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Defective Military Earplugs Linked To Hearing Loss

On Behalf of | Apr 17, 2020 | Criminal Law

If you or someone you love has served in the U.S. military since 2003 and experienced hearing loss or ear-related problems, it may be due to defective earplugs.  3M Company manufactured and sold dual-ended Combat Arms earplugs to the U.S. government for combat and training purposes between 2003 and 2015. It was later revealed that the earplugs are defective and do not fully block dangerously loud noises from entering wearers’ ears, putting them at risk for serious ear damage, including hearing loss, tinnitus, and loss of balance.

The U.S. government has already brought allegations against 3M Company via the False Claims Act.  In response, 3M Company paid the U.S. government $9.1 million after it was revealed that the company was aware of the defect as early as 2000.  Despite that knowledge, 3M Company falsified certification stating that the testing process complied with current military standards.

3M Company supplied the U.S. government with 15,000 dual-ended Combat Arms earplugs annually beginning in 2006 with 50 pairs of earplugs included in each package.  The military continued purchasing the earplugs through 2015. A significant number of military veterans who participated in combat or combat-related training exercises may have been exposed to dangerously loud noises that their earplugs failed to protect them from.

The lawyers at Snee, Lutche, Helmlinger & Spielberger, P.A. believe that companies like 3M should be held responsible when their products harm innocent victims.  Let us help you get the compensation you deserve for 3M’s negligence. Contact us today for a free consultation.

 

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