An increasing number of veterans are coming forward in regard to injuries they’ve sustained as the result of using 3M combat earplugs while in the service. Veterans maintain that they’ve suffered permanent injury by using the 3M combat earplugs. On a few occasions, some servicemembers were able to obtain some relief to issues they believe were caused by the use of 3M combat earplugs. The majority of members of the armed services that used the 3M combat earplugs who report injury maintain that they’ve yet to experience any relief from the symptoms.
Unique Design of the 3M Combat Earplugs
The 3M combat earplugs had what was considered a unique design. Indeed, this unusual or heretofore unseen design was one of the reasons the 3M combat earplugs had considerable appeal to the U.S. military. Unfortunately, as will be discussed in a moment, both elements of the 3M combat earplugs are said to be dangerously defective.
The 3M combat earplugs had a dual application. One side of the earplugs, identified as the green side, was designed to block all sound. This side of the earplug, known as the closed position, was designed for use by servicemembers who constantly were bombarded by intense sounds.
The other half of a 3M combat earplug was said to be the open side. This element of the earplug was yellow on color and was designed for use when loud sounds were intermittent. The yellow component permitted other sounds to filter through, including commands from officers and so forth.
Defects in Green or Closed Element of 3M Combat Earplugs
Each of the two elements of the 3M combat earplugs are riddled with different types of defects. The green or closed element of 3M combat earplugs had a design flaw that rendered it impossible for these earplugs to provide protection from constant high-level sounds. This includes the level of noise found in combat. In other words, the green or closed element of the earplugs simply could not provide the protection promised.
3M appears to have made matters worse. 3M appears to have falsified date regarding the decibel-reduction rating and possibilities of the green side of the device. In other words, 3M was well aware of the design defect and attempted to cover it up.
Defects in Yellow or Open Element of 3M Combat Earplugs
The yellow or open element of the 3M combat earplugs are also defective. In regard to this side of the earplugs, the yellow or open element were not appropriately rated by the manufacturer. Simply, the company appears to have rated that element of the earplugs in a deceptive manner. In addition, ultimately it became evident that required testing did not appear to have been performed in regard to this element of the earplugs. The bottom line is that the yellow or open element of the 3M combat earplugs, like the green or closed counterpart, did not provide the level of protection promised to or needed by servicemembers.
Persistent Injuries Associated with Defective 3M Combat Earplugs
An ever-growing number of service members and former service members are reporting specific, persistent injuries arising out of their use of defective 3M combat earplugs. These are:
- Hearing loss
- Ringing in ears
- Tinnitus
These different injuries are having significantly negative impacts on the lives of people who’ve dedicated themselves to the service of our country.
3M Combat Earplugs Injuries and Your Legal Rights
If you’re like a considerable number of service members who’ve suffered injuries as the result of using defective 3M combat earplugs, the attorneys of The nationwide Doan Law Firm are here for you. You can connect with a 3M combat earplug attorney any time that is convenient for you by calling (800) 349-000.
We keep our personal injury hotline staffed around the clock, 24 hours a day. The phone line is open seven days a week, 365 days a year, including all major holidays.
We can schedule an initial consultation and case evaluation with a 3M combat earplugs lawyer at any one of our 40 offices located across the country. We can also schedule a virtual consultation with a 3M combat earplugs lawyer online as well. There is never a charge for an initial consultation.
The Doan Law Firm makes an attorney fee promise to you. Our firm will never charge a fee in your case unless we win for you.