3M Defective Earplug Lawyers: Dual-Ended Combat Arms™ Claims

We’re Veterans and Attorneys, and We Want to Fight for You

Between 2003 and 2015, thousands of U.S. soldiers deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan were issued Dual-Ended Combat Arms™ Earplugs (CAEv2) to protect their hearing. Our government spent millions on these products over the 12 years they were in use. Recently, they learned 3M had failed to disclose defects associated with the product, resulting in hearing loss among many service members.

Our Los Angeles defective earplug attorneys are committed to helping service members recover compensation for the damages caused by these products. As an army veteran himself, Attorney David Shoop was outraged to learn how 3M’s dishonesty endangered the brave Americans who put their lives on the line to protect our country. If you’ve experienced hearing loss or tinnitus due to using 3M Combat Arms earplugs during deployment or training, we are here to protect your rights.

Reach out to Attorney David Shoop and the rest of our team at (866) 884-1717 if you think you have a case.

How Were the Earplugs Defective?

3M told the military their selective attenuation earplugs could help protect troops in combat zones. The earplugs were dual-ended, with an olive side and a yellow side that offered variable protection. One end was a traditional earplug while the other provided protection from intense sounds like explosions and gunfire without blocking a soldier’s hearing. Now, we know these earplugs did not work as planned.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims approximately 60% of service members report hearing problems after leaving the military and over 2.6 million veterans are receiving disability compensation for hearing loss and tinnitus.

According to court documents, 3M’s combat earplugs were too short and could easily come loose in the user’s ear, exposing them to deafening noises that lead to hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). The company and its predecessor, Aearo Technologies, allegedly knew about the design defects in 2000 after the product failed numerous safety tests but failed to disclose them—and kept the product on the market for 15 years.

In July 2018, 3M paid the U.S. military $9.1 million to settle after they were sued for violating the False Claims Act. The lawsuit was brought under the whistleblower provision that allows private parties to sue on behalf of the government if the defendant submitted false claims for government funding. Whistleblower Moldex-Metric, Inc. was awarded $1,911,000.

Do You Have Hearing Trouble? Request a Free Consultation Today.

Service members who used these earplugs between 2003 and 2015 and now suffer from hearing loss can file to recover damages including medical costs, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment in life. Our legal team can assess your case, listen to your concerns, and walk you through your legal options. 3M must pay for failing to keep our troops safe as they promised. If you are looking for justice, you need Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation.

Contact us at (866) 884-1717 or reach out online to schedule a consultation with one of our Los Angeles defective earplug attorneys.