3M Earplug Lawsuit Average Payout: What Injured Veterans Need to Know

Thousands of veterans and active-duty military members across the United States have filed lawsuits against 3M, claiming the company’s dual-ended Combat Arms Earplugs (CAEv2) failed to protect their hearing during service. As these cases continue to settle, many are asking the same question: What is the average payout for the 3M earplug lawsuit?

While each case is unique, there are some important patterns emerging—and a few critical factors that affect how much compensation individuals may receive. At Caputo & Mariotti, we’re here to explain what you need to know if you or a loved one has been impacted by defective military earplugs.

Background: The 3M Earplug Lawsuit Explained

The lawsuits center on the claim that 3M knowingly sold defective earplugs to the U.S. military between 2003 and 2015. The earplugs were supposed to protect service members from loud battlefield noise while allowing them to hear commands. However, due to a design flaw, the plugs allegedly loosened in the ear canal—leaving users exposed to damaging sound levels.

Veterans who used the CAEv2 earplugs during combat or training exercises and later suffered from hearing loss or tinnitus are eligible to file a claim. The litigation has grown into one of the largest mass torts in U.S. history.

What Is the Average Payout in the 3M Earplug Lawsuit?

Because the 3M earplug lawsuits fall under mass tort litigation rather than a class action, individual payouts vary depending on the facts of each case. That said, some general trends have emerged.

• Bellwether trial verdicts (early test cases) have awarded between $1 million to over $22 million in compensation, depending on the severity of injury and evidence presented.
  
• Some plaintiffs with mild hearing loss or minimal documentation may receive lower six-figure settlements, often in the $50,000 to $300,000 range.
  
• Cases with clear, documented injuries—especially involving tinnitus, permanent hearing damage, or emotional distress—may qualify for higher settlements, often $500,000 or more.
  

As of now, 3M has proposed a $6 billion settlement agreement to resolve most claims, pending court approval and individual reviews. This large sum is expected to be distributed based on injury severity, medical history, and length of service.

Factors That Affect Your Settlement Amount

Several factors influence the average payout for each individual claim:

• Extent of hearing damage (measured by audiograms and medical records)
  
• Diagnosis of tinnitus or other long-term auditory issues
  
• Military role and exposure to loud environments
  
• Proof that 3M earplugs were used during service
  
• Quality and availability of medical documentation
  

A skilled attorney can help present your case clearly, gather the right evidence, and ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

How Caputo & Mariotti Can Help

If you believe your hearing loss or tinnitus is linked to defective 3M earplugs, don’t wait to seek legal advice. Our team at Caputo & Mariotti has extensive experience handling mass tort cases and representing military personnel and veterans across Pennsylvania.

We’ll help you:

• Determine your eligibility
  
• Gather and organize medical and military service records
  
• Submit your claim within the legal deadlines
  
• Maximize your potential payout through strategic legal representation
  

Talk to a 3M Earplug Lawsuit Attorney Today

The window to file your claim may be closing soon. Contact Caputo & Mariotti today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your options. Our team is ready to stand with you and fight for the compensation you deserve.