Defective 3M Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplug Attorneys

The U.S. military relies on their gear to help them complete missions effectively and safely. However, according to new complaints and lawsuits, a design flaw in the 3M Military Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplug, or CAEv2, exposed its users to hearing damage and tinnitus. Service members and veterans relied on 3M’s military-issued earplugs to prevent hearing damage associated with explosions and gunfire, and those earplugs failed them. For over a decade, these defective 3M earplugs were the only ear protection options available to service members. Most branches supplied these as standard issue, meaning that many wearers could have sustained severe hearing loss. These earplugs have also never been recalled, which means many service members and veterans may still be using them.

What are 3M Military Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplugs?

Between 2003 and 2015, 3M provided members of the military with Military Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplugs as part of a government contract. The CAEv2 from 3M offered a dual-ended design that was supposed to allow a service member to use them like traditional earplugs, or, by flipping them around, use the other side to allow for normal hearing with eardrum protection from gunfire, explosion, and other extreme noises common to battlefields and military training exercises. Unfortunately, for many users, the earplugs’ fit was inadequate and failed to provide the promised protection.

For U.S. Military Veterans With Hearing Damage and Tinnitus

Tinnitus and hearing loss are some of the most common disabilities veterans experience during and after their service. Many service members are likely unaware that they have hearing loss because of defective earplugs. Some of the most common signs of hearing loss or tinnitus include:

• A buzzing or ringing in the ears shortly after being exposed to noise

• Difficulty understanding what a person is saying shortly after being exposed to noise

• Struggling to hear things properly because background noise is overwhelming

• Feeling as though your ears are “full” after leaving a crowded or noisy area

U.S. Veterans and Servicemembers Deserve Compensation from 3M Corp.

In July 2018 3M Corp. reached a $9.1 million settlement with the Department of Justice. Under the False Claims Act (FCA), a whistleblower argued that 3M knew about the defects and continued to sell the earplugs to the U.S. military in the U.S. anyway. According to the whistleblower, 3M knew of the design problem as early as 2000 but did not warn the government or the military. This inaction knowingly put members of the U.S. military in danger of hearing damage. It’s believed that thousands of service members suffer from hearing problems due to the defective 3M earplugs.

Service members who may be eligible for compensation for their injuries include:
• Veterans or active members of the U.S. military who served between 2003-2015
• Those who wore the 3M defective earplugs during their training or active service
• Those who suffer from tinnitus or permanent hearing loss

Choose the Experienced Defective Product Attorneys at Gruber Law

Gruber Law has over 30 years of experience fighting for people who have been injured through no fault of their own. Our attorneys routinely win cases against product manufacturers whose dishonest and shoddy workmanship has done harm, resulting in millions of dollars in payouts to our clients. If you suffer hearing loss or tinnitus and used 3M’s Military Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplugs as a U.S. service member between 2003 and 2015, contact us today for your free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a lawyer?

Hiring an experienced defective product attorney can increase your chances of receiving compensation for hearing loss or tinnitus due to 3M’s negligence regarding their earplugs known as CAEv2. Navigating the legal process can be complex and time-consuming. Placing your lawsuit in the hands of a trustworthy and experienced lawyer ensures the legal process is put to work for you.

Why are 3M’s Military Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplugs (CAEv2) so dangerous?

3M’s CAEv2 earplugs were defective in their design, providing a fit that was too short to adequately protect U.S. service members from damage to their ears during training and combat. 3M knew about this defect before entering into their contract with the U.S. military, knowingly putting members of the U.S. military in danger of irreparable harm.

Can I have a free consultation?

Yes! All it takes is one call to Gruber Law to receive a free consultation with one of our compassionate and knowledgeable attorneys. One Call… That’s All.