In July 2018, the Minnesota-based 3M Company settled a False Claims Act lawsuit claiming the company sold allegedly defective earplugs to the Defense Logistics Agency. The suit was filed under the whistleblower provisions of the Act, which allows private parties who believe false claims were made to obtain government funds to file a lawsuit on the government’s behalf.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice press release, 3M was accused of knowing that the earplugs were too short to be properly inserted into the ear and failed to disclose this information to the government when writing up contracts for the sale. 3M agreed to pay $9.1 million to resolve the allegations.
The settlement amount reimbursed the government for the costs of purchasing the earplugs, and it set an example for companies who think they can get away with defrauding the government. Individual servicemen and women are now pursuing lawsuits for damages caused from wearing the earplugs.
At Farah Law, we are dedicated to helping injured individuals seek financial justice from companies that acted negligently. Call us at (888) 481-9359 if you were issued the CAEv2 and suffered hearing loss or tinnitus while serving in the military.
The Combat Arms Earplugs, Version 2 (CAEv2) are dual-ended earplugs designed to offer two different levels of sound protection depending on which end is inserted into the ear. One side is supposed to block all sound, and the other side is supposed to allow soldiers to hear low-level sounds such as voices while blocking high-level sounds such as gunfire and explosions. However, because of the alleged design flaw the earplugs could loosen and expose soldiers to damaging combat sounds.
Military members who served between 2003 and 2015 and were issued the earplugs may have suffered hearing loss or tinnitus (continuous ringing or buzzing in the ear) as a result of wearing the allegedly defective CAEv2.
The earplugs that were supposed to protect your hearing while serving our country may not have been effective at blocking out harmful sounds, and the manufacturer should not get away with providing an allegedly defective product to our troops. You could be entitled to compensation for lost wages and medical expenses you incurred if you served in the military between 2003 and 2015, were issued the CAEv2, and suffered hearing loss or tinnitus. Protecting your rights and holding companies financially responsible for damages you suffered is our goal at Farah Law. With over three decades of combined experience, our Houston personal injury lawyers are committed to providing you with the strong advocacy you need to recover the compensation you deserve.
Call Farah Law at (888) 481-9359 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
