305.444.7675
Do I have a case? Español Careers Attorney Referrals
305.444.7675 Schedule a Consultation

You may be eligible to file an individual claim or become part of a class action lawsuit if you are a victim too. The personal injury attorneys at The Alvarez Law Firm are handling 3M earplug lawsuits in Florida and can help you understand your legal rights. 

Man holding his ear in pain

Defective Government-Issued Dual-Ended Military Earplugs Has Led to Hearing Loss

Soldiers are subject to very loud noises, especially the ones in war zones. In fact, as per a report released by the Veterans Benefits Administration, over 1.3 million veterans received hearing loss disability compensation in 2020. Further, 2.3 million veterans received compensation for tinnitus. Active-duty service members are supplied hearing protection as a mandatory issue by the US military supplies. 

Unfortunately, years passed before it was discovered that the earplug devices manufactured by 3M were defective. Servicemen and women were not informed about potential problems with the earplugs. In particular, they were not told that the earplugs were not protecting them from loud noises. As a result, several thousands of serving men and women have developed tinnitus and loss of hearing. 

What is the CAEv2 Lawsuit?

In 2016, a whistleblower lawsuit alleged that 3M sold hearing protection devices even after knowing the limitations. The lawsuit was filed under the False Claims Act and alleged that the company knowingly sold defective dual-ended earplugs to the military.

The 3M military earplugs Version 2 (CAEv2) involved a defective design, including a faulty seal that allowed dangerously loud noise to penetrate the ears of military members. The loud noises, in turn, resulted in hearing loss.

The US Government (Department of Justice) reached an agreement with 3M to pay $9.1 million to the government for resolving allegations. Stemming from this, the company is still financially liable for the thousands of veteran and current military personnel that have been harmed by the defective earplug devices.

Banner media

Military Personnel Most Likely Affected

The exact number of military personnel affected by 3M earplug injuries remains unknown. Pertaining to this, the defective 3M CAEv2 earplugs have severely impacted thousands of civilians, servicemen, and women. In most cases, the injured victims were left with ringing, buzzing, and partial or total deafness. The majority of those injured are from the following military engagements:

  • Libya crisis
  • Iraq and Syria interventions (2014 to present)
  • Yemen civil war
  • The War on Terror in Northwest Pakistan
  • The War in Somalia
  • The second war in Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom)
  • The war in Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom)
  • Indian Ocean engagement (Operation Ocean Shield)

Many military members and veterans in the US have already become part of a defective products claim against 3M for the following:

  • Deafness
  • Hearing impairment
  • Ringing, buzzing, and clicking in the ears
  • In the Northern District of Florida, these product defect lawsuits have taken the form of multidistrict litigation (MDL).
Office media
Office media
Office media
Office media

We will Fight to Maximize Your 3M Product Injury Compensation

If you used the 3M dual-ended combat arms earplugs as a US government contractor, military member, or any other law enforcement personnel and have suffered any type of hearing loss, damage, or injury, the experienced legal team at The Alvarez Law Firm in Florida can help maximize your compensation. All sensitive information you share remains private through the privileged attorney-client relationship.

We are happy to provide you with a free case evaluation. Call us at 877-445-7675 or reach us online. 

Let’s talk about your case.

Schedule a Consultation
Contact us media