3M Combat Arms Earplug Products Liability Litigation
The causation theory is supported by scientific evidence that noise exposure causes hearing loss and tinnitus, and that the defect in the earplugs failed to adequately protect users from high-decibel noise, leading to auditory damage. Expert testimony and medical studies confirm that the defective design increased the risk of hearing injuries among military personnel exposed to loud environments.
2
Pending actions
391,224
Total actions filed
Active
Status
04/03/2019
Established
Filing deadline
Specific filing deadlines for claims related to the settlement are typically set in the court’s scheduling orders and notices, which are periodically updated. While initial deadlines for joining the litigation have likely passed, ongoing deadlines pertain to settlement claim submissions and any new claims under the reopened MDL.
Who qualifies
Plaintiffs must demonstrate medically diagnosed hearing loss or tinnitus attributed to the use of the defective 3M Combat Arms Earplugs during military service between 2003 and 2015. Exposure must be documented, and injuries confirmed through medical records. Claims must be filed within applicable statutes of limitations, which are generally governed by federal and state law, but the MDL has been dismissed as of April 2026, indicating the case is closed.
Products involved
- 3M Combat Arms Earplug (dual-ended design)
Alleged injuries
- hearing loss
- tinnitus
Bellwether trials
The MDL-2885 has seen ongoing activity with recent updates indicating the litigation is still active, with the court reopening the MDL in February 2026. Previous bellwether trials in 2023-2024 resulted in mixed verdicts, but the litigation has moved toward resolution through a large settlement. The most notable recent outcome is a $6 billion settlement announced in August 2023, with payments largely completed by May 2025. The court's recent updates confirm continued proceedings and potential future trials or settlement activities.
Settlement landscape
The total settlement amount is approximately $6 billion, with payments largely completed by May 2025. The average payout per claimant is estimated between $50,000 and $300,000. The settlement involved over 293,000 claims, with participation exceeding 98%. The litigation is ongoing with continued proceedings and potential future claims.
Lead counsel
- Bryan F. Aylstock, Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz, PLLC
This page is generated from the official JPML pending-MDL report and public court records, refreshed monthly. It is provided for attorney reference and is not legal advice.
