In July 2020, a federal judge in Florida denied 3M’s attempt to dismiss all the lawsuits, ruling that 3M is not entitled to governmental immunity. The majority of 3M cases are consolidated in the federal court in the Northern District of Florida.

In April 2021, the first 3M verdict was reached. A Florida jury awarded three plaintiffs a total of $850,000 in compensatory damages and $6.3 million in punitive damages against 3M for a total verdict of $7.1 million.

In May 2021, 3M prevailed in the 2nd trial over whether the earplugs were defective.

3M lost another trial in June 2021 related to the defective earplugs. A federal jury in Florida found that 3M failed to provide adequate warnings for its combat earplugs and that a U.S. Army veteran developed tinnitus as a result. The jury awarded the plaintiff $1.7 million in damages. However, the award will be reduced due to the fact the jury found 3M 62% liable and the plaintiff 38% liable.

In October 2021, a federal jury awarded a plaintiff $8.2 million in damages against 3M.

On month later, a federal jury in Florida awarded an Army sergeant $800,000 in compensatory damages and $12.25 million in punitive damages for a total verdict of $13 million.

In December 2021, a federal jury in Florida awarded an Army veteran $7.5 million in compensatory damages and $15 million in punitive damages for a total verdict of $22.5 million.

As of December 2021, 10 plaintiffs have gone to trial against 3M. The plaintiffs have won 7 cases and 3M has won 3 cases. The plaintiffs who have prevailed have been awarded verdicts ranging from $1 million to $22.5 million. The average 3M verdict is $5.19 million.

3M Earplug Settlement Amounts

As of this time, there have been no large settlements regarding 3M Earplug lawsuits.

San Antonio 3M Earplug Lawsuits Are Not Class Action Lawsuits

San Antonio 3M Earplug Lawsuits are not class action lawsuits. In a class action lawsuit, everyone’s damages are virtually the same, such as when many consumers are overcharged for a certain fee at a bank. San Antonio 3M Earplug lawsuits are different because each person has their own unique injuries and damages. Each person filing a San Antonio 3M Earplug Lawsuit will be awarded compensation based on their specific injuries.

San Antonio 3M Earplug Lawsuits: No Fees Unless We Collect for You

We handle San Antonio 3M Earplug Lawsuits on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay any fees unless we win your case. For a free consultation, please call us or fill out our short online contact form and one of our San Antonio 3M Earplug attorneys will contact you promptly.

3M Earplug Lawsuit FAQs

Answers to Common San Antonio 3M Earplug Claim Questions

San Antonio 3M Earplug attorneys have compiled answers to a list of common questions about 3M Earplug lawsuits. These answers will apply to most claims in your area.

If you would like to discuss your legal options with an attorney, please contact us for a free case review.

Who qualifies to file a 3M Earplug lawsuit in San Antonio?

Any person who has used 3M earplugs and has been diagnosed with hearing damage may qualify to make a claim by filing a San Antonio 3M Earplug lawsuit.

Our firm is currently accepting cases that meet the following criteria:

1. Client was a member of the armed forces anytime from 2003-2015.

2. Client used 3M’s Combat Arms Earplugs during active duty.

3. Client has been diagnosed with total/partial hearing loss and/or tinnitus (ringing in ears).

4. Client was not diagnosed with total/partial hearing loss or tinnitus prior to active duty service.

What will it cost to speak with a lawyer about my case?

Nothing. We never charge a consultation fee. We only get paid if we get you a recovery. No recovery, no fee.

How much will it cost to file a 3M Earplug lawsuit in San Antonio?

You don’t pay anything when we file your San Antonio 3M Earplug lawsuit. We only get paid if we get you a recovery.

Aren’t most products liability lawsuits just class action lawsuits where the plaintiff can expect only a small, symbolic settlement?

No, San Antonio 3M Earplug Lawsuits are considered “mass tort” cases, not class actions. Each person will be compensated according to their individual injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.

We’re not the type of people who sue; do we really need to file a lawsuit?

Filing a San Antonio 3M Earplug Lawsuit has two functions. First, it allows victims to hold companies responsible for producing defective products and hiding the risks from the public. 3M should have to take responsibility for any damage they have caused. When that damage is something as serious as hearing loss, the medical costs can be high.

Second, the hope is that San Antonio 3M Earplug Lawsuits will force companies to produce safer products in the future. Without the pressure of lawsuits, many companies will choose to continue business as usual, putting profits over people.

Are there time limits that apply to 3M Earplug lawsuits in San Antonio?

Yes, many states have deadlines to file 3M Earplug Lawsuits. It is important to contact a San Antonio 3M Earplug attorney as soon as possible to make sure your rights are protected. If you wait too long, your claim will be forever barred.