Our military personnel rely on their equipment to protect them during training and combat. They assume that the equipment they are using is in good working order and will perform as it is expected to perform. When military equipment is faulty or defective, our troops can suffer great harm. In some cases, men and women can be exposed to life-threatening conditions.
Our 3M Combat Arms Earplugs attorney has researched allegations that the devices are defective and not performing as they should perform. If you or a loved one has been injured after using 3M Combat Arms Earplugs, contact The Olinde Law Firm for a free consultation to discuss your options for filing an injury claim.
Why Does the Military Use 3M Combat Arms Earplugs?
Military men and women are exposed to loud noises during training and combat. Earplugs can reduce the harm caused by loud noises. The 3M Combat Arms Ear Plugs allegedly offered ear protection for two types of noise.
On one end of the earplug (the yellow end), the company stated that the device protected against weapon fire and other loud impulse noises. The special design of the earplug allows the soldier to hear low-level noises and commands. The other end of the earplug (the green end) was to be used when the soldier was exposed to constant, high levels of noises, such as machinery, aircraft, watercraft, and armored vehicles.
3M Combat Arms Earplugs, which are also referred to as “yellow jackets” and Dual-Ended Combat Arms™ Earplugs Version 2 (CAEv2), were used by the military beginning in 2003. The military discontinued use of the 3M Combat Arms Earplugs on November 17, 2015. Unfortunately, a product defect may have caused thousands of servicemen and servicewomen to develop tinnitus (ringing in the ear), noise-induced deafness, and other debilitating hearing impairments.
Has the Manufacturer Accepted Blame for the Defect?
The original manufacturer was Aearo Technologies. 3M purchased Aearo in 2008. Complaints surfaced alleging that Aearo/3M had produced fraudulent test results and false claims regarding the effectiveness of the earplugs. Claims also surfaced that a design flaw limited protection and the earplug stem was too short to be inserted into the ear correctly. Some parties alleged that the package directions hid an important fact that a suggestion for use was actually required for the solider to receive the maximum effectiveness
Reports of hearing loss, deafness, and tinnitus have been reported. Some estimates suggest that up to 60 percent of veterans may have hearing loss after using the 3M Combat Arms Earplugs. A $9.1 million settlement was announced in July 2018 between 3M Company and the Justice Department related to allegations that the company knowingly allowed military personnel to use earplugs that did not meet the company’s claims for the product. Unfortunately, the company has not compensated any active duty soldiers or veterans for injuries caused by the 3M Combat Arms Earplugs.
Contact Our 3M Combat Arms Earplugs Lawsuit Attorneys for More Information
The defective product lawyers of The Olinde Firm fight for the rights of veterans and military personnel who have sustained injuries because of defective products. Veterans and current service men and women may file claims seeking compensation for injuries, damages, and losses. If you have suffered hearing loss or other injuries after using 3M Combat Arms Earplugs, you may receive compensation for your injury, medical bills, loss of income, and other damages by filing a claim.
If you or a loved one has questions about a 3M Combat Arms Earplugs claim, contact Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to schedule a free consultation with a New Orleans defective product attorney. Our law firm represents clients throughout the United States.