3M EARPLUG LAWSUIT UPDATE - $6 BILLION SETTLEMENT MOVING FORWARD


By bblouin
Orange earplugs sitting on top of a grey shirt in light of the 3m earplug lawsuit.

The 3M earplug lawsuit, or rather several 3M lawsuits, seems to be moving forward. A settlement has been reached by both parties. This comes after 3M provided standard-issue earplugs to the American Armed Forces that have allegedly left many service members facing hearing loss and tinnitus. Worst of all, it’s believed that this came after 3M was fully aware that there were issues with their product. Get the latest 3M earplug lawsuit update for 2024 below.Related read: Women Military Draft – Would the Selective Service Include Females?

What is the Current Status of the 3M Earplug Lawsuit?

The 3M earplug lawsuit made progress on August 29, 2023, when the company agreed to settle. Now, on March 27, 2024, it has been reported that the $6 billion settlement will go through after those who file claims have agreed as well.According to the latest 3M earplug lawsuit update, the company has decided to settle for $6 billion and should move forward after around 250,000 Veterans and service members have agreed to the terms of the deal.At least 98% of the Veterans filing against 3M needed to agree in order to move forward; however, the deadline to opt-in for legal action has passed and 99% of those eligible have agreed. Nearly 100% are expected to participate.Despite over 293,000 claims, over 41,000 were dismissed in court, but nearly 250,000 claimants are still participating in a settlement.It’s worth noting that many Veterans are still not happy with the extent of the 3M earplugs lawsuit settlement; however, this can still hopefully provide a path forward in their lives.

How Much is the 3M Earplug Lawsuit Payout Per Person?

It’s a bit too early to say what the 3M earplug lawsuit average payout will be for those affected, especially as there are lawsuit attorney fees that you’ll need to consider.With that being said, some estimates have the 3M earplug lawsuit payout as low as a couple of thousand per person. Others are reaching well over $200,000. The amount you receive is based on your medical records.You can expect to see payments from the 3M earplugs lawsuit starting in 2024, as some have already been issued. Most of them will occur after this year and through 2029.Suggested read: CEO Dave Calhoun Is Stepping Down, What’s Next for Boeing?

History of the 3M Lawsuit

3M earplug lawsuits have been ongoing as hundreds of thousands of military members, both actively serving and Veterans, have filed claims against the conglomerate.These lawsuits allege that the company’s defective earplugs, previously issued as standard military gear, caused hearing damage. Judge Rodgers oversaw this multi-district litigation (MDL) case.While the military plaintiffs won 10 out of 16 bellwether trials in Florida, resulting in jury awards of nearly $300 million, there was not a global settlement until March 27, 2024.In an effort to reach a resolution, formal mediation between 3M and the plaintiffs’ attorneys was mandated by Judge Rodgers, and ultimately ended without success.The plaintiffs’ attorneys requested the resumption of mediation. 3M disagreed stating that further mediation in the current court wasn’t necessary. Despite this, 3M was committed to ongoing mediation in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.3M put Aearo Technologies into bankruptcy, freezing litigation against the subsidiary. The St. Paul, Minnesota-based conglomerate sought to extend the freeze to itself but was denied and appealed the ruling.Aearo Technologies’ bankruptcy strategy aims to minimize potential damages related to earplugs, which are already reaching well over $100 billion in losses.

The Lawsuit Continues on for Thousands

Before the settlement, Mike Roman, the Chairman and CEO of 3M, personally attended mediation sessions as ordered by a federal judge. These sessions took place on May 25 and May 26, 2023 in Pensacola.An example of mass torts, 3M continues to face lawsuits that range over 293,000 in the U.S. District Court in northern Florida. This is a result of allegedly knowingly providing the U.S. military with faulty earplugs.But this is simply part of the process. The 3M earplug lawsuit update that comes following the sessions in Florida and the new settlement agreement is part of a much larger legal battle the company is facing.This came after being a supplier for the U.S. military and as a result, has spread across thousands of suits.On August 29, 2023, the company agreed to a settlement that would see 3M paying $6.01 billion to those who suffered hearing loss while wearing their earplugs, specifically Veterans and service members.3M wanted to file in bankruptcy court, but that avenue was a dead end, providing a path to the $6.01 billion settlement. This could prove advantageous for the company, as financial experts are projecting the total payout to be around $10 billion.3M didn’t have to pay the settlement if under 98% of those who are eligible to make a claim don’t.However, for 293,000 parties, a decision was finally made to accept the settlement.

Is the Lawsuit Worth It?

Whether or not the 3M earplug lawsuit is worth it is up to you. Everyone has their own personal opinion, lives, and needs.Your best bet, because we are not lawyers and this is not legal advice, is to speak with your legal counsel.You may be entitled to compensation based on factors that only your legal representation can uncover.To learn more about your legal opportunities and the settlement agreement, you can reach out to the litigation management firm heading up the case, BrownGreer by clicking the link.

How to File 3M Earplug Lawsuit

If you’re looking to file, you won’t have to look far. Several attorney offices are ready to serve your needs. Simply searching for legal representation in your area is the first step.Please note that some deadlines to file may have passed by the time you read this. You should always consult with a licensed attorney.This is not legal advice but merely a blog delivering news and information so that you can make an informed decision and stay up-to-date on the 3M earplug lawsuit.Read next: Informational Interviews: A Veteran’s Secret Weapon for Landing a Job


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