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 $1.25 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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FAQs
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For your first meeting with us, simply tell us your story and explain in your own words what happened and how your life has been affected. If you’re meeting with us in person, you can bring notes about what happened to you, driver insurance information, names of any witnesses, photos of the accident damages or injuries, medical records, and other related paperwork if you have it and if it’s applicable, but that information isn’t necessary. Really all you need to do is be yourself, speak with us honestly, and be willing to tackle your problems with us.
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How will I know if I have a case?
To pursue a case, we will need to prove that you suffered a substantial personal injury and the injury was directly caused by the negligence of another party. A bad result alone is not enough to establish negligence. We let you know upfront if we are able to move forward with the legal process, or if we don’t think you have a case. Generally, we will know if you have a case after our first phone call or meeting.
If we believe you have a valid claim and decide to move forward with litigation, our attorneys and staff will then take it from there and do everything else that needs to be done, including obtaining and reviewing records relevant to your case, such as accident reports and other law enforcement documents, employer records, medical records, and other information.
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How long will it take to resolve my case?
Every case is different, and there is no way to predict how long it will take for your case to be resolved. Some cases end in a matter of months, while the most complex and challenging cases, such as a medical malpractice case, can span several years. The vast majority of cases, however, are resolved before a trial and usually within a year.
The goal is to make sure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, no matter how long it takes whether that comes in the form of a pre-trial settlement, or with a jury verdict in your favor.
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How much is my case worth?
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compensation: Economic and non-economic.If your case goes to trial and a jury agrees you deserve compensation, the jury members will decide how much the money you should receive for each category of damages.