The Department of Justice alleged that: 3M knew as early as 2000

– before the earplugs became standard issue – that there were flaws in the design; that the largest flange on the earplugs on the side not inserted in the ear canal could subtly and undetectably loosen the earplug from the ear canal by pushing on it externally and that the short stem of the inverted cone did not fit deeply into the ear canal to block all dangerous decibel levels; and that 3M tried to keep other
companies from selling better and more effective earplugs.

What type of hearing damage did the wearers of these earplugs suffer?

• Tinnitus or “ringing in the ears” which can sound like a variety of things such as ringing, horns, buzzing, hissing, and screeching, among others.

• Hearing loss, which can also manifest in a variety of ways, but which can generally be described as a gradual or even quick reduction in the ability to hear noise around you.

What service members fit the criteria?

1. If you served in the U.S. military and were deployed from 2003-2015 (especially in combat zones including but not limited to: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Syria, Libya, Somalia; Yemen); and

2. You used the defective earplugs; and

3. You have suffered hearing loss or tinnitus.

What could a successful 3M lawsuit settlement or trial verdict cover?

• Medical expenses (Past, present, and future)

• Pain and suffering, including emotional

• Compensation for your hearing loss and/or tinnitus

• Disability

• Loss of past, present, and future income or earning capacity

• Your loss of the way you enjoy your life

• The cost of assistive devices like hearing aids

• And other related damages

Remember – You do not pay anything unless our team wins compensation on your behalf. There is nothing to lose in inquiring with our office. Please contact Segal Law Firm to discuss if you are eligible.