Whether during training, on lengthy deployments, or in combat, America’s brave servicemen and women face risks every day. One of those risks, however, didn’t come from an enemy or a weapon. Instead, corporate greed and negligence by the manufacturer of defective earplugs exposed millions of veterans to a significantly increased chance of permanent hearing loss and related problems.
If you served in the military between 2003 to 2015, there is a good chance you were supplied with Dual-Ended Combat Arms™ Earplugs (CAEv2) manufactured by 3M. These earplugs were supposed to protect servicemembers from the hearing damage that can be caused by loud blasts from explosions and weapons fire. Unfortunately, design and manufacturing defects rendered the earplugs ineffective and allowed dangerously loud sounds to enter the ear canals of countless soldiers, leaving many with permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, and other injuries.
We serve those who serve us by obtaining full compensation for Combat Arms earplug injuries
At Berman & Simmons, we are grateful for the sacrifices servicemembers and their families make for our country. Those sacrifices should not include injuries and losses caused by defective products manufactured by negligent corporations.
Berman & Simmons is pursuing compensation for the damages suffered by active duty personnel and veterans who used 3M Combat Arms earplugs. We have the experience, legal skill, and medical resources to get you full compensation and to hold corporations accountable for the harm they inflict when they put their profits ahead of the safety of those who use their products. We are proud to fight on behalf of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines in Maine and throughout New England who are dealing with needless injuries from defective earplugs.
The problems with 3M Combat Arms earplugs
Combat Arms CAEv2 Earplugs were designed with dual-ends for use in two different ways: providing full sound blockage as with traditional earplugs or providing a significant reduction in loud noises while still allowing for communications with others.
The problem is that the earplugs were often too short for proper insertion and fit in users’ ears. This poor fit caused them to be prone to loosening or falling out entirely, rendering them largely ineffective for hearing protection.
Making matters worse, 3M and its predecessor, Aearo Technologies, allegedly were aware of the earplugs’ design problems as early as 2000 but did not disclose that knowledge to the military. Because of this conduct, 3M agreed to pay a $9.1 million settlement to the Department of Justice in July 2018.
Maine’s leading personal injury law firm is actively pursuing claims on behalf of injured servicemembers
If you served in the military and suffer from hearing loss or related issues after using 3M Combat Arms earplugs, we invite you to contact us to explore the possibility of obtaining compensation for your injuries.
Berman & Simmons is widely recognized as Maine’s best personal injury and medical malpractice law firm. While we are honored by such acclaim, we are never complacent or satisfied. We strive every day to be one of the very best law firms in the country. With unmatched resources, knowledge, and advocacy, we have recovered over $1 billion for our clients, earning their trust and obtaining favorable outcomes for over 100 years.
Call Berman & Simmons today for your free consultation
Please contact Berman & Simmons today at (207)784-3576 to arrange for your free consultation to discuss your questions and concerns about injuries caused by the use of 3M Combat Arms earplugs. You pay nothing unless we obtain compensation for you by settlement or jury verdict. We welcome the opportunity to serve you.
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