Defective Earplugs


Philadelphia 3M Company Defective Earplug Lawyer

Our Injury attorneys are now accepting cases involving defective earplugs made by 3M Company and sold to our military from 2003 to 2015. Many servicemembers who used these devices are now claiming that their hearing has been permanently affected because the earplugs were defective.

At Wapner Newman, we are standing up for servicemembers to help them fight for the compensation they deserve. Contact attorney Steven Brecher today to schedule a free consultation. Simply call (215) 569-0900 or fill out our contact form to start the process.

Filing a Claim to Get the Payment You Deserve

By filing a product liability claim against 3M Company, you may recover the many expenses you’re facing due to the use of their faulty earplugs. The costs you’ve encountered are considered damages, and they include…

  • Medical expenses related to testing and treating hearing loss
  • The costs of any medical devices you need
  • The loss of income experienced because of your hearing loss
  • The emotional and physical suffering you’ve dealt with regarding your injury.

These are just a few costs of significant hearing loss that can be demanded in an injury claim. We want to meet with you and your loved ones.

Why Choose Wapner Newman?

Our product liability attorneys have represented countless clients in product liability claims. This includes a $825,000 settlement and a $750,000 settlement. We’ve won millions of dollars in compensation for our clients, and our team has proven that there is no case too big for us to handle. We everything we can to get results that truly meet their needs, but we also help our clients get the care they need to rebuild their lives.

The Defects of 3M’s Dual-Sided Earplugs

3M Company marketed their dual-ended Combat Arms Earplugs, Version 2 (CAEv2), as a safe effective protective device for servicemembers. First manufactured by Aearo Technologies, Inc., the earplugs were touted as a way for servicemembers to hear other people’s voices in the field while still protecting their hearing.

It’s clear now that these earplugs didn’t protect servicemembers’ hearing in the way 3M Company claimed. It’s also alleged that 3M Company knew these devices were defective while they were selling them to our military. The Justice Department filed a False Claims Act case against 3M Company, stating that

…the United States alleged that 3M, and its predecessor, Aearo Technologies, Inc., knew the CAEv2 was too short for proper insertion into users’ ears and that the earplugs could loosen imperceptibly and therefore did not perform well for certain individuals.  The United States further alleged that 3M did not disclose this design defect to the military.

As a result of this legal action by the Department of Justice, 3M settled for $9.1 million. Because the case resolved via settlement, 3M Company did not have to admit liability. However, 3M Company now faces hundreds of complaints and lawsuits from servicemembers who are suffering from hearing loss.

Contact our team today by calling (215) 569-0900 or filling out our online contact form.

Hearing Loss Resulting from Faulty Earplugs

Repeated exposure to loud noises has a cumulative effect on a person’s hearing. It’s no surprise that servicemembers, who regularly encountered gunshots and blasts, have had their hearing severely impaired after using defective earplugs.

Hearing loss affects sufferers’ lives in many terrible ways. It can impact a person’s ability to do their job, take part in everyday activities and get a peaceful night’s rest. One of the most challenging consequences of hearing loss is called tinnitus, which is the perception of noise that isn’t actually present.

Tinnitus often takes the form of buzzing, hissing or ringing. This condition plagues people as they try to sleep, making life very difficult for someone experiencing hearing loss. Tinnitus and hearing loss is the leading cause of disability among veterans, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

In addition to tinnitus, symptoms of hearing loss can also include…

  • Muffled sounds and speech
  • Difficulty isolating sounds in a noisy environment
  • Difficulty understanding voices on the phone
  • Difficulty hearing high-pitched noises
  • Repeatedly asking people to repeat themselves
  • Oversensitivity to certain sounds.

If you are a servicemember experiencing hearing loss after using 3M Company’s dual-ended Combat Arms Earplugs, Version 2, you should consider your legal options.

Contact attorney Steven Brecher to schedule a free consultation. Call (215) 569-0900 or fill out our online contact form to get started.

We’re Standing Up for Servicemembers

There’s no excuse for 3M Company’s negligence. Selling a dangerous product to the men and women of our military is unacceptable. Doing so while knowing that these products are defective is unforgivable. The defective earplug attorneys at Wapner Newman might be able to help.

Schedule your free consultation with our team by calling (215) 569-0900 or filling out our online contact form today. Attorney Steven Brecher is currently accepting inquires on these important cases. Let us fight for the payment you’re entitled to.