3M’s $6B Earplug Settlement Payments Expected by Spring 2025

3M’s $6B Earplug Settlement Payments Expected by Spring 2025

Introduction

Approximately 93% of claimants from the 2023 3M earplug settlement are expected to receive their base settlement awards by spring 2025, according to one of the law firms involved in the case.

The settlement

In August 2023, 3M agreed to a $6.01 billion settlement with U.S. service members and veterans. Aearo Technologies, acquired by 3M in 2008, exclusively supplied Combat Arms Earplugs (Version 2) to various branches of the U.S. military. These earplugs were designed to protect against hearing loss caused by gunfire, explosions, and other loud sounds.

What did the attorneys for the plaintiffs claim?

However, a law firm representing plaintiffs stated that the earplugs were too short to fit properly, loosening during use and failing to shield users from harmful noise. “The company assured the government the earbuds met the required 22 NPR standard, but the noise-canceling side tested at an average of -2 NPR, amplifying sound instead,” the firm claimed on its website.

Whistleblower lawsuit

According to a whistleblower lawsuit, 3M and Aearo were aware of the defects as early as 2000. Other law firms argue that the defective earplugs, distributed between 2003 and 2015, caused significant hearing damage to service members.

3M denies liability

3M denies liability, despite the allegations. During the litigation, Aearo filed for bankruptcy, briefly stalling settlement negotiations. The company has faced numerous other lawsuits related to product liability and environmental contamination.

The settlement represents a significant resolution in one of the largest product liability cases involving military equipment.