How Veterans Can Get the Compensation They Deserve
What Happened?
Imagine dedicating years of your life to serving your country, being face-to-face with battle and combat zones. Then, after returning home, you started noticing that your hearing is limited, and you’re experiencing other symptoms, too.
This is the harsh reality many veterans and service members have faced due to the defective combat earplugs manufactured by 3M.
The legal case against 3M became the biggest mass lawsuit in U.S. history. It involved around 276,000 people who could get compensation from the settlement. This huge number has shown how many veterans and service members nationwide were affected by faulty earplugs.
In late 2023, they reached a groundbreaking $6.01 billion settlement, as reported by Forbes, to address the lawsuits filed by military veterans and service members, offering hope and justice for those affected.
We’ll dig into the side effects some veterans have been experiencing, the case itself, and how Abraham Watkins helped its clients get the money they deserved for their pain and suffering. First, let’s jump into some side effects they may have experienced after using 3M’s combat earplugs.
First, let’s jump into some side effects they may have experienced after using 3M’s combat earplugs.
Are You Experiencing These Symptoms After Serving In The U.S. Military?
The use of defective earplugs during military service has had severe consequences for many veterans across the country.
While this list does not cover everything, here are some side effects you may have experienced:
- Vertigo
A sensation of spinning or dizziness resulting from inner ear damage. It can lead to instability, nausea, and balance difficulties.
Vertigo is a debilitating condition that can significantly impact a veteran’s daily life. It may occur suddenly and unpredictably, challenging simple tasks like walking or driving. Nausea and a constant feeling of imbalance can take a toll on one’s mental and emotional well-being.
- Hyperacusis
Heightened sensitivity to sounds, making even moderately loud noises painful or uncomfortable.
Hyperacusis is a condition where everyday sounds become excruciatingly loud and painful. Imagine the discomfort of a car honking or a dog barking. This heightened sensitivity can lead to anxiety and social isolation as veterans struggle to cope with their environment back home.
- Auditory Processing Disorders
Difficulty processing and interpreting sounds correctly, leading to problems understanding speech and following conversations.
Auditory processing disorders can make communication challenging. Veterans may find it hard to engage in conversations, especially in noisy environments. They may frequently ask people to repeat themselves and feel frustrated with their inability to grasp what’s being said.
- Psychological Impact
Hearing damage can have a significant psychological impact, causing anxiety, depression, and social isolation.
The emotional impact of hearing damage is frequently overlooked. Former soldiers who previously enjoyed active lifestyles may withdraw from social interactions due to communication challenges. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression, significantly impacting their overall mental health.
- Communication Difficulties
Hearing loss can hinder personal and professional communication.
Communication difficulties can strain relationships, affecting personal and professional aspects of a veteran’s life. They may feel isolated and frustrated as they struggle to connect with loved ones and colleagues.
- Cognitive Impairment
Some studies suggest a potential link between hearing loss and cognitive decline, including issues with memory and attention.
Cognitive impairment can have far-reaching consequences. Veterans may struggle to concentrate, remember important details, and stay mentally sharp. This can impact their ability to perform daily tasks.
- Trouble with Balance
The inner ear plays a crucial role in maintaining physical balance by sending signals to the brain. Damage to the inner ear from exposure to loud sounds and noises, such as explosions and gunfire, can lead to recurring and permanent balance issues. This can result in dizziness, unsteadiness, and difficulties in maintaining equilibrium.
- Hearing Loss
When service members do not have adequate ear protection, they risk hearing damage. Exposure to explosions, gunfire, and other loud noises without proper ear protection can impair their hearing ability. This hearing loss can range from partial impairment to total deafness, affecting their overall quality of life and communication abilities.
- Tinnitus
Tinnitus is characterized by constant or recurring ringing, buzzing, or other noises in one or both ears. It can be caused by exposure to explosive noise and sounds common in military environments. Veterans who have experienced tinnitus often report it as a persistent and distressing condition. Tinnitus can significantly impact concentration, sleep quality, and overall well-being, making living challenging.
Understanding the 3M Earplug Lawsuit Settlement
Comprehensive Settlement Term
The settlement is set for disbursement over six years from 2023 to 2029, with a notable $1 billion allocated in the form of 3M stock.
It’s important to recognize that 3M does not concede liability while entering the settlement and maintains that its earplugs are safe and effective when used correctly.
That being said, this settlement is a “massive victory,” says Reuters, for veterans and their families in holding corporations accountable for their mistakes and decisions.
The Earplug’s Widespread Use
Combat Arms earplugs were employed by the U.S. military from 2003 to 2015, including deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq. These earplugs were designed to protect service members’ hearing during combat operations and training exercises.
3M’s Mistakes With Their Combat Earplugs
As a member of the U.S. military, they are likely to face exposure to very high-decibel noises (explosions, firearms, missiles, aircraft noise, etc.)
Repeated exposure to loud noises can harm a person’s hearing. To protect their soldiers, the U.S. military used 3M’s Combat Arms Earplugs, designed to block out loud sounds and keep their ears safe.
But these earplugs had many problems.
They didn’t fit well under helmets and couldn’t fit them into the standard carrying case. Soldiers also couldn’t put them deep into their ears, which could lead to temporary hearing loss.
Despite these issues and not knowing the long-term effects, the military kept using these earplugs.
Veterans’ Alarming Stories
Veterans and service members claimed that 3M hid problems in the earplugs’ design, manipulated test results, and didn’t give clear instructions, which caused hearing damage for many users.
Veterans from all over reported severe symptoms like those mentioned earlier.
These allegations showed that 3M cared more about making money than looking out for those who served their country.
A Victory for Veterans
This groundbreaking settlement is a huge victory for veterans who served their country and suffered life-changing hearing injuries.
For many veterans, it’s a step towards justice, acknowledging their sacrifices and understanding what they do to protect our country.
These veterans risked their lives and returning home, they faced enormous challenges. While nothing can fully undo the physical and emotional damage, holding corporations responsible for their choices is vital.
Far-reaching Implications
The impact of this settlement has expanded beyond the courtroom:
- Stock Impact:
When the settlement was announced, 3M’s stock rose by over 2%. Analysts had estimated potential liability from the earplug lawsuits to be as high as $10 billion. This stock increase underscores the financial consequences corporations may face when held accountable for product defects.
- Ongoing Legal Challenges:
3M is still facing other legal battles, including a tentative $10.3 billion deal related to water pollution caused by “forever chemicals” (PFAS) in public water systems. While not finalized, progress is being made. This highlights that 3M’s legal issues go beyond the earplug lawsuit, emphasizing corporate responsibility.
- Government-Contractor Defense:
3M’s defense argued that the earplugs weren’t inherently flawed but could malfunction if not worn correctly. The company emphasized collaboration with the U.S. military while developing the earplugs. This defense strategy shows the complexities of legal arguments in product liability and negligence cases.
- Lawsuit Consolidation:
To streamline proceedings, the lawsuits were consolidated under U.S. District Judge M. Casey Rodgers in a Florida federal court in 2019, making up about 30% of all federal court cases at its peak. Consolidation was necessary to manage many cases and ensure efficient legal proceedings.
- Aearo Bankruptcy:
The original manufacturer, Aearo Technologies, filed for bankruptcy in July 2022. 3M committed $1 billion to cover associated liabilities. This bankruptcy and 3M’s financial commitment highlight the financial impact of product-related lawsuits on companies.
- High Legal Costs:
As of January 2023, 3M disclosed spending $466 million on attorney’s fees for the earplug litigation. These substantial legal costs show the financial burden that legal battles can impose on corporations, even before considering settlement amounts.
This settlement not only brings a sense of justice for veterans but also carries significant implications for holding corporations accountable in cases of product defects and negligence.
The scale of this case reminds us of the crucial importance of consumer safety and the responsibility of companies to ensure the effectiveness and safety of their products.
Frequently Asked Questions About The 3M Lawsuit & Settlement
How Much Money Will I Get From The 3M Settlement?
Based on previous cases involving hearing problems, we predict that veterans involved in 3M earplug lawsuits might receive different amounts, ranging from $5,000 to 25,000 each.
This estimate is quite different from the large sums, over $2 million per person, given to plaintiffs in the initial trials about hearing protection.
However, it’s important to understand that these predictions are uncertain because we don’t know the exact numbers and can’t determine an exact amount.
The final amount veterans will receive depends on how much their hearing has been affected.
Lawsuits related to severe hearing problems will likely result in larger payouts than cases focused solely on tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
How Much Do You Pay A Lawyer For A 3M Lawsuit?
Nothing! You only pay us a contingency fee if you receive compensation for your injuries.
When Will Victims Receive A Settlement?
The settlements have begun to roll out in 2024 and should conclude in 2025.
Has Anyone Received a Settlement In This 3M Lawsuit?
No. At this point (January 2024), no settlements have been paid to veterans and their families.
How Abraham Watkins Can Help?
You deserve a law firm that prioritizes your needs and takes action to ensure those responsible for the incident are held accountable. At Abraham Watkins, we take pride in being Texas’s oldest personal injury firm.
Our experienced legal team understands the complexities of cases involving personal injury and negligence, especially in situations like chemical fires or explosions. We are dedicated to advocating for victims and their families, seeking justice, and obtaining the compensation they deserve.
When You Choose Abraham Watkins As Your Legal Partner, You Get The Following:
- Expertise: Our attorneys have a deep understanding of personal injury law, and we have successfully represented clients in various cases, including those involving product liability, negligence, and workplace injuries.
- Compassion: We genuinely care about the well-being of our clients and work tirelessly to alleviate their suffering and secure their future.
- Resources: Our firm has the resources necessary to thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and build a solid legal strategy.
- Results: Our track record speaks for itself. We have secured substantial settlements and verdicts for clients who have suffered injuries due to the negligence of others. You can see a list of client victories here.
- Personal Attention: We provide personalized attention to clients, ensuring they understand their rights and options throughout the legal process.
How We’ve Helped People Like You
At Abraham Watkins, our mission is to support and advocate for individuals who have suffered due to the negligence or wrongdoing of others. We have a proven track record of helping clients in many personal injury cases, including those related to defective products, workplace injuries, chemical accidents, and more.
Here’s How We’ll Start
- Our legal team conducts a comprehensive investigation into the incident to gather evidence and determine liability. We leave no stone unturned in building a strong case.
- We will aggressively represent your interests in negotiations and court if necessary. We have a reputation for achieving positive outcomes for our clients.
- You get peace of mind knowing that the right team is on the job.
Contact the legal team at Abraham Watkins today if you or someone you love has suffered from 3M’s combat earplugs while serving our nation.
You are not alone.
Who you hire matters!
Contact us today for a free consultation at 713-222-7211 or 1-800-870-9584.