We have a tremendous number of veterans here Mississippi, many of whom have returned home after their service only to suffer from a variety of short term and permanent medical conditions. It seriously troubles me whenever our service members are harmed needlessly, and a massive class-action lawsuit has demonstrated, once again, that we have not done enough to protect our veterans from harm. If you served in the U.S. military between 2003 and 2015, you might have been issued, Combat Arms Earplugs, Version 2 (CAEv2). The company 3M manufactured the earplugs, which were supposed to offer two levels of protection. Instead, the earplugs failed to provide a basic level of ear protection, which resulted in service members being exposed to loud noises when they should have been protected. As a result, those suffering from hearing loss and tinnitus, which I will describe below, are entitled to compensation for any effect on their hearing arising from their use of the 3M earplugs.
If you suffered hearing loss or tinnitus as a result of your military service from 2003 to 2015, you may be entitled to compensation for injuries and ongoing expenses. You will need to have experienced counsel help you attain your fair share of compensation. Barrett Law has the experience to help you need—contact us now at (800) 707-9577.
Hearing Loss and Tinnitus in Service Members Serving from 2003 to 2015
Exposure to thunderous sounds such as gunfire, artillery, and heavy machinery is a standard military experience. While service members were issued 3M earplugs to muffle these loud sounds, the product was defective and failed to protect the user’s ears. As a result, many service members that used 3M’s products have suffered from hearing loss and tinnitus.
Hearing loss is a prolonged decrease in a person’s ability to hear and differentiate sounds. It is caused by nerve damage within the inner ear or damage to the ear itself.
We often discuss tinnitus as a “ringing in the ears.” That is a simplistic description, as tinnitus does not have to be ringing; instead, tinnitus can manifest as buzzing, hissing, clicking, screeching, and even a loud roaring sound. Another symptom is that sounds outside of the ear that would typically be audible and clear become muffled and inaudible. Thus, while generally referred to as ringing, tinnitus is more accurately described as a constant or occasional sound originating deep in the ear that cannot be controlled and by a suppression of the ability to hear sounds that are usually audible.
What Should You Do If or a Loved One’s Hearing Was Affected by 3M Earplugs?
If you served in the military and now suffer from permanent hearing loss or any one of the hearing deficiencies or irregularities associated with tinnitus that I listed above, you may be entitled to compensation for your injury. Hearing loss and tinnitus can severely impact your ability to work as well as your quality of life. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney that has the experience to take on an international company like 3M is vital to attaining your fair share of compensation. Do not make the mistake of hiring a general practitioner that lacks access to experts and the ability to negotiate a favorable settlement that protects your long-term interests. These are essential tasks that only a seasoned personal injury attorney can handle for you.
Call Barrett Law now, an experienced Mississippi personal injury law firm, to represent you if you have suffered hearing loss or tinnitus due to your military service. Contact us now at (800) 707-9577. Our Mississippi Personal Injury Attorney looks forward to making a difference for you.