What is the 3M Earplugs Lawsuit? Know why the conglomerate is being sued as it settles for $6 billion

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

3M, a multinational conglomerate, has agreed to a substantial settlement amount of over $6 billion in a class-action lawsuit involving faulty earplugs. The lawsuit alleged that the company's Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplugs, CAEv.2, manufactured between 2003 and 2015, led to hearing loss, tinnitus, and other hearing-related injuries among consumers and military members. This decision comes as a significant milestone in a legal battle that centered on claims of inadequate earplug design.

A Victory for Plaintiffs and Veterans

Lawyers representing the plaintiffs hailed the agreement as historic and a triumph for veterans. In an official statement, they expressed pride in securing justice and rightful compensation for those who suffered hearing damage. Bryan F. Aylstock of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz, PLLC; Christopher A. Seeger of Seeger Weiss LLP; and Clayton Clark of Clark, Love & Hutson, PLLC were instrumental in advocating for the plaintiffs' rights throughout the lawsuit.

Settlement Details and Contributions

3M plans to disburse the settlement amount between 2023 and 2029. This contribution will consist of $5 billion in cash and $1 billion in 3M common stock, according to a statement published on the company's official website. Despite the settlement, 3M maintains that the agreement is ‘not an admission of liability’. The company asserts that the earplugs were safe and effective when used properly.

Allegations and Defects

The lawsuit revolved around allegations that the Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplugs, CAEv.2, which were initially manufactured by Aearo LLC between 2003 and 2015 and later acquired by 3M in 2007, were prone to becoming loose. This defect reportedly led to the exposure of users to harmful and loud