3M Earplugs Injuries in New York, NY
Defective products can cause injuries and deaths. Unfortunately, you could be using a dangerous product right now. When you purchase a product, you assume that it is safe to use. Later, you may discover that a product defect caused your illness or injury.
That is what happened to thousands of veterans and service members who used defective combat earplugs. Lawsuits against the manufacturer claim that a design defect caused severe injuries and permanent impairments.
The New York products liability lawyers of Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C. have over 40 years of experience. Our law firm has recovered millions of dollars for injury victims and their families. If you were injured as the result of a defective device, we could help you pursue compensation for your damages.
Contact us or call our law firm at (212) 514-5007 to schedule a free consultation with one of our New York 3M earplugs lawsuit attorneys to discuss a product liability claim.
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Our New York City Product Liability Lawyers Can Help With Your Injury Claim
Product liability cases generally involve complex litigation, lengthy investigations, and complicated product liability laws. Some cases may involve strict liability, a manufacturing defect, or a design defect. Other cases may involve questions of unreasonable danger, failure to warn, or insufficient warning labels.
The good news is that you do not need to worry about these complicated legal questions and issues. Our New York personal injury attorneys take care of all these matters for you.
When you hire Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C. to handle your claim, you can expect us to:
- Investigate how your injury occurred and identify each party responsible for your damages
- Consult with expert witnesses about a product’s design
- Work with medical experts and your doctors to document the extent of your injuries
- Document your damages and calculate the maximum value for your claim
- File all notices and claims with the insurance company and other parties
- File a lawsuit if the other party fails to act in good faith to resolve the claim
The number of product liability cases involving 3M Combat Arms Earplugs continues to increase. More people are coming forward alleging injuries and harm caused by the earplugs.
Contact our office 24/7/365 to request more information and a free consultation with one of our New York product liability lawyers for 3M Combat Earplugs.
Why Are People Filing Product Liability Claims for 3M Combat Earplugs?
The 3M Company provided earplugs for U.S. Military personnel to use in combat. The earplugs were supposed to protect their hearing from loud noises and blasts in combat zones and on bases. A unique design allowed service members to hear conversations while blocking out harmful noises.
However, the earplugs allegedly caused hearing loss, tinnitus, and other injuries. Injured victims allege that the earplugs came loose inside the ear, allowing noise to travel around the earplug. Another allegation is that the earplugs do not fit correctly within the ear.
In 2018, a whistleblower came forward to expose the scandal regarding the design flaw. After an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice, 3M agreed to pay $9.1 million to the federal government. The settlement was part of an agreement resolving allegations that 3M knew about the design defect and failed to warn the government.
Symptoms of Injuries Linked to 3M Combat Earplugs
Combat-related hearing damage is one of the common conditions reported by affected service members. The constant loud noises from machinery, guns, aircraft, and explosions can cause hearing loss and tinnitus.
Symptoms of combat-related hearing injuries include:
- Difficulty understanding spoken language
- Buzzing or ringing in the ears
- Speech and sounds seem muffled
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating
- Feeling a full sensation in the ears
- Asking people to repeat what they said or speak louder
- Difficulty hearing alarm clocks, doorbells, and high-pitched sounds
- Turning up the volume on devices because you cannot hear them
- Hypersensitivity to some sounds
The symptoms of combat-related hearing loss may be mild or severe. In some cases, a person may become deaf because of the loud noises.
Who is Responsible for Damages Caused by Defective Military Earplugs?
Although 3M settled with the federal government, it can still be liable for damages experienced by injured service members. Thousands of product liability lawsuits have been filed against the earplug manufacturer seeking compensation for a variety of damages.
The cases have been centralized in a multidistrict litigation (MDL) action in the Northern District of Florida.
The first 3M bellwether trial resulted in a jury award of $7.1 million in damages to three plaintiffs. The second jury trial was held in May 2021. The jury in that trial ruled in favor of 3M Company.
In the third trial, jurors ruled that 3M was 62% liable for the $1.7 million in damages sustained by a veteran. The fourth trial to go to court resulted in an $8.2 million verdict for a U.S. Army veteran. Jurors found that 3M failed to issue satisfactory safety warnings, and the earplugs had a design defect.
What Should You Do About Hearing Loss After Wearing 3M Combat Earplugs?
If you believe that you sustained hearing loss or other ear injuries because of military combat earplugs, seek immediate medical attention. You need to document your injuries and receive a diagnosis from a doctor.
Contact our New York product liability lawyers as quickly as possible. Lawsuits continue to be filed seeking compensation for damages.
However, the statutes of limitations set firm deadlines for filing lawsuits. If you do not act quickly, you could lose the right to pursue a legal claim for defective military earplugs.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our NYC Product Liability Lawyer
If you have questions about defective products, contact our law firm to schedule a free consultation with a product liability lawyer in New York, NY. We want to help you get the money you deserve after being injured by a defective product.
