Defects often come from a failure in design, manufacturing, or marketing, and it can be overwhelming, frustrating, confusing, and even life-threatening for those left to deal with the fallout of a product that does not function as promised. Recent information revealed that 3M was knowingly produced and sold for distribution to our military - defective earplugs. These earplugs were intended to protect the hearing of our combat military servicemen and women, but were not properly produced and subsequently caused major hearing damage to our veterans.
The Combat Arms Earplugs Version 2 (CAEv2) was developed to provide two levels of protection on either side of its design. The dual protection promised to block noise from the outer ear and the inner ear canal.
Documents filled in a lawsuit by the Pentagon allege that 3M employees knew about the earplug defects as early as 2000. 3M’s own testing found that the earplugs were defective, but the company falsified certification stating that the testing met military standards. In reality, the earplug was altered & made shorter, causing the earplug to shift while in use, unbeknown to the wearer. Consequently, the earplugs did not fit properly and allowed loud noises to penetrate the ear.
How were Veterans Affected by Defective CAEv2?
Because 3M made the earplugs in a way that did not fit the ear correctly, loud noises from explosions, gunshots, bombs, or aircrafts entered the ear. Without the promised protection, loud combat noises cause damage to the inner ear including tinnitus, an often-debilitating ringing in the ear, and hearing loss.
How We Can Help
If you or someone you love is suffering from hearing loss or damage due to a defective earplug, you may have a case against the manufacturer and be eligible for compensation to help with:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages and lost earning potential
- Hearing equipment such as hearing aids
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Inability to Communicate with Loved Ones
- Loss of quality of life
Put us to work for you.
Lawsuits against behemoth companies like 3M are often complicated and expensive. These large corporations have teams of lawyers to defend against a defective product claim. You should have a team of experienced product liability attorneys on your team fighting to protect your rights.
The product liability attorneys at Rubenstein Law have access to the best experts and the experience to fight these complex defective earplug cases. We can help you understand your rights. Call us today for a free consultation or one of our offices so we can evaluate your case and help you weigh your options. We are here to answer your calls 24/7, nights and weekends. Remote and virtual appointments are available.