3M Combat Arms Earplug Settlement Identification Phase Complete, and Submission of Eligible Claimant Registration Forms Will Soon Begin
As the latest 3M earplug settlement update is issued by the Court, there remain questions over whether enough veterans will sign onto the deal to finalize the pact, which would average about $24,000 per claim.
A federal judge has determined that process for identifying all potential claimants who may participate in a recent $6 billion 3M Combat Arms earplug lawsuit settlement agreement has been completed, and the next phase will soon begin, allowing plaintiffs to submit registration forms to obtain compensation for hearing loss and tinnitus injuries.
The settlement seeks to resolve nearly 300,000 product liability lawsuits brought against 3M Company by U.S. military veterans, who say they suffered permanent hearing damage due to alleged design defects with the company’s Combat Arms earplugs, which were standard military issue for all service members between 2003 and 2015.
The veterans claim 3M Company, and it’s Aero Technologies subsidiary, knew the earplugs failed to properly seal the ear canal, yet continued to sell their product to the U.S. government, causing service members to be left without adequate ear protection during combat and training exercises.
Given common questions of fact and law raised in the litigation, all claims brought throughout the federal court system have been centralized for the past three and a half years before U.S. District Judge Casey Rodgers in the Northern District of Florida, as part of an MDL or multidistrict litigation.
Following a series of massive damage awards returned by juries in early cases that went to trial in the MDL, the manufacturer decided to pursue a controversial 3M earplug lawsuit bankruptcy plan last year, attempting to put its fully owned subsidiary Aearo Technologies into bankruptcy, even though 3M is a multi-billion dollar parent company that is well funded and directly profited from sale of the earplugs for years.
However, federal courts repeatedly shot down the earplug manufacturer’s attempts, saying the filings were not made in good faith, and that the company faced no financial distress from the lawsuits that would warrant bankruptcy protection.
3M Combat Arms Earplug Settlement
With thousands of potential trials likely to be scheduled over the next year, which could result in massive liability awards, 3M Company offered a $6 billion Combat Arms earplug lawsuit settlement (PDF) on August 28, which seeks to resolve the litigation and prevent the federal court system from being flooded with hundreds of thousands of trials in the coming years. However, there remain some questions about whether enough individual plaintiffs will agree to accept the settlement, which would be paid over the course of five years.
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Learn MoreIn the days after the settlement was announced, Judge Rodgers issued a case management order (PDF) detailing how the Court intended to protect plaintiffs from predatory settlement lending companies, which often advance money at extremely high interest rates once a settlement is announced. In addition, the Court also issued an order (PDF) describing how those who do not wish to participate in the settlement can proceed with individual lawsuits.
On September 23, the latest 3M earplug settlement update was issued by the Court, announcing in a case management order (PDF) that the identification phase of the program is now complete. Judge Rodgers indicated that the “process for Eligible Claimants to submit Registration Forms, including required signatures and attachments, will soon begin.”
Earplug Settlement Amount Concerns
While the parties move forward with the settlement claim process, there remain questions over whether enough veterans will approve of the deal to sign on.
Plaintiffs have six months from August 29 to accept or opt-out of the agreement, however some have questioned whether the settlement amount, which comes to about $24,000 per plaintiff paid out across five years, is adequate to address permanent hearing loss and tinnitus injuries. If less than 98% of plaintiffs agree to the settlement, the deal may fall apart.
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56 Comments
JosephMarch 15, 2024 at 6:41 am
Does anyone know of a lawyer I could use to sue them on my own and not through the group lawsuit?
BryanMarch 14, 2024 at 2:41 pm
I feel in the future a bunch of lawsuits from veterans in this 3M settlement. The law firms are gouging us with attorney fees. I read one person got awarded 16K and only took home 4300$ that number doesn’t sound right. It’s only supposed to 40% and 9% for court fees. That person should have got awarded 8300$ not 4300$. So it seems to the law firms are getting paid out not us. Something isn’t jivin[Show More]I feel in the future a bunch of lawsuits from veterans in this 3M settlement. The law firms are gouging us with attorney fees. I read one person got awarded 16K and only took home 4300$ that number doesn’t sound right. It’s only supposed to 40% and 9% for court fees. That person should have got awarded 8300$ not 4300$. So it seems to the law firms are getting paid out not us. Something isn’t jiving here.
JamesMarch 12, 2024 at 1:34 pm
Was in this lawsuit from the beginning. Artillery in combat and worked with EOD. Draw 10% from the VA for tinnitus and hearing loss. The VA is doing away with awarding Tinnitus awards. Rumored that this lawsuit is the root cause of it. Offered me 10 grand before the lawyers cut. While archer sent an additional email saying I could get up to 240,000 thousand due to my VA records showing hearing los[Show More]Was in this lawsuit from the beginning. Artillery in combat and worked with EOD. Draw 10% from the VA for tinnitus and hearing loss. The VA is doing away with awarding Tinnitus awards. Rumored that this lawsuit is the root cause of it. Offered me 10 grand before the lawyers cut. While archer sent an additional email saying I could get up to 240,000 thousand due to my VA records showing hearing loss and Tinnitus awards. My lawyer's tried to force me to take the 10 k. I replied with what archer sent and they said it would cost 1000.00 dollars or more for each category that I filed for which would be deducted from what I recieve from my settlement plus the 33% they charged for representing me in my case. You can sue your laywers also if the dont represent you or neglect your case.
ElizabethMarch 7, 2024 at 10:25 pm
My husband received his settlement March 5,2024 *Very pleased* Thank you Last Day to file was February 20, 2024.
QuintinMarch 5, 2024 at 10:09 pm
Yeah I think it's b******* that they're trying to stretch the payments out 5 years a lot of the veterans are messed up right now and they waited years already it doesn't make sense if the case is finalized everybody's papers are in all the documents that are needed are in just pay us our money up front one payment get it over with anything else is a game is real b******* you still can't show your [Show More]Yeah I think it's b******* that they're trying to stretch the payments out 5 years a lot of the veterans are messed up right now and they waited years already it doesn't make sense if the case is finalized everybody's papers are in all the documents that are needed are in just pay us our money up front one payment get it over with anything else is a game is real b******* you still can't show your bedroom is no respect you can't put them at the top of the list get things done a little more efficiently the same way you trained us to be y'all should be acting for us
BrandiMarch 5, 2024 at 2:17 pm
Can claims still be filed? I have horrible tinnitus and served 2003-2007.
TerryFebruary 24, 2024 at 5:33 pm
I service 22years Active duty
ChristopherFebruary 16, 2024 at 5:29 pm
Too late to file a claim?
RonnieFebruary 16, 2024 at 9:46 am
I'm supposed to get a $5000 check but the first phase came out and I wasn't on the list. I was told by Archer and my Lawyer that the first 20000 or so checks went out in late January. They are going by your placement number. Mine is 65000 and something. They told me the big payments were first and that's why the number of checks they sent out was so low. I was also told I should be on the list at [Show More]I'm supposed to get a $5000 check but the first phase came out and I wasn't on the list. I was told by Archer and my Lawyer that the first 20000 or so checks went out in late January. They are going by your placement number. Mine is 65000 and something. They told me the big payments were first and that's why the number of checks they sent out was so low. I was also told I should be on the list at the next payout which will probably be in March or April. They are doing payouts quarterly. The $24000 payouts are for the ones that have Dr's proof and are now on hear in aids. I had proof but couldn't afford the hear in aids so my payout is only $5000 but that's before lawyer fees and court costs, which is what I was told. So I will probably be lucky to get $2000 after everything is said and done.
DeniseFebruary 15, 2024 at 6:19 pm
Is it to late to file a claim?
JasonFebruary 6, 2024 at 7:23 pm
The lawyers are doing a piss poor job handling this. When the hell does this pay out for those of us who are injured? I'm learning more about outcomes from reading Google News than from my lawyer.
JuanFebruary 6, 2024 at 4:25 pm
Im a veteran served fron 2007 to 2011 i was part of artillery unit i have tinnitus and hearing loss I just find out about the 3m earplug lawsuit can I still file for the claim please advise.
DouglasFebruary 6, 2024 at 2:49 pm
I think this whole thing is a joke. Some won't even get paid until 2029' it's like agent orange. They'll wait and hope alot of Suffering veterans will die before they get paid. I'm 100% with 10% for hearing loss, my offer is 10,000 before lawyers cut'once again the only people who benefit are the Lawyers
JOELJanuary 30, 2024 at 7:52 am
I've heard there are firms still taking claims but now it's more of a scavenger than treasure hunt...
AntoinetteJanuary 29, 2024 at 4:47 pm
There are some veterans that have mitigating circumstances and should be afforded the opportunity.
RichardJanuary 28, 2024 at 12:59 pm
I served 8.5 years my mos was Artillery and I can still remember the first day inside a M109A5 Howitzer and having these ear plugs as my initial issue half you that have competed on this post probably couldn’t tell me what the green side was for and what the yellow side was used for. Yes there where two sides to these plugs however ether side of these garbage ass ear pro worked as claimed to prote[Show More]I served 8.5 years my mos was Artillery and I can still remember the first day inside a M109A5 Howitzer and having these ear plugs as my initial issue half you that have competed on this post probably couldn’t tell me what the green side was for and what the yellow side was used for. Yes there where two sides to these plugs however ether side of these garbage ass ear pro worked as claimed to protect us from. Secondly I agree us as veterans no matter what your military occupation was. Had to wear these on and off rifle ranges and where exposed to decimals higher then normal and again where left in the hands of the lowest bidding contractor for the United States Army supply company 3M. Which by they way still are lead in all the equipment we use to get our hearing tested still to this day. I agree with what a lot are saying on this site about the money hungry attorneys we all have been dealing with and yes US VETERANS WILL BE PLACED ON THE BACK BURNER AFTER ALL THIS!!! Be thankful for the Veterans who started this litigation and got the issue brought to our attention!!!! So for those vets I thank you. God speed
GaryJanuary 28, 2024 at 12:27 pm
I have chronic hearing loss and had to have surgery to remove a 3m plug from my inner ear. I was an artillery Drill Sergeant. I submitted my records. Now I am being told my records are lost. I need help, immediately no one will help me. I'm having panic attacks and migraines. I'm a l 100th percentile P/T. If you see how the true Veterans are suffering then why can't I get my funds. Help me!!!!!! [Show More]I have chronic hearing loss and had to have surgery to remove a 3m plug from my inner ear. I was an artillery Drill Sergeant. I submitted my records. Now I am being told my records are lost. I need help, immediately no one will help me. I'm having panic attacks and migraines. I'm a l 100th percentile P/T. If you see how the true Veterans are suffering then why can't I get my funds. Help me!!!!!! I am a combat Veteran and my case is cut and dry. I was told after 4years. I would not receive nothing. I don't get it. I retired honorable.
RalphJanuary 27, 2024 at 2:45 pm
I’m a100% DV via IU with a 10% rating for tinnitus and 80% combat rating. I’d like to file
ArthurJanuary 27, 2024 at 12:13 pm
This case cannot be signed up for anymore.
MychealJanuary 27, 2024 at 3:14 am
They been callin me for months. Finally got a email. And then called. I finally answered and they say I have a check for $5000. So why am I hearing $24000??? Anybody know
IsraelJanuary 26, 2024 at 3:38 pm
The 3M suit was a complete waste, I was awarded 16K and received $4300 after all the bullshit attorney fees.
KeithJanuary 26, 2024 at 3:02 pm
They had these same earplugs in desert storm in what about those veterans?
GuinexJanuary 26, 2024 at 10:34 am
They did it wrong because they didn't even contact all the veterans during that period of time. A lot veterans didn't know about the lawsuit. I have served 08 to 12, I have used that 3m ear plugs. When I tried to file the claim, they said it too late. I think each veterans who used 3m ear plugs during the period of time, must be compensated by the VA medical records and their loss of hearing and[Show More]They did it wrong because they didn't even contact all the veterans during that period of time. A lot veterans didn't know about the lawsuit. I have served 08 to 12, I have used that 3m ear plugs. When I tried to file the claim, they said it too late. I think each veterans who used 3m ear plugs during the period of time, must be compensated by the VA medical records and their loss of hearing and Tinnitus.
EustusJanuary 23, 2024 at 1:01 pm
I'm sorry to tell y'all guys still trying to sign up it's to late you let years go by and though it was not true why y'all aint just sign up it was free to sign up what did you have to lose NOTHING you had everything to gain
DaronJanuary 20, 2024 at 9:57 pm
Is it too late to file a claim? My ears are ringing as I write this! Retired in 08. 100% disabled through the VA. 10% for tinnitus.
GerardoJanuary 20, 2024 at 8:27 pm
I was part of the Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, with VFA 201 Hunters out of Fort worth, Texas. I served as an F/A= 18 Aviation Structural Mechanic, on the Flightline of the Rosevelt Carrier. I have Tinnitus and Hearing loss, along with PTSD. And In my opinion, something smells fishy like someone in control got bought off along with all the other lawfirms that seem to be on 3M's side!
MICHAELJanuary 20, 2024 at 12:07 pm
As most of the comments that I've read the settlement amount of 24k over 5 years? If you settle a case for damages in the civilian sector, there is not a five year payoff. The monies are paid in full so who is BS us. Plus, there Attorneys should do this pro bono. We fought for this country it's the least they can do. Lastly, each Soldier should be compensated by the loss of hearing and Tinnitus. T[Show More]As most of the comments that I've read the settlement amount of 24k over 5 years? If you settle a case for damages in the civilian sector, there is not a five year payoff. The monies are paid in full so who is BS us. Plus, there Attorneys should do this pro bono. We fought for this country it's the least they can do. Lastly, each Soldier should be compensated by the loss of hearing and Tinnitus. Thanks for listening.
JakeJanuary 19, 2024 at 10:35 pm
How do we get signed up for this?
ReneJanuary 19, 2024 at 5:15 pm
I've heard nothing from these lawyers after I had sent massive amounts of medical documents from the VA and this has gone on for over two years now, funny thing is, they contacted me, I didn't know about this, now I can't seem to get anyone to contact me with updates, go figure
BarryJanuary 16, 2024 at 11:30 am
How about us in the oil fields who used those ear plugs. Many of us can't get the jobs we want because we can't pass the hearing test from all the ringing in our ears
RobJanuary 10, 2024 at 7:56 pm
Military vet 26 years!!!!!! It's a slap in the face what there offering! I have faith in the military to take of it's own or this country for a long time
ShawnDecember 30, 2023 at 9:21 pm
Didn't know about this. Is it for real
JamesDecember 30, 2023 at 3:28 pm
3m Ear plugs 24,000$ is a insult let's pay the lawyers 24,000$ the lawyers should do this case for free the lawyers so this was a easy case and a way to make big money I want to know how much the lawyers are bringing Home?
AJDecember 30, 2023 at 8:00 am
Well something is better than nothing. Not everyone qualifies for the big settlements
SandraDecember 30, 2023 at 3:58 am
I have a vent - tho not part of the 3M thing. My late husband (Navy Vietnam) was in the gun tub among other ear affecting stations on the ship. He lost a good deal of his hearing and the VA denied him. We appealed to no avail. It took us many years to get what we ended up with before he passed from agent orange driven cancer/s
NedDecember 30, 2023 at 12:47 am
The army should be responsible, they are the ones in charge of accepting these fauled earplugs. They should have tested these things before accepting them Sounds like someone should have there head rolled.
CodyDecember 30, 2023 at 12:46 am
I was told by my lawyer that I will be getting just over 3k after fees for tinnitus with hearing loss and insomnia as well as migraines from the hearing damage. Completely not worth it. But at this point it's enough to pay off a few bills so I'll take what I can get.
EdwardDecember 29, 2023 at 7:23 pm
Need help finding out how to join the case.
EugeneDecember 7, 2023 at 4:23 am
The timeframe you gave for our award amount and how to go about it is over. $24K over 5yrs is an abomination. Being a personal injury lawsuit, it's tax free. However your 30% cut gives us $16,800. Over 5yrs, $3,360 isn't even worth it. Even a 6 figure settlement won't bring my hearing back or make the sharp stabbing pain during tinnitus attacks go away. Do better and expedite the process. Our othe[Show More]The timeframe you gave for our award amount and how to go about it is over. $24K over 5yrs is an abomination. Being a personal injury lawsuit, it's tax free. However your 30% cut gives us $16,800. Over 5yrs, $3,360 isn't even worth it. Even a 6 figure settlement won't bring my hearing back or make the sharp stabbing pain during tinnitus attacks go away. Do better and expedite the process. Our other injuries have drastically lowered our life spans.
TracyDecember 5, 2023 at 6:57 pm
I don’t know who is getting 24k maybe those that have tinnitus plus complete hearing loss? But those with only tinnitus are getting 1k those with tinnitus and 0% hearing loss 6k after the attorneys get their cut
AntonioNovember 12, 2023 at 8:29 am
The VA said My hearing loss and tinnitus is not from the military because I was a construction worker all my life. does this disqualify me .
RogerOctober 25, 2023 at 12:14 am
Decline the slap in the face payments!!
TOctober 8, 2023 at 5:02 pm
I didn't disarm all those IEDs to be screwed over by greedy 3M fat cats and lawyers doing the bare minimum for a fat pay day. I'm not accepting the settlement. I have literally constant high pitched ringing in my left ear that doesn't abate. I'll cut my pound of flesh myself since this "K group" seems to be settling for bat shit that 3M scraped off their shoes last quarter
JohnOctober 3, 2023 at 8:38 am
Well I for one will not be excepting this settlement. It is absurd to think that I served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan in the compacity of Route Clearance. I have documented tinnitus and severe hearing loss through the VA. A friend of mine was in an auto accident and received $ 80,000 for tinnitus alone. It doesn't make sense but when you add in attorney fees, court costs, future claims,[Show More]Well I for one will not be excepting this settlement. It is absurd to think that I served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan in the compacity of Route Clearance. I have documented tinnitus and severe hearing loss through the VA. A friend of mine was in an auto accident and received $ 80,000 for tinnitus alone. It doesn't make sense but when you add in attorney fees, court costs, future claims, taxes, and I'm sure other fees it don't add up to much. I am very curious on the 1 billion in stock options. Where is that going? As for pay out, they have 6 months from settlement date. So if you think your getting paid before mid 2024, well think again. Good luck in your decisions.
TeresaOctober 3, 2023 at 1:17 am
As a supply NCO in the Army (retired Army now), I was not only damaged by these ineffective earplugs, but I also issued them to Soldiers! $24,000 is a slap in the face compared to what we should be receiving! Tinnitus is no joke! My ears will forever ring...and I feel for the thousands of other brothers and sisters in arms who are faced with this ringing and hearing loss for the rest of their [Show More]As a supply NCO in the Army (retired Army now), I was not only damaged by these ineffective earplugs, but I also issued them to Soldiers! $24,000 is a slap in the face compared to what we should be receiving! Tinnitus is no joke! My ears will forever ring...and I feel for the thousands of other brothers and sisters in arms who are faced with this ringing and hearing loss for the rest of their lives!
AliOctober 2, 2023 at 9:57 am
I used 3m earplugs for 4 years since 2010 to 2014
NamawejjeOctober 2, 2023 at 6:13 am
Am just glad that time for completing the compensation is due to get finished.
KennethOctober 1, 2023 at 12:49 pm
I was a d o d department of defense mrap mechand Iraq 2008 Losthearing over there, 65% loss in one ear, 35% loss. In the other I have hearing AIDS. All my paperwork is in been documented by all doctors and the Department of Defense. When should I be expecting a check or some contact thank you
MathiasOctober 1, 2023 at 6:11 am
Why should the settlement take five years to complete? ~ If it remains at the span of a period of 5 years, some of the veterans may die without getting their settlement money.
Bamutiina HenryOctober 1, 2023 at 3:31 am
I really appreciate your attention, I'm from Uganda and I'm the one of victim, I've a question are we also as an Ugandan to that program because we follow the case but we see USA veterans only, is will be helpful to have replied
JohnSeptember 30, 2023 at 5:28 pm
Why are they not paying the V.A. these monies to distro according to service member's already documented hearing loss ? No lawyers needed. And no soldier is left out. Sound judgment? Yes. Geez
ErikSeptember 30, 2023 at 5:11 pm
I just read this article and you have got to be kidding me 24,000 that is a direct insult to all the claimants in my eyes. I personally would not settle for this pathetic amount.
GerardoSeptember 30, 2023 at 4:07 pm
I don't know where you went to school, but last time I checked a Billion has 9 zeroes. And about 300.000 vets are involved. You mean to tell the world that each claim is only getting 24 grand? You better get some that knows math because your full of Caca. And you all wonder why we have a hard time trusting people!
DavidSeptember 30, 2023 at 2:13 pm
24k for being permanently hearing impaired when several litigants in the MDL were awarded 10’s of millions ?! These people must think some of us are stupid !
BrianSeptember 30, 2023 at 11:05 am
I have something to add to this if you don't mind. I was affected by this 3m ear plugs , and how do they come up with an average 24,000 pay out for what we have gone through and will for life ? We will never get our hearing back and constantly listen to ringing in our ears. To me it's not right.
JamalSeptember 30, 2023 at 10:59 am
I am a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and I suffer from tinnitus in my ears, and I have try to beco.e part of the 3M claim but with no success. I could not find a law firm that would represent me in the case. Does anyone know if and how I could still become part of this case?