Q: What are the lawsuits about?

A: The earplug lawsuits allege that 3M sold defective earplugs to the U.S. military from 2003-2015. Service members may have suffered hearing loss or tinnitus as a result.Read more

Q:What was the defect in the dual-ended earplugs?×

A: The unworn side interfered with the earplugs’ forming a tight seal in the wearer’s ear canal. A whistleblower says that 3M’s own tests showed a noise reduction rating (NRR) of zero for the earplugs, unless the fins on the unworn side were folded back.

Q: Are these a class action?

A: No, they are not a class action. They are a mass action, which shares similarities with a class action, but has important differences.Read more

Q:What are the similarities between a class action and mass action?×

A: They are both types of complex litigation that involves a large number of people.

Q:What are the differences?×

A: In a class action, a single person can file one lawsuit and represent the interests of everyone else. In a mass action, everyone files their own individual lawsuit.

Q: Can I still get VA disability if I join the lawsuits?

A: Yes. Filing a lawsuit against 3M should not affect how much you receive in VA disability benefits.

Q: I heard you can’t sue the military?

A: We are not suing the military. The lawsuits are against 3M, the earplug manufacturer.

Q: How much money can I win?

A: We cannot predict how much money you will get, if any, and it is too early to develop any estimate.

Q: Will I need to travel for my case?

A: It is very unlikely that you would need to travel for your case. Your attorneys will do most of the traveling and will coordinate your attendance in the rare and unlikely event your personal presence is required at a proceeding.

Q: How much will I have to pay in attorneys’ fees?

A: If you don’t get any money, you don’t pay us anything! If you win or settle your case, you pay us a percentage of your recovery for all the work we’ve done.

Q: What happens once I’ve sent back my representation agreement?

A: We will gather additional information that we need to vet your potential claims. If we feel comfortable moving forward, we will contact you and let you know when we plan to file your case.

Q: Where will my case be filed?

A: Your case will need to be filed in Florida because a panel of federal judges has decided that the cases will be consolidated in Florida federal court. But that doesn’t mean you’ll have to travel to Florida. Most of your obligations can be fulfilled via email, phone, or mail.

Q: What documents will I need for my case?

A: Throughout your case you will need to produce a number of relevant documents, if you have them. These include pictures of your 3M earplugs, pictures of you wearing or possessing the earplugs, your form DD214, form NG22, audiogram information, entrance and separation physicals, pre and post deployment physicals, information on your VA benefits, and medical records related to your hearing loss or tinnitus.

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