What Is the Focus of the Lawsuit?
The litigation began as individual lawsuits filed against 3M by affected veterans and service members. These plaintiffs claimed that the use of the defective CAEv2 earplugs while on duty caused them to suffer from hearing loss, tinnitus, and other hearing injuries. They further alleged that the earplugs had a faulty design, that 3M did not provide effective instruction on how to properly use the earplugs, and that the company fabricated test result data to hide flaws with the product.
When federal courts recognized the similarities between these cases, the lawsuits were consolidated under the multidistrict litigation (MDL) process. This resulted in a victory for claimants, with 3M ultimately agreeing to a $6 billion settlement. Though often confused with a class action settlement, the advantage of an MDL settlement is that each plaintiff receives compensation based on their specific circumstances.
Who Is this Lawsuit for?
The 3M Combat Arms Earplugs lawsuit is for any military or service member who served between 2003 and 2015, used the CAEv2 earplugs during their military service, and developed hearing loss, tinnitus, or other hearing issues after using the earplugs.
What Type of Compensation Is Available?
Plaintiffs in the 3M Combat Arms Earplugs lawsuit could receive compensation for a variety of damages. While no amount of money can fully reverse the physical and emotional harm caused by hearing loss and injuries, it can help ease the burden as you cope with challenges like income loss, medical bills, pain, and suffering.
Do I Have to Pay for an Attorney?
You may be wondering how much it costs to hire an attorney if you’re considering joining the 3M earplugs lawsuit. Most attorneys who work with MDL cases work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t have to pay anything upfront to start your case. If you win your case, your MDL attorney will receive a percentage of the amount awarded. If your case is unsuccessful, you won’t have to pay anything. This keeps the legal process affordable for those who may not have the funds to pay an attorney upfront. Your attorney can give you more information about legal fees and how to pay them.
Lawsuit Time Limits
It’s not too late to join the 3M earplugs lawsuit, but there are important deadlines for timely filing. Delaying action can affect your ability to join and receive potential compensation, so it’s important to speak with an attorney to understand the filing timeline. Fill out the form at the top of this page or contact OCA today to get connected with an attorney in our network who can analyze your case and see if you may pre-qualify for the 3M Combat Arms Earplugs lawsuit.
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