Thousands of men and women from Texas and other parts of the country serve our nation in the various branches of the U.S. armed forces. They risk their lives every day to protect our citizens at home and abroad. Certainly, military personnel rely on different types of equipment, such as earplugs, to safeguard their bodies while on duty. Unfortunately, several veterans have filed defective products lawsuits against a major manufacturer after the faulty earplugs they used apparently led to hearing loss.
According to reports, 3M Company manufactured and sold earplugs to the nation's military to be used in combat situations. Sales of this product occurred for over a 10-year period. It is estimated that thousands of soldiers used these earplugs during this time frame. The earplugs were used in training situations as well as during active duty.
Diagnoses of hearing loss and tinnitus became more frequent. It was determined that the plugs were not long enough to be properly inserted and did not fit tightly enough to provide the protection as advertised. Apparently, the company was aware of the defects, yet failed to communicate this to the military. The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against 3M last summer for its false claims that was settled for $9.1 million.
Now, several service personnel are filing individual civil claims for the damages allegedly caused by 3M's actions. One lawsuit states that the company hid the dangers of the product in a willful and reckless manner. The lawsuit seeks damages for medical expenses, loss of wages and pain.
If a company's negligence in selling defective products has led to serious injuries, someone may choose to file a lawsuit against the business deemed responsible. A Texas personal injury attorney can assist families with the legal process. A successful outcome in a lawsuit could help defray hospital costs and other expenses, as well as provide an award for a person's suffering.