Hundreds of thousands of earplug lawsuits have been filed against global manufacturing giant 3M over their Combat Arms earplugs, alleging that a design flaw caused hearing damage or loss in countless active duty troops and veterans in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2019, the cases were…
A federal judge has barred 3M from using a liability strategy that would’ve shifted 3M earplug lawsuits to one of its subsidiaries. 3M has already had to pay more than $300 million in awards after 16 bellwether test trials. The plaintiffs claim that 3M knowingly…
On Friday, August 26, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Jeffrey J. Graham denied Aearo Technologies’ efforts to temporarily halt 3M earplug lawsuits while Aearo pursues Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Judge Graham said that since 3M hasn’t filed for bankruptcy, the lawsuits will continue forward in multidistrict litigation (MDL).…
Those serving this country in the military put themselves in harm’s way. Their commitment and dedication to our nation are heroic. However, what most soldiers don’t expect is to be injured by a product that was supposed to protect them while serving. Such is the…
Military service members already put their lives on the line every day, knowing they may be killed in service to their country. Serious injuries are common in the field, affecting one in ten veterans alive today. But according to the Department of Veterans Affairs, hearing…
A federal jury awarded $110 million in damages to two U.S. Army veterans last month in response to lawsuits alleging that manufacturing company 3M knowingly marketed defective earplugs that caused hearing loss. The company plans to appeal the decision. Military members are more susceptible to…
As the first bellwether trial is scheduled for April, the litigation against 3M Co. over defective military earplugs has passed a milestone. More than 200,000 lawsuits have been filed against the Minnesota conglomerate, making this the largest mass tort in history. The actions filed since…
The recent denial of 3M Company’s attempt to have the courts dismiss litigation from 150,000 veterans suffering hearing loss or tinnitus from faulty earplugs means one of the country’s largest multidistrict cases is moving closer to settlement or trial.