Pittsburgh group Seeks Payment for Military Victims of Hearing Loss

Pittsburgh Mass Tort Lawyer Fights for Veterans Affected by Defective 3M Ear Protection

Healthy hearing connects us to the world and allows us to perceive surrounding events, interact with loved ones, and maintain our safety. Unfortunately, when hearing is compromised, these connections can be fractured, leading to a significant decline in quality of life. This is why hearing loss is often considered a catastrophic injury. Compounding this issue is the negligence behind 3M Company’s production and sale of defective earplugs to the U.S. Military. Service members, who should be supplied with top-tier equipment for their duties in training and combat, were instead provided faulty earplugs that failed to shield them from harmful noise levels effectively.

Thousands of veterans have since reported conditions like hearing loss, tinnitus, and related issues. At Logue Law Group, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Pittsburgh veterans. If you’re experiencing hearing problems after your military service despite using earplugs, our group will examine your case and determine if you qualify for compensation from the $6 billion 3M settlement fund. With us, an experienced Pittsburgh injury lawyer will fight to secure the payment you deserve.

How the Case Against 3M Developed

The 3M Company entered into a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense to manufacture ear protection intended for soldiers frequently exposed to extreme noise levels caused by weapons, explosions, and other military operations. Between 2003 and 2015, the company distributed a product called Combat Arms Earplugs Version 2 (CAEv2). Unfortunately, these earplugs failed to provide adequate noise protection, resulting in widespread hearing damage among service members.

Following their use, numerous veterans reported conditions such as hearing loss and tinnitus—a persistent ringing, buzzing, or whooshing sound in the ears. Tinnitus not only causes constant annoyance but can also lead to a range of secondary issues, such as anxiety, irritability, memory loss, and poor sleep quality, all of which contribute to overall deteriorating health. Hearing loss and tinnitus are now recognized as compensable disabilities by the Veterans Administration.

The case against 3M began in 2016 when another manufacturer, Moldex-Metric, filed a whistleblower complaint. The lawsuit claimed that 3M knowingly sold “dangerously defective” earplugs to the Department of Defense. Ultimately, 3M settled the complaint for a sum of $9.1 million without admitting liability. Nonetheless, this settlement opened the doors for thousands of veterans to file individual lawsuits related to their hearing losses, resulting in approximately 250,000 plaintiffs consolidating their cases in the largest mass tort litigation in U.S. history.

Current Standing of the 3M Earplug Litigation

Fast forward to 2023—on August 29th, 3M agreed to a $6 billion settlement fund to compensate veterans harmed by the defective earplugs. Now, victims can file claims for their injuries without the added burden of litigation.

Who Qualifies for a Payment from the 3M Earplug Settlement?

You may be eligible to file for compensation if:

• You served in the U.S. military between 2003 and 2015;
• You utilized Combat Arms Earplugs Version 2 during your service; and
• You are now suffering from hearing loss, tinnitus, or related symptoms.

Collaborating with an experienced Pittsburgh car accident lawyer from Logue Law Group, is essential to proving your eligibility and advancing your claim successfully.

Why Choose a Logue Law Group?

At Logue Law Group, we are passionate about representing Pittsburgh veterans and ensuring justice is served. Our skilled attorneys understand the complexities of mass tort cases like this and are committed to holding manufacturers accountable for their negligence.

Contact a Pittsburgh Injury Lawyer for a Free Claim Consultation

If you or a loved one served in the military and suffered hearing loss or tinnitus after using 3M’s defective earplugs, don’t hesitate to take the first step toward justice. Call 844.PITT.DUI Logue Law Group at or reach out online to schedule your free consultation at our group.

We’re here to help you achieve the compensation you deserve for your service and sacrifice.