3M Defective Earplugs
Our Mobile, AL law firm helps injured veterans get the financial compensation they deserve
Members of the U.S. military who were deployed to combat zones (such as Iraq or Afghanistan) may be eligible for financial compensation if they suffered hearing loss as the result of using a certain type of defective earplugs. Dean Waite & Associates, LLC fights for the rights of veterans who were injured as a result of this negligence.
Between 2003-2015, the U.S. military purchased millions of Dual-Ended Combat Arms™ Earplugs, Version 2 (CAEv2). The earplugs were originally manufactured by Aearo Technologies, which was later acquired by 3M. These defective products were used by U.S. service members deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan during that time.
The earplugs – which looked like two inverted cones connected by a stem - were supposed to provide two levels of hearing protection. When inserted into the ear one way, they allowed the user to still be able to hear speech. When inserted the opposite way, they blocked out even more sound to protect hearing damage from loud noises heard in combat zones – such as explosions and gunfire.
There was a defect, however, that made the earplugs come loose while in the ear, allowing damaging sounds to enter the ear canal. A lawsuit was filed under the False Claims act in 2016, alleging that Aearo and 3M knew the earplugs were defective when they sold them to the U.S. military. The suit was settled in 2018 for $9.1 million.
This settlement didn’t directly help service members who suffered hearing damage while using these earplugs in combat situations.
If you were injured due to the use of a defective product, you have rights
Attorney Dean Waite is currently reviewing cases involving service members who were injured as a result of using these defective products. You may be eligible for financial compensation if you meet the following criteria:
- You served in the military between 2003-2015
- You were deployed to a combat zone (such as Iraq or Afghanistan)
- You were issued these earplugs to use for hearing protection
- You were diagnosed with hearing damage or hearing loss in one or both ears
The amount of compensation you can receive depends on many different factors. In general, people who take legal action in personal injury cases can seek compensation for medical expenses related to their injury and lost wages if the injury left them unable to work. You may also be eligible for certain types of other compensation, such as pain and suffering.
If you are a veteran in Alabama who suffered hearing damage related to the use of these earplugs, it’s important to talk to an attorney as soon as possible. Attorney Dean Waite has years of experience helping people injured in Mobile and throughout the state recover the financial compensation they deserve. He knows how to handle complex cases and hold negligent parties accountable.
Don’t delay – the clock is ticking on your ability to take legal action. Call our office for a free case evaluation. One of our attorneys can review the details of your case and go over your legal options. We can also answer any questions you have.
Learn more about how a defective product lawyer can help. Contact attorney Dean Waite today.