3M Loses Claim For Bankruptcy Protection From Combat Earplug Lawsuits, 3M Earplug Lawsuits Go Forward
3M Company’s request for bankruptcy protection has been denied by an Indiana bankruptcy court, leaving the company exposed to massive lawsuit payouts arising from claims by military veterans who have suffered hearing loss caused by 3M’s defective earplugs.
3M Earplug Lawsuits Move Forward
More than 230,000 lawsuits have been filed to date, alleging that 3M knew its earplugs failed to maintain a tight seal and allowed exposure to noise levels causing hearing damage without the wearer’s awareness. The lawsuits allege that 3M issued the faulty earplugs and failed to warn users of the defect. The claims also include allegations that 3M failed to provide proper usage instructions.
Service members who used 3M’s dual-ended Combat Arms earplugs between 2003 and 2015 have suffered physical harm including hearing loss, tinnitus, and loss of balance.
Documents from previous lawsuits against 3M, filed on behalf of service members and the Defense Department, show that the manufacturing company was aware that their earplugs were inadequate as early as 2000, but withheld this information for another 16 years.
To date, 3M has paid out more $300 million in damages to service members and the DoD for injuries resulting from the defective combat earplugs.
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Law is complicate matter. It can cause you a big problem if you ignore it. Let us help you!