Has anyone else seen ads for a class action lawsuit against 3M for hearing problems?

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 10:15:50 -0500

A facebook ad came up in my feed saying, "Standard issue ear plugs given to service members between 2003 and 2015 may have been defective. If you were active in any branch of the military during this time and suffered hearing loss, you may be eligible for financial compensation from the ear plug manufacturer."

I gave them some contact information and they sent me some papers to sign. It looks legit, but I'm wondering if anyone else has any advice on this. It looks like it's a win-win: I was issued earplugs during the time in question, and I did get tinnitus for which I've submitted a VA claim. It looks like if they win the lawsuit I could get compensated, but if they lose then I'm just back where I started.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jan 2 at 2019 10:16 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 10:16:48 -0500

Not yet brother, thank you for the heads up though.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2019 10:18 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 10:18:43 -0500

Yes, Specialist. Check Class Action Lawsuits.com. There may be more details there. Some of the manufactures will settle out of court to avoid lengthy and expensive lawsuits. 3M may do the same but keep watch for deadlines to file and if they require proof that you were in fact in service at the time. That is how many companies weasel out of paying claimants.

https://www.natlawreview.com/article/3m-company-agrees-to-pay-91-million-to-settle-qui-tam-lawsuit-alleging-it-supplied

3M Company Agrees To Pay $9.1 Million to Settle Qui Tam Lawsuit Alleging That It Supplied the...

In a recently announced settlement, Minnesota-based 3M Company is resolving allegation that it knowingly sold the U.S. military defective earplugs to the tune of $9.1 million. 3M Company allegedly sol

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Jan 2 at 2019 12:43 PM

CSM Richard StCyr — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 12:43:03 -0500

Wow, still have mine and have been using them for shooting.

Response by PO1 Richard Cormier made Jan 2 at 2019 1:03 PM

PO1 Richard Cormier — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 13:03:39 -0500

Still beats using your fingers (pre-1990) as you couldn't do that and fire a weapon.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jan 2 at 2019 3:00 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 15:00:14 -0500

What? Say again your last. Couldn't hear you.... (sorry. Just couldn't resist the obvious joke)

I haven't read or seen anything regarding this. Doesn't surprise me though. We've become a lawsuit happy society who sees a "get rich quick" opportunity at every turn. I still have my issued earplugs and use them regularly when I go to the range. So far they seem to be functioning as advertised.

Response by SGT Virgil Pritchett made Jan 2 at 2019 4:28 PM

SGT Virgil Pritchett — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 16:28:15 -0500

I actually just seen a Commercial on TV about it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2019 5:32 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 17:32:03 -0500

Huh - what?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2019 7:49 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 19:49:36 -0500

They contacted me today. Looks legit to me. I've looked up articles about it on armytimes and stars and stripes. Can anybody confirm its it's good?

Response by SGT Dave Brimmer, MS, MPA made Jan 19 at 2019 9:31 AM

SGT Dave Brimmer, MS, MPA — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 09:31:11 -0500

I’ve seen it. At most, you’ll end up with your $10 portion of the settlement and no fault claimed by 3M. Just apply for Service Connected Disability Compensation through VA. You’ll get the care and financial compensation (possibly) that you’re due. Let the government and service organizations duke it out with 3M on your behalf. Just my $.02.

Response by Sarah Wilson made Jan 23 at 2019 1:00 PM

Sarah Wilson — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 13:00:54 -0500

I've seen a few too. Went with this firm because it looks like they've worked on a few other cases related to veterans. https://www.kishishlaw.com/military-earplug-hearing-loss-lawsuit

Military Earplug Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Lawsuit

U.S. military personnel that served between 2003 and 2015 and suffered serious hearing loss or tinnitus despite using military-issued earplugs may be entitled to compensation.

Response by SFC Eugene Vaillancourt made Feb 8 at 2019 4:45 PM

SFC Eugene Vaillancourt — Fri, 08 Feb 2019 16:45:48 -0500

Look closely at the fine print. Page 33/ 49 or just page 3, states client will pay attorney $ 200.00 for filing fees and other miscellaneous fees. Please read before you sign anything for this 3M law suit.

Response by SSG Kevin S. made Nov 12 at 2019 9:37 AM

SSG Kevin S. — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 09:37:19 -0500

The Only issue I have is they want my VA.GOV username and password to get the records they need. Im not that trusting, and when I said Ill get them for you, I was told because its easier for them since they know what they need. At least the law firm that contacted me (which I checked out online) gave me a queasy feeling in my gizzard.

Response by COL Jason S made Jan 22 at 2020 10:29 PM

COL Jason S — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 22:29:25 -0500

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2022 9:47 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 May 2022 21:47:47 -0400

Did you ever go through with this? Did it work out or was it a scam?