Service Member To Get $22.5M In 3M Earplug Lawsuit

Service Member To Get $22.5M In 3M Earplug Lawsuit

Introduction

A military service member has been awarded a $22.5 million settlement by a Florida federal jury in a 3M earplugs lawsuit that accused the company of manufacturing faulty earplugs that result in hearing loss.

As per the court documents, the plaintiff served in the Army from October 2006 to May 2014 when he used earplugs as he was exposed to a variety of noise from weapons, generators, mechanized vehicles, helicopters and airplanes. The noise exposure resulted in bilateral tinnitus and noise-induced hearing loss to the plaintiff due to defective earplugs.

As per the verdict, the jury found that 3M's earplugs were defective, which resulted in hearing damage to the plaintiff. The plaintiff used the earplugs while he was serving in the army. The service member is set to receive $7.5 million in compensatory damages and $15 million in punitive damages. It is one of the largest verdicts in 3M's earplugs' multidistrict litigation.

The attorneys for the plaintiff stated that it is the second time that the jury has found 3M guilty over the manufacturing of defective earplugs, which justifies severe punishment and penalties for the company. They will closely watch the ongoing two trials of 3M as it will be helpful in future litigations. The lawyers even added that 3M chose profits over the safety of those who served the nation.

Last month, another federal jury of Florida awarded $13 million to an Army sergeant, whereas a jury in Pensacola awarded the verdict in 3M's favor against the plaintiff who served in the Army and Army National Guard.

3M secured a win in the second and fifth trials whereas lost three suits, including a three-plaintiff trial of $7.1 million settlement in April, $1.7 million in June and $8.2 million in October.

Currently, more than 250,000 service members and other individuals are included in the MDL over CAEv2 earplugs made by 3M acquired Aearo Technologies LLC.