3M settled its combat earplug lawsuit for $6 billion - but don't get too excited

3M has agreed to pay $6 billion to settle about 260,000 lawsuits claiming that earplugs that US troops were issued between 2003 and 2015 were defective. (Kyle Gunn/Task & Purpose.
Some troops who have filed lawsuits over earplugs they say were defective may be in line for around $15,000 each as part of a $6 billion settlement with manufacturing conglomerate 3M, Task & Purpose has learned.

Current and former service members have filed roughly 260,000 lawsuits claiming that the 3M earplugs that many U.S. service members were issued in Iraq and Afghanistan did not provide adequate protection.

As part of the settlement, 3M maintains that the plugs were “safe and effective when used properly.”

According to the settlement, claimants can either receive a lump sum up front or apply for an evaluation of their claim that could lead to a higher award. The exact amount for the lump sum award has yet to be determined.

https://taskandpurpose.com/news/3m-earplug-settlement-veterans-hearing-loss/