3M Settles Earplug Claims for $6 Billion Dollars

Minnesota-based 3M, announced that it has reached an agreement with the court-appointed negotiating plaintiffs' counsel, which included Dan Gustafson of Gustafson Gluek, to resolve the Combat Arms Earplug litigation against Aearo Technologies (Aearo) and 3M. Under the agreement, 3M will contribute a total amount of $6.0 billion between 2023 and 2029, which is structured under the agreement to include $5.0 billion in cash and $1.0 billion in 3M common stock.

The litigation and settlement involves cases pending before Judge Rogers, who was presiding over the federal court MDL venued in Middle District of Florida, as well as cases pending before Judge Miller in Minnesota State court in Hennepin County.

Plaintiffs in the lawsuits claim that the company hid design flaws, misrepresented test results and failed to provide instructions for proper use of the earplugs, leading to hearing damage.   

For more information see 3M’s press release.