3m defective combat earplugs | Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC

El Paso 3M Earplug Attorney

From 2003 to 2015, the United States government issued dual-ended combat earplugs to military personnel. Although these earplugs were meant to protect the troops as they served the country, the products were defective and instead sent veterans home with hearing loss and chronic conditions such as tinnitus.

Many lawsuits have already been filed against 3M, the manufacturer that created the earplugs, for harming people who work hard to protect our country. If you served in the military during these years and are now diagnosed with hearing problems after using these earplugs, call El Paso 3M earplug attorney Michael J. Gopin today. You could be entitled to compensation for the damages you suffered.

Schedule your free consultation now.

How Are 3M Earplugs Defective?

The dual-ended combat earplugs were designed to be worn in two ways. When worn ā€œopen,ā€ the earplugs were supposed to protect troops from the loud noises of combat, such as explosions and gunfire. However, troops could still hear quieter noises, such as talking and whispers from fellow servicemen and women. When worn ā€œclosed,ā€ the earplugs were meant to block out all noise.

Unfortunately, there was a defect in the design of the earplugs. They would gradually become loose without the wearer knowing. This left troops exposed to loud noises, leading to damage to their hearing. Today, as a result, many American veterans are experiencing tinnitus or other irreversible damage to their hearing.

Who Is Responsible for Injuries Caused by Defective Earplugs?

In 2018, 3M settled a lawsuit filed under the False Claims Act with the United States government for $9.1 million. The government claimed in its lawsuit that 3M knew about the defect and continued to sell the earplugs to the military. Although this lawsuit compensates the military for its purchase of the earplugs and the wrongdoing by 3M, it does not compensate the people who are actually suffering damages from the defect.

Today, hundreds of veterans have filed lawsuits against the manufacturer. Many of these lawsuits have already been successful, but going up against a giant manufacturer such as 3M is not easy. If you want to take legal action, you need to speak to an El Paso 3M earplug attorney who has the experience and resources to handle your case.

Contact the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC now to learn how we can help you demand full and fair compensation from 3M.

Compensation for Injuries Caused by Defective Earplugs

Filing a lawsuit against 3M allows you to claim any damages, or losses, you have sustained. Some of the most common types of damages in these cases include:

  • Doctorā€™s fees
  • Costs of medical treatment
  • Prescription medication
  • Hearing aids and other assistive devices
  • Lost wages
  • Lost benefits
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Emotional distress
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Although these damages cannot fully restore the losses you have suffered related to your hearing, they can help with the financial burden of your injury. A personal injury claim also sends a message to Corporate America that these large companies cannot sacrifice the health of the American people for their own profit, particularly those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country.

Time Limit for Filing a 3M Combat Earplugs Lawsuit

If you wish to hold 3M accountable for your hearing loss, you should speak to an experienced El Paso personal injury attorney right away. In Texas, there is a two-year time limit, or statute of limitations, on all personal injury claims, so it is important to act quickly. If you file your claim after the statute of limitations has expired, you will likely be barred from receiving any compensation.

There are some exceptions to this time limit, however. For example, hearing loss is not always detected right away. It may be something that develops over time, particularly if you wore these earplugs regularly as part of your time in service. As such, you may have two years from the date you discovered the damage to your hearing to file a claim for compensation.

When you contact the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC, our attorneys can review your case and quickly get to work on your claim.

Common Symptoms of Hearing Loss

If you think you have suffered hearing damage due to defective earplugs, there are several symptoms you should talk to your doctor about. The common symptoms include:

  • Hearing loss that lasts less than 48 hours
  • Sounds that are distorted or muffled
  • An inability to hear when people are speaking
  • Unable to hear the television or other electronics without increasing the volume

Tinnitus is a condition in which a person hears noise when there is no external force producing the sound. Symptoms of the condition include:

  • Ringing, humming, hissing, clicking, buzzing, or roaring in the ears
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Unable to hear external noises
  • Fatigue
  • Stress
  • Problems sleeping
  • Anxiety, irritability, depression
  • Problems with memory

If you believe you have developed tinnitus or suffered other hearing loss after using 3M earplugs in the military, itā€™s important that you speak with our El Paso 3M earplug lawyer right away.

Call Our Texas 3M Earplug Attorney Today

If you have suffered hearing loss or other damage from defective 3M earplugs you were issued in the military, you need to speak to an El Paso 3M earplug attorney right away. You may have a valid claim for compensation that can help offset the costs of your condition. Itā€™s important, however, that you act fast so time doesnā€™t run out on your claim.

At the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC, we are dedicated to helping those brave men and women who have served our country. Our respected legal team has the knowledge and skill necessary to hold big manufacturers accountable for their actions. We will thoroughly evaluate the losses you have suffered and demand the maximum compensation you deserve.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help and to schedule your free consultation.