Lawsuits: Ear Plug Manufacturer Reportedly Knew Military Plugs Were Faulty

UNITED STATES – According to a news report posted online by militarytimes.com, lawsuits filed around the country claim that an ear plug manufacturer knew that the units it was selling to the U.S. military were faulty. The lawsuits claim that veterans have sustained permanent injuries due to their ears not being protected during combat. Montlick & Associates, named “Most Patriotic Business of 2011” by the Association of the U.S. Army is investigating potential legal claims involving 3M’s dual-ended Combat Arms earplugs (dual-ended combat arms earplugs, version 2, caev2) causing hearing loss, tinnitus, ringing in the ear, and permanent deafness.*

The lawsuits, which have so far been filed by hundreds of veterans in various states in the nation, state that the ear plugs did not have a fitted seal and were capable of allowing sound to pass through to the ears of military members. The manufacturer of these plugs, 3M, had a contract to be the exclusive seller of ear plugs to the military and reportedly sold more than 15,000 packages of the plugs to the military. 

The plugs are cone-shaped at both ends and are supposed to prevent service members from exposure to the damaging sounds of gun, explosions, and other noises in combat. According to the lawsuits filed, the plugs are too short to be properly inserted, and they do not protect people’s ears from hazardous noises. 

The veterans who have filed lawsuits against 3M allege that they have suffered lasting hearing loss and life-altering symptoms associated with that hearing loss. They also claim that 3M knew its ear plugs were faulty for years while continuing to sell them to the military. 

In another lawsuit that was filed by the U.S. government, 3M agreed to pay $9.1 million over the ear plugs. That suit was filed pursuant to the False Claims Act and alleged that the company sold the ear plugs to the military while knowing that the plugs did not offer full protection and without disclosing that information to the military. 

Put Our Law Firm's Over 39 Years Of Legal Experience To Work For Your Case!

If you have been injured by these defective earplugs, call Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law for your free consultation today. Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law has been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout the Southeast for over 39 years.

No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour live chat. 

Source:https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2019/02/14/hundreds-of-vets-are-suing-over-these-defective-combat-earplugs/