We have filed several 3M defective combat earplug lawsuits after whistleblower allegations were revealed stating that defense contractor 3M sold defective Combat Arms Earplugs, Version 2 (CAEv2) to the U.S. military from 2003 to 2015.
The now-discontinued “combat earplugs” were reportedly standard-issue for military service members from 2003 to 2015. Current and former Army, Navy, Air Force, and Reserves personnel may be entitled to compensation from 3M for any hearing loss or tinnitus from their service.
Read a copy of our 3M Defective Ear Plug Lawsuit Complaint.
Frequently Asked Questions about 3M Combat Earplugs Lawsuit
| (1) Why are the earplugs dual-ended? |
| (2) What was the defect in the earplugs? |
| (3) Are the 3M earplug lawsuits a class action? |
| (4) Where will the lawsuits take place? |
(1) Why are the earplugs dual-ended?
The 3M dual-ended earplugs have a yellow end and a dark green end. The dark green side was supposed to block all sound, including voices. The yellow side of the combat earplugs was supposed to block loud impulse sounds on the battlefield, while still allowing spoken words and commands through.
(2) What was the defect in the 3M combat earplugs?
Instead of blocking sound as intended, 3M used a design that allowed the earplugs to loosen in the wearer’s ears. The fins on the unworn side of the earplugs interfered with forming a tight seal in the wearer’s ear canal, unless folded back (according to a whistleblower). 3M admitted in a False Claims Act lawsuit that testing in the year 2000 had shown that the earplugs had a noise reduction rating (NRR) of zero. Because of this defect, service members may have suffered hearing loss and tinnitus from combat noise, firing weapons in training, aircraft noise, etc.
(3) Are the 3M defective earplugs lawsuits a class action?
No, the 3M ear plug lawsuits are not a class action. They are what’s known as a “mass action.”
Class actions and mass actions have similarities. Both types of lawsuits can resolve the claims of an entire group of people.
But in a class action, one person can file a single lawsuit and represent everyone else’s interests. In a mass action, everyone files their own individual lawsuit (although the cases are often consolidated in front of a single judge).
(4) Where will the 3M defective earplug lawsuit be litigated?
Cases on behalf of veterans have been filed in multiple states. The lawsuits have all been consolidated in front of a federal judge in Florida. The judge — the Honorable Casey Rodgers — is a veteran of the Army, having served from 1985 to 1987.
Just because the cases have all been sent to Florida does not mean you need to travel to Florida. We work hard to minimize the burden on you. Most of what we’ll need from you can be handled by phone, email, or regular mail.
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