January 19, 2024 — 3M has announced a $6 billion settlement deal to resolve lawsuits involving military earplugs that failed to prevent hearing loss.
3M will also start paying out $253.1 million to veterans by January 31, which are expected to go to around 30,000 military service members, the company announced on January 15. It remains unclear how much each person will receive.
The fund which will be used compensate around 25,000 to 30,000 veterans who choose to receive smaller “expedited” payments.
The rest of the payouts from the settlement will be funded in several waves between now and 2029, with the average claimants receiving around $24,000. However, some damage awards could be higher.
More than 300,000 military service members have filed claims against 3M and its subsidiary, Aearo Technologies, after suffering hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears) despite wearing the military earplugs.
The earplugs were standard issue for military service members between 2003 and 2015. The lawsuits claim that 3M knew or should have known that the earplugs may not fully protect users from dangerously loud noises that could cause permanent hearing loss.
Do I have a 3M Earplug Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting 3M earplug induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with hearing loss after wearing 3M earplugs in the military, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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