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In recent years, scientific studies have found a link between paraquat dichloride and a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. While ingestion of this toxic chemical is widely known to be fatal, these studies suggest that repetitive exposure to commercial herbicides containing paraquat could have long-term health consequences. As a result, several countries have banned or restricted its use. 

Many people have also come forward with lawsuits against the biggest paraquat manufacturers, demanding compensation for their or their loved one’s health conditions. If you or your family member was exposed to paraquat and later received a diagnosis for Parkinson’s, kidney failure, or other illnesses, you could seek compensation through a paraquat lawsuit. Our team can connect you with legal representation. 

What is paraquat?

Paraquat dichloride is a highly toxic chemical that appears in multiple commercial herbicides. Farmers and agricultural workers most commonly use paraquat as a weed killer and desiccant to protect a variety of crops leading up to harvest season, though it is also frequently used for grass control. 

It is not to be confused with Roundup—another popular herbicide currently under legal fire—which contains the toxic chemical glyphosate. In fact, paraquat’s growing popularity is often attributed to the fact that weeds have become resistant to glyphosate products.

While many herbicide products contain paraquat as an active ingredient, the most widely known brand in the United States is Gramoxone. It’s currently produced by Syngenta, the main company now facing lawsuits for adverse health conditions allegedly connected to paraquat exposure, including Parkinson’s disease. Other brands known to contain this agrochemical include, but are not limited to:

• Parazone
• Helmquat 3SL
• Firestorm
• Quick-Quat
• Para-Shot 3.0
• Crisquat

Paraquat is among the most popular herbicides worldwide

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), paraquat was first introduced for herbicide use in the early 1960s, though scientists had identified the chemical long before that. Since then, it has become the most popular herbicide in the United States. 

Meanwhile, dozens of countries have banned its use in recent years, including Japan, Thailand, Brazil, China, the United Kingdom, and, more broadly, the European Union. Most notably, Switzerland—where Syngenta is headquartered—also prohibits the use of paraquat products. 

Despite these bans and the rising number of legal cases related to its use, the United Kingdom and Switzerland both continue to export the chemical for sale to farmers and agricultural workers all over the world, including the United States. As reported by the BBC, the U.K. exported more than 28,185 tons of pesticides containing paraquat in 2018 alone, with 14 tons marked for U.S. sale. 

Is paraquat safe?

All parties agree that paraquat is acutely toxic to both humans and animals with improper use or ingestion. According to a toxicity summary of paraquat from the Wireless Information System for Emergency Responders (WISER), repeated skin exposure can cause skin and eye irritation. However, disagreements lie in whether use of the chemical causes long-term health issues even when proper precautions are taken. 

Defenders of paraquat argue that the most risk involves accidental or intentional ingestion. Inhalation and prolonged skin exposure to large amounts of paraquat can also lead to paraquat poisoning, which is why this chemical is under strict regulation. 

Paraquat safety in the U.S.

Due to the extreme toxicity of paraquat, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set strict safety requirements for its use. Namely, the agency has labeled paraquat a restricted use pesticide (RUP), meaning only certified applicators can use it; it is not approved for residential use. Training is necessary before one can receive certification.

In addition, there are numerous safety policies to follow during application. Herbicides containing paraquat are generally available in liquid form and sprayed on crops by aircraft. It is believed that health risks fall significantly once the application area has dried. For this reason, the EPA advises users to: 

• Limit the number of acres sprayed per applicator per day
• Avoid spraying when non-certified workers are present or may come into contact with the chemical before it dries
• Wear and maintain personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent inhalation
• Discard clothing that becomes heavily contaminated
• Read and follow safety labels carefully
• Avoid storing paraquat in any food or drink containers
• Avoid using or storing the chemical near residential areas or other high-traffic locations 
• Apply the chemical using the largest droplet setting possible for the highest level of spray control

Despite these precautions and regulations, many parties have come forward, claiming illness after being exposed to paraquat. Even those who live near farmland where paraquat herbicides are used could be at risk of adverse health effects due to spray drift. 

It’s also worth noting that these regulations have not always been in place. For example, the EPA only established its mandatory training requirements for paraquat herbicide use in 2016. 

Paraquat exposure in local communities

EPA safety documents have acknowledged the occurrence of spray drift during the application of paraquat products. Spray drift refers to when the wind carries herbicide droplets to areas not intended for contact. To determine the risk of spray drift occurring and spreading toxic chemicals to nearby communities, scientists regularly model aerial pesticide application.

For example, a study published in Atmospheric Environment outlines the results of one such test conducted in Washington State. The study revealed that, despite following application guidelines, spray drift carried the testing substance across a nearby residential area. 

While this study did not involve paraquat specifically, it suggests that similar scenarios are possible with any herbicide applied in this way, potentially leading to exposure in local communities.

Who is most at risk for paraquat-related illness?

The CDC suggests that licensed applicators are the most at-risk due to repeated proximity to the chemical. However, other parties who could suffer exposure to paraquat include:

• Other agricultural workers and farmers
• Those who live or work in communities close to farms that use paraquat
• Licensed applicators’ close family members 

Aside from exposure due to aerial pesticide application, the CDC cites ingestion as the most common danger associated with paraquat. Ingestion of any amount of this chemical can lead to immediate paraquat poisoning.

What is paraquat poisoning?

Paraquat poisoning occurs from the intentional or accidental ingestion of paraquat. Unfortunately, herbicides containing this chemical have been linked to many cases of suicide and attempted suicide because of their high toxicity. Even more alarming are the numerous reports of accidental poisonings due to improper storage. 

The EPA issues strict warnings about storing any herbicides in food or beverage containers, as others may unknowingly consume the toxic chemicals. As a precaution, Paraquat manufacturers include colored dyes, sharp odors, and emetics—substances used to induce vomiting—in their formulations. 

Even so, the EPA has recorded several instances of accidental paraquat ingestion, including in more recent years. In response, the agency established new packaging requirements to further protect against poisoning in 2016. This includes a closed-packaged system to prevent:

• Pouring the chemical into other containers
• Spills
• Mixing the chemical with food or beverage

Paraquat dichloride facts and figures

The EPA’s updated policies and ongoing review of paraquat use were largely in response to the alarming number of poisonings reported from accidental ingestion. Specifically, the California Poison Control System and American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) reached out to the EPA about a series of fatal paraquat poisonings in San Joaquin Valley in 2013. In letters to the EPA, these agencies cited the following statistics:

• There were 50 deaths related to paraquat ingestion.
• Of those deaths, 12 were traced to paraquat that was being stored in a drink container.

More broadly, studies such as this one in Yonsei Medical Journal estimate that roughly 20 deaths per million worldwide are attributed to paraquat.

Paraquat dichloride: the toxicity of a single sip

The Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) entry on paraquat reports that a lethal dose is estimated at 14mL of a 40% solution of the chemical depending on body weight. As 14mL equates to just under three teaspoons, this has led many to conclude that a single sip of paraquat is enough to cause death.

There is currently no known antidote for paraquat poisoning, according to MedlinePlus and other sources. Doctors can focus only on alleviating the symptoms and addressing any complications as they occur. 

Paraquat poisoning symptoms vary based on the type of exposure

Though a single sip of paraquat can be fatal due to the absence of an antidote, the exact symptoms experienced depend on the amount ingested. Regardless of the level of exposure, it is critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible. While the presence of the emetic should immediately induce vomiting, this can quickly lead to deadly levels of dehydration. 

Receiving rapid medical care could be life-saving. It will allow doctors to take additional steps to remove the paraquat from the victim’s system and provide IV fluids to maintain safe hydration levels. 

According to the CDC, some symptoms of paraquat poisoning are immediate, while others may develop in the hours, days, or weeks after. For example, victims typically experience painful swelling in the mouth and throat right away, followed by nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting as the emetic takes effect. Other potential symptoms for different levels of ingestion are outlined below.

Ingestion of small or medium amount

Those who consume a few drops or sips worth of paraquat dichloride could experience scarring on the lungs, as well as multiple types of organ failure, particularly involving the:

• Kidney
• Liver
• Heart

Ingestion of large amount

Those who consume a larger amount of paraquat experience the symptoms outlined above at an accelerated rate. Other potential symptoms include:

• Confusion
• Muscle weakness
• Seizures
• Coma
• Fluid in the lungs
• Respiratory failure

Inhalation 

Inhaling toxic herbicides like paraquat can significantly damage the airways and lungs, including scarring. This may develop over a period of several weeks and can make breathing and swallowing difficult for victims. 

Excessive skin exposure

Paraquat poisoning can also occur through contact with the skin in the following situations:

• Prolonged exposure
• Concentrated exposure (Paraquat herbicides are typically diluted with water before application.)
• Exposure to broken skin

Potential symptoms include:

• Blistering or burns
• Loss of fingernails
• Mouth ulcers
• Nosebleeds
• Blindness

Note: The symptoms outlined in the sections above are not limited to paraquat poisoning—they could suggest other types of illness or poisoning. Nevertheless, you are advised to seek immediate medical attention for yourself or a loved one if there is a risk of severe dehydration or other potentially fatal conditions. 

Paraquat poisoning side effects 

While it is possible under certain circumstances to survive paraquat poisoning, victims are likely to suffer lingering and even long-term side effects. This typically includes:

• Permanent scarring of the airways and lungs
• Organ failure

Several studies have also indicated a connection between long-term exposure to paraquat and an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

How is paraquat linked to Parkinson’s disease?

The high toxicity and widespread use of herbicides containing paraquat have led many to question whether there are any long-term effects of exposure—particularly for agricultural workers who use the product regularly and communities in proximity. 

The emergence of multiple studies conducted on this topic in recent years has caused many to question their or their loved one’s diagnoses and deaths. This includes instances of Parkinson’s disease in individuals who suffered varying amounts of paraquat exposure. 

Studies suggest chronic paraquat exposure increases the risk of Parkinson’s disease

Many scientific studies—like this one in Environmental Health Perspectives—assert there is a connection between exposure to this chemical and the eventual diagnosis of Parkinson’s. However, the EPA has yet to take steps to ban paraquat use in response due to the currently conflicting nature of science on this subject. 

The agency reviewed the available literature and performed a draft risk assessment on paraquat in 2019. As a result of this assessment, the EPA concluded there is not a clear enough link at present between paraquat and Parkinson’s disease.

Not much is known about the overall cause of Parkinson’s disease, and issues with exposure assessment make it difficult to study the potential connection with paraquat. Still, many researchers believe the chemical’s toxic properties can create conditions for Parkinson’s in the brain.

How paraquat may create conditions for Parkinson’s disease

As Mayo Clinic explains, Parkinson’s disease is associated with nerve cell damage in the brain, specifically related to the cells that create dopamine. Such damage causes a drop in dopamine levels, leading to abnormal brain function. Associated symptoms include:

• Tremors
• Muscle rigidity and slowed movement, including chewing
• Difficulty keeping balance and walking
• Loss of unconscious, automatic movements, such as swallowing and blinking
• Speech and cognitive impairment
• Issues with bladder control
• Emotional changes
• Sleep disorders

According to the study in Environmental Health Perspectives, the reason researchers relate paraquat exposure with Parkinson’s is that its neurotoxic properties cause oxidative stress in the brain, resulting in a similar loss of dopamine-producing neurons.

Syngenta denies a connection between paraquat poisoning and Parkinson’s

According to Syngenta, 377 other companies currently sell paraquat products around the world, and more than 42 million farmers have relied on it to protect vital crops like soy and cotton. 

The agrochemical producer denies there is any link between paraquat and Parkinson’s disease and insists it has followed all laws in the countries where it manufactures and sells Gramoxone. Further, Syngenta asserts it has taken appropriate steps to minimize the risk of accidental ingestion through its use of emetics and blue dye in the herbicide.

Still, this has not stopped numerous farmers and other individuals from coming forward to sue the company. Multiple lawsuits have been initiated and are in the beginning stages as of September 2021.

Paraquat lawsuits are already underway

Several parties began filing lawsuits against paraquat manufacturer Syngenta in early 2021. This quickly escalated to a class action lawsuit in Iowa (Holliday v. Syngenta AG et al.) However, as dozens of claims began popping up in California and other states, the decision was made to file multidistrict litigation (MDL).

The MDL was filed on June 7, 2021, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. In addition to Syngenta, the MDL also names Chevron, which maintained a license to produce and sell Gramoxone for several decades.

Known as Paraquat Products Liability Litigation MDL No. 3004, the MDL initially consolidated 14 cases, with at least 77 potentially related cases. However, Bloomberg reports that as many as 400 cases have come forward this year, and many more are expected. 

The report also points out that Syngenta has already initiated steps to settle certain cases, offering $187 million. Still, a jury trial has been scheduled for November 15, 2022. 

You could qualify to join current paraquat litigation

After an MDL consolidates a number of cases, a few are chosen to represent the rest in the initial stages of litigation. These are known as bellwether cases, which serve as examples of what other claimants can expect if their lawsuits move forward. Based on the proceedings’ jury rulings in the bellwether cases, defendants may feel pressured to settle to avoid additional cases. 

MDL No. 3004 has only just gotten started—the first of the bellwether cases are not set to begin until late 2022, meaning there is still time for you to join. However, your time to sue is still subject to the statute of limitations, so it is crucial not to wait if you plan to seek damages. This filing deadline depends on the type of case you are filing and other factors, which your attorney can help you navigate as soon as you request their services.

Filing a lawsuit against paraquat manufacturers

If you or a loved one received a Parkinson’s diagnosis or experienced other negative health effects after exposure to paraquat herbicides, you have legal options. With a class action and MDL already underway, you may be able to join your case with many others who claim similar experiences. 

By filing a paraquat lawsuit, you have a chance to hold manufacturers like Syngenta responsible for the harm their products caused. You could recover compensation for various expenses and losses, as well as pain and suffering that you and your family experienced as a result of the paraquat-related diagnosis. Bringing attention to the problem could also encourage the EPA and other agencies to take further action and prevent others from suffering similar injuries or illnesses. 

Compensation you could recover for a paraquat-related illness

In any defective product case, you could recover compensation for various damages. Some may be economic, related to the expenses and losses you suffered due to your or your loved one’s injuries. Others are meant to address non-economic damages related to the intangible harm the defective product caused. 

For example, in a paraquat lawsuit regarding a Parkinson’s diagnosis for your loved one, you could seek compensation for the following:

• Doctor’s visits
• Neurological examinations and brain scans
• Medications to control Parkinson’s symptoms
• Medical devices
• The cost of ongoing care to handle your loved one’s daily needs
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral costs and related expenses if you lost your loved one due to Parkinson’s

These are just examples—the damages you qualify to recover will depend on the specifics of your case and the type of lawsuit you file. 

Hiring a paraquat lawyer

Defective products cases against major manufacturers are often overwhelming, time-consuming, and difficult to navigate. These cases grow even more complex when they involve multiple manufacturers operating on a global scale. That’s why many victims of defective products band together to form MDLs and class actions. 

They also hire attorneys familiar with handling these massive cases to represent them. You do not have to build a paraquat lawsuit and fight Syngenta and other herbicide manufacturers on your own. Our team can connect you with the right law firm for your case.

How a defective product attorney can support claim

When you hire a law firm to represent you in paraquat litigation, your paraquat lawsuit attorney will handle all legal matters for you. They will:

• Advise you on your legal options and help you make decisions throughout the process
• Compile the evidence available to support your claims
• Calculate the damages your or your loved one’s paraquat-related injuries caused
• Represent you in all case proceedings
• Work with experts who can provide support
• Take steps to help you join the current MDL or class action, if appropriate
• Advocate for your financial recovery, whether through receipt of a settlement or court award

It’s worth noting that many personal injury firms offer free consultations regarding cases like these. Many defective product attorneys also work for a contingency fee, so there is no need to worry about your ability to afford legal representation. In a contingency fee arrangement, clients pay nothing unless they receive compensation, and attorney’s fees come out of whatever they recover. 

Choosing the best law firm for your paraquat case

Though there is little to no financial risk when you hire a contingency fee law firm, you still want to ensure you’re choosing a legal team you can trust. This means doing some research and asking the right questions during the initial consultation. Personal injury firms generally offer this first consultation for free for this exact reason—it gives you a chance to learn about their services and approach to cases like yours. 

Here are a few questions to consider before hiring a firm to represent you in paraquat litigation:

• Does the firm have a positive reputation in the community? (You can use Google reviews, peer reviews, and other sources to verify this.)
• How many defective product cases has the firm handled? 
• Does the firm have a track record of securing settlements and court awards?
• Will the firm handle cases that may join an MDL or class action?
• How accessible will your attorney be if you have questions about the case?
• What are the specifics of the firm’s fee arrangement?
• What specific services does the firm provide?

It can take some time to find the law firm best suited for your case. However, our team is here to help.

Reach out for legal help with your paraquat lawsuit

Others have already initiated the steps for holding paraquat manufacturers like Syngenta responsible for harm they suffered. You have a chance to join them, seeking justice and compensation for your or your loved one’s diagnosis after exposure to this toxic chemical herbicide. 

Global manufacturers should not get away with creating and distributing harmful products that even preventative measures cannot protect against. Your first step toward justice could be hiring a law firm to handle the rest of the legal process for you. Our team is here to assist you.

Fill out our contact form to get help with your case or to learn more about how you can bring the the manufacturer to account.

Related Links

What are Paraquat Settlements?
Paraquat Poisoning Lawsuit Status
All About Paraquat Settlements
Does Paraquat Cause Parkinson’s Disease?
What You Need to Know About Paraquat & Parkinson’s Disease

If you used earplugs manufactured by 3M while serving in the military and suffered a severe hearing impairment, you may be eligible to file a 3M earplugs lawsuit. You may qualify to receive a settlement to compensate you for the losses related to your damaged hearing. Time limits do apply to these cases, so finding out if you qualify for legal relief right away can be critical to your case.

There is no risk or cost to you to determine whether you or a loved one qualifies for compensation. You can learn more about the eligibility requirements for the 3M earplugs lawsuit and what steps to take next if you meet those requirements. This process may allow you to get compensation for your hearing loss, tinnitus, or other hearing-related damage.

What is the problem with the 3M military earplugs?

From 2003 to 2015, 3M annually provided about 15,000 packages of earplugs to the military. Each package contained 50 sets of earplugs. Over a 12-year-period, that amounts to nine million pairs of earplugs — all of which had defects that 3M knew about and chose to conceal.

The shortened stems on the 3M Combat Arms earplugs caused the earplugs not to fit properly in the ears of some service members.

This poor fit also caused the earplugs to slowly loosen from the ear canal and even fall out altogether. These ill-fitting earplugs obviously could not perform their essential function of safeguarding the hearing of soldiers.

Legal help for injured soldiers

When people suffer injuries from using a consumer product, they may have a legal claim against the product designer, manufacturer, and distributor, among others. Companies have a legal duty to develop products that are safe for consumer use. When they fail to do so, injured parties may have a product liability claim against those companies.

Similarly, the allegations that 3M furnished defective earplugs to the U.S. government for use by the military forms the basis for a product liability claim.

Discovery of internal 3M documents revealed during these lawsuits shows that 3M had knowledge of the defects in the earplugs yet failed to advise the military of the defects. For instance, although 3M had tested the earplugs for safety while being worn in one configuration, service members were instructed to use them in a different configuration.

Injured soldiers claim that 3M knew that their earplugs were defective and would not protect the hearing of military personnel. Nonetheless, 3M moved ahead with its exclusive U.S. government contract, which caused the distribution of defective earplugs to thousands of service members.

If you or a loved one meets all the eligibility requirements, you may have a product liability claim against 3M. You may qualify to receive compensation for your hearing loss or tinnitus due to the failure of the 3M earplugs to protect your hearing. By getting legal advice about your situation, you can determine whether you are eligible for this form of legal relief.

3M earplug lawsuit verdicts

Two trials have resulted in large verdicts for the plaintiffs, or the injured soldiers who filed suit:

• On May 9, 2021, a federal jury in Florida awarded $7.1 million to three servicemen who suffered hearing loss after using 3M earplugs. The verdict included $2.1 million in punitive damages.
• On June 7, 2021, a Florida jury awarded a soldier $1.7 million in damages, but found him to be 38% at fault, therefore reducing his award to $1.1 million.

3M agreed to a settlement in the False Claims Act lawsuit

In 2015, soldiers began recognizing the defects in the 3M dual-ended combat arms earplugs, and the federal government terminated its exclusive contract with 3M for the earplugs. Next, in 2016, a private party acting as whistleblower for the federal government took legal action against 3M by filing suit under the False Claims Act.

This federal law makes companies, who are usually federal government contractors, liable for defrauding the U.S. government.

The whistleblower claimed in its lawsuit that 3M was aware of the defects in the 3M earplugs that would cause them to be less effective than represented. They alleged that 3M took the following actions when it entered an exclusive contract with the U.S. government to provide the military with the defective earplugs:

• 3M knew the earplugs were defective and would not perform as intended
• 3M failed to disclose the defect in the earplugs
• 3M hid or falsified test results that would have revealed the defect

Ultimately, 3M agreed to settle the False Claims Act lawsuit by paying the federal government $9.1 million. 3M also had to pay the whistleblower $1,911,000. However, the settlement did not require 3M to admit that it had committed any wrongdoing in the matter.

In other words, it did not admit to any of the allegations in the lawsuit regarding the earplugs.

Value of a 3M earplug lawsuit

The value of a 3M earplug lawsuit is unknown. Various factors can influence the settlement in mass tort lawsuits like those involving the 3M earplugs, and many factors are still unknown. As more trials go forward and jury verdicts result, you are likely to have a better sense of the outcome of any settlement in these cases.

You might also wonder about paying for legal representation in your 3M earplug lawsuit. Most law firms take these types of cases on a contingent-fee basis. As a result, you pay no legal fees up front to get started on your case.

In fact, you pay no legal fees while your case is going on. You pay legal fees only when there has been a settlement or jury verdict at the resolution of your case. Paying legal fees should never be a barrier for injury victims to seek justice and compensation for their injuries through the legal system.

Who is eligible to file 3M earplug lawsuits?

You may be eligible to file a 3M earplug lawsuit if you meet the following conditions:

• You served in any branch of the U.S. military.
• Your military service occurred from 2003 to 2015.
• You used the dual-sided 3M Combat Arms earplugs.
• You were exposed to loud sounds during your military service.
• You suffered hearing loss or tinnitus during your military service.

You can be either a U.S. veteran or a current U.S. military member and still be eligible to file a claim against 3M. However, if you are currently serving in the military, you must ensure that your hearing loss or tinnitus is well documented in your medical records.

Disability status and eligibility to file suit

Some individuals who have suffered hearing loss or tinnitus are disabled by their injuries. As a result, they may receive full or partial VA disability benefits. Your VA disability rating, however, does not determine whether you are eligible to file a lawsuit against 3M.

Even if you have a zero disability rating, your hearing loss or tinnitus may still have a significant negative impact on your life. You still may be eligible to seek compensation from 3M for your hearing problems if you meet all other eligibility criteria.

Dual-ended combat arms earplugs were too short

3M contracted with the U.S. government to design, manufacture, and provide special ear protection for all four branches of the U.S. military. The dual-sided 3M Combat Arms earplugs were specially made to allow soldiers to adjust and optimize hearing under different conditions in combat zones, as follows:

• One side allowed soldiers to totally block very high-level, loud noises.
• The other side allowed soldiers to still be able to hear low-level, quieter sounds that were nearby with limited interruptions, such as verbal commands, while blocking out more damaging sounds.

The stems on the earplugs ultimately proved to be too short for the ears of soldiers. This problem led to the soldiers being unable to properly insert the earplugs. Additionally, the earplugs eventually would loosen and work their way out of their ears, therefore failing to block the damaging sounds as intended.

The Combat Arms earplugs that 3M produced originally were too large to fit into the earplug carrying case that accompanied them, making it inconvenient for soldiers to carry them. The earplugs also interfered with helmets fitting correctly for some soldiers. These problems caused 3M to shorten the stems of the combat earplugs.

Shortening the stems of the earplugs caused even larger problems for thousands of service members using them. The earplug stems were not long enough to properly fit into the ears of some soldiers. The earplugs also could loosen slightly during wearing, thus weakening the high-level hearing protection that they were supposed to provide.

In some cases, the military earplugs fell out altogether. In other cases, the earplugs became loose enough to break the airtight seal meant to keep sound out. Ultimately, usage of the earplugs led to hearing loss and tinnitus for many soldiers that they could have avoided by using earplugs that were not defective.

3M’s military earplugs caused hearing loss in servicemembers

Aearo Technologies originally developed Combat Arms earplugs, which were specially designed to protect the hearing of U.S. service members in all branches of the military. 3M purchased Aearo in 2008, along with the exclusive contract with the U.S. government to provide earplugs to the military. 3M is therefore responsible for the defects in the earplugs, both before and after its purchase of Aearo in 2008.

The earplugs were defective in that they failed to protect the soldiers from hearing loss as intended. Soldiers in war zones often experience high-decibel noises that cause hearing loss and related damages, such as:

• Gunfire
• Explosives
• Aircraft
• Artillery

Repeated exposure to these loud noises leads to permanent hearing loss, tinnitus or ringing in the ears, and other hearing-related problems. To avoid these problems, the U.S. included 3M combat earplugs as standard equipment hearing protection for every soldier in all four military branches. Despite the best efforts of the U.S. government to protect the military, 3M knowingly provided the military with a defective product that caused harm to thousands of soldiers.

Soldiers face lifelong hearing loss

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), hearing problems, including hearing loss and tinnitus, is by far the most common service-related disability among U.S. veterans. An estimated 1.3 million veterans receive disability compensation from the VA for hearing loss, and another 2.3 million veterans receive disability compensation from the VA for tinnitus.

It is especially common among military service members who served in combat zones, such as:

• Iraq
• Afghanistan
• Somalia
• Syria
• Libya

Some veterans with hearing loss may benefit from surgery, medication, or implants. However, other former military personnel have permanent hearing loss that hearing aids may help, but not eliminate.

Hearing problems also can lead to problems with speech. Auditory processing disorder, in which veterans can pass hearing tests but have a hard time understanding speech, also can result from hearing damage from military service.

The Veterans Administration (VA) regularly treats veterans for hearing loss, tinnitus, and more. Veterans may receive VA disability benefits in part or in full due to their hearing problems. The consequences of hearing loss can be permanent and devastating.

Service members are at a risk of hearing loss as a part of their duties, which is why the federal government furnished them with special earplugs. 3M knew the defective earplugs did not work, and knowingly put service members at risk. Due to the potential severity of hearing loss and the purposely harmful conduct of 3M, the damages that you may receive from an earplug lawsuit against 3M could be significant.

What is the value of a 3M military earplugs lawsuit?

The settlement in any hearing loss case, including the 3M combat earplug cases, varies widely from one case to the next. Hearing loss and other damages are not insignificant. Individuals may be unable to continue serving in the military due to hearing loss or unable to work in other careers after discharge from the military.

Some of the other factors that may impact a settlement in a personal injury case involving hearing loss may include:

• The extent and severity of the hearing loss or damage
• The impact of the hearing loss or damage on your ability to work
• The ability to successfully treat your hearing loss or damage
• The permanency of the hearing loss or damage

While some treatments, implants, or hearing aid devices may improve hearing loss or damage, hearing loss ultimately is permanent. As a result, settlement values must reflect the permanency of the injuries, which likely would be higher than a settlement value of a temporary or curable injury. However, every case is different, so the settlement offer that one individual receives may be higher or lower than what another individual receives.

The importance of getting treatment for hearing loss

Hearing loss or tinnitus is the kind of disability or impairment that is not immediately apparent to others. While others can easily tell that a person who cannot walk or who is missing a limb is disabled, it is not so easy to demonstrate hearing loss and related damages. So, soldiers affected by hearing loss and related issues must have medical documentation of their impairments.

Getting medical treatment for their hearing problems can be crucial to proving eligibility for compensation in a 3M earplugs lawsuit. Without concrete medical proof, jurors may assume that you are able to function normally without any problems, despite your claimed disability. This is just one example of the type of evidence that is necessary to present in this type of lawsuit.

Likewise, you must provide evidence showing how your hearing loss, tinnitus, or auditory processing disorder affects your daily life. You can explain the details as to how the impairment affects you, both personally and professionally.

For instance, your hearing loss may make it impossible for you to continue serving in the military, and also may make you unable to work in some other occupations.

Next steps in the 3M earplug lawsuits

The next 3M earplug lawsuit is scheduled for trial on September 22, 2021. The following trial is scheduled for November 2021. Meanwhile, the judge handling the multidistrict litigation (MDL) in Florida federal district court has scheduled an additional six cases for trial on dates ranging from November 2021 to February 2022.

Furthermore, the judge has identified the first “wave” of MDL cases to be moved to the active docket of the court. As a result, about 1,500 of the over 250,000 pending cases will receive deadlines and hearing dates as their parties prepare for trial. Subsequent waves of MDL cases could include as many as 20,000 cases.

Meanwhile, another 1,000 cases are still pending in state court in Minnesota. These cases, too, are likely to start going to trial. Therefore, 3M will have trial dates coming up soon in both federal and state court.

The pressure on the 3M company to settle the earplug lawsuits continues to build for a variety of reasons. The reasons that may make a settlement more imminent include:

• The 3M earplug suits make up the largest mass tort MDL in history.
• The judge handling the MDL is aggressively moving thousands of cases to the active court docket and setting trial dates.
• More bellwether cases are scheduled for trial in the next few months.
• Four out of five soldiers have won substantial jury verdicts against 3M in the suits that have gone to trial so far.

No one can predict how or when 3M will start settling cases. As pressure from all directions continues, however, settlement becomes more and more likely. Only time will tell how long it takes for a settlement to finally occur.

Learn more about your eligibility for compensation in a 3M earplug lawsuit

If you or a loved one suffered hearing loss or tinnitus after serving in the military between 2003 and 2015, you may have fallen victim to the defective 3M combat earplugs.

You may be able to pursue a 3M earplugs lawsuit and seek compensation for your injuries. Fill out our contact form today for help with your case or to learn how you can hold the manufacturer accountable.

Related Links

3M Earplug Lawsuit Average Payout
Has Anyone Received Money from a 3M Earplug Lawsuit?
What Was The Defect In The 3M Earplugs
How do you qualify for a 3M military earplug lawsuit?
What Law Firm Is Handling the 3M Earplug Lawsuit?

Can I Sue for Asbestos Exposure?

You can sue the company that manufactured the asbestos product for their negligence in exposing you to dangerous levels of asbestos. In some cases, you might be able to pursue your employer for workers’ compensation benefits. By pursuing damages from the at-fault party, you could receive compensation for your medical expenses, income loss, and pain and suffering.

An asbestos lawsuit attorney can show you how to prove the connection between your work environment and your recent health care diagnosis. While pursuing a financial settlement, they can also represent family members of men and women who worked in asbestos environments and suffered due to second-hand exposure.

Dangers and risks of asbestos exposure

According to American Cancer Society (ACS) research, we have known about the dangers of asbestos as early as the 1900s. Asbestos damages the lungs and can create cancer cells when its particles are either inhaled or swallowed by people who handle products that contain it.

If asbestos exposure harmed you, it may also take a toll on your family and on your finances. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes the danger of exposure to asbestos. Its research cites the following adverse health conditions that are the result of such exposure:

• Asbestosis: A scarring of the lungs that leads to difficulty breathing
• Pleural disease: A thickening of the membranes around the lungs and chest cavity 
• Lung cancer: A cancerous tumor that invade the lungs and make breathing difficult
• Mesothelioma: A rare cancer that surrounds the lungs, chest cavity, and abdominal cavity 
• Other forms of cancer: Including larynx, ovarian, pharynx, stomach, and colorectal

Being exposed to asbestos and its dangers often affects people who work in demolition, construction, home maintenance, home repair, shipyard, and property remodeling. If you or someone you love was injured in these or any other industry where you came into contact with asbestos-containing products or their airborne asbestos fibers, you may have the basis of a civil lawsuit.

Filing a mesothelioma and asbestos lawsuit

When you file a lawsuit, the mass tort attorney who represents you will investigate your allegation and collect evidence that substantiates it. The evidence that makes up your individual or collective lawsuit can include:

• Medical history
• Medical bills
• Employment records
• Witness statements and affidavits
• Asbestos expert observations

In addition to building your case file, your attorney will also identify the at-fault party and conduct interrogatories, depositions, and discovery sessions. He will organize and present your evidence to the at-fault party’s legal and insurance representatives.

Your lawyer will work toward reaching a settlement agreement that allows you to avoid a prolonged and emotionally trying trial and resolve your case with a favorable financial settlement.

Recoverable damages in mesothelioma lawsuits

As with any civil lawsuit, once you prove the at-fault party’s negligence and the connection between their negligence and your injuries, you can pursue them for financial compensation. You can request the following three types of recoverable damages:

• Economic damages are tangible and fixed expenses. They can include your emergency, ongoing, and long-term medical bills, any assistive medical devices you require, medication costs, and short- and long-term losses of income. Economic damages will also include funeral and burial expenses, where applicable.
• Non-economic damages are intangible and harder to calculate on your own. They are usually based on the extent of your injury, its length, and your prognosis. They can include physical disabilities, impairments, disfigurement, mental and emotional trauma, and pain and suffering.

In addition to economic and non-economic damages, you could also be awarded punitive damages. These losses are additional monetary compensation you receive if the at-fault party’s actions are found to be intentional or egregious. Your lawyer will inform you if you qualify for punitive damages.

Individual and class action lawsuits for mesothelioma

When you file a lawsuit for the health hazards caused by asbestos exposure, you can file a personal injury lawsuit. If you are the survivor of an employee who became ill or lost their life because of exposure to asbestos that led to a diagnosis of several types of cancers known to be caused by asbestos, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit. Personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits both have their basis in negligence.

In addition to personal injury and wrongful death cases, there can be two additional types of asbestos lawsuits. If you choose to file an individual lawsuit, you take on the task of identifying the cause of your mesothelioma, assigning financial liability to the at-fault party, and building a case for compensation. An individual lawsuit means you fight back against the identified defendant with no other plaintiffs.

You can also file a class action lawsuit. When you start such a case, you include others in your pursuit of financial compensation who were injured in a similar fashion and seek damages from the same at-fault party. An attorney will help you determine whether you are eligible to start or join a class action lawsuit with other injured parties.

Filing an individual lawsuit for asbestos exposure and mesothelioma

If you became ill or were diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or any other form of cancer as the result of asbestos exposure, you may consider filing an individual lawsuit against the at-fault party. When you do so, you bear the full burden of proving your lawsuit.

Your attorney will guide you through the process of drafting and sending a demand letter with details on your allegations against the defendant and the anticipated value of your lawsuit.

They can also:

• Investigate your allegations
• Assign a value to your case
• Comply with the statute of limitations
• Negotiate a financial settlement
• Represent you in court, if necessary

In addition, when you file an individual lawsuit, you and your attorney will need to obtain the evidence that supports your case. You also pay the costs associated with the filing of your lawsuit alone. That can include attorney’s fees, which can mean flat rates, billable hours, contingency fees, and/or other expenses.

Class action lawsuits involving mesothelioma

Because so many people suffer from asbestos-related types of cancers and other illnesses, they might have been injured by the same entity you cite for your injuries. If that happens, you have the option of starting or joining a class action lawsuit. In accordance with Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 23 guidelines, a class action lawsuit must meet the following pre-qualifying criteria:

• The number of plaintiffs in the case makes individual lawsuits impractical.
• All plaintiffs in the case have common “questions of law or fact.”
• All plaintiffs in the case have similar claims against the at-fault party.
• All plaintiffs will be fairly represented, and their interests will be fairly protected.

Discovering that a large number of people have the same physical, financial, and legal complaint you have means you can band together to seek monetary compensation from the at-fault party. When multiple plaintiffs unite in a class action case, an attorney can help you understand the process, how each party shares the costs of the lawsuit, and how you can recover financial compensation.

Wrongful death lawsuits for mesothelioma

You have the basis of a wrongful death lawsuit if negligence led to the loss of a family member. The at-fault party’s negligence means they did not provide your loved one with the degree of protection they were due. So, you or other family members may be entitled to financial recovery. To prove you are entitled to compensation in an asbestos lawsuit, you must be able to:

• Prove an asbestos-related medical condition caused your loved one’s demise
• Identify which family members are eligible to seek compensation (eligibility may vary by state)
• Identify and assign financial liability to the correct at-fault party

When a lawyer represents you in your wrongful death case, he will explain each step involved in the compensation process and help you identify the company that negligently manufactured, sold, or installed products that contained asbestos.

When building your lawsuit, mesothelioma lawyers will also help you draft a complaint, conduct discovery sessions, hold depositions, and weigh settlement offers. If your case cannot be settled out of court, your lawyer will prepare your case for court.

Eligibility to file a mesothelioma lawsuit

Anyone who was in contact with asbestos without being warned about its dangers or without being informed that products they handled contained asbestos can seek financial compensation. According to Mayo Clinic, your personal exposure to dangerous asbestos fibers can lead to adverse health. Asbestos can cause your cells to mutate, multiply, and form cancer cells and tumors.

Similarly, sharing a home with someone who was exposed to asbestos can also lead to adverse health. You may be eligible to file a lawsuit if you are a:

• Man or woman who was exposed to asbestos and asbestos fibers at work
• U.S. veteran who was exposed to asbestos during your military service
• Person who was injured as the result of second-hand contact with asbestos

You may have been vulnerable to asbestos as a construction worker, home remodeler, general contractor, subcontractor, or in a host of additional careers. If you believe your asbestos exposure led to your being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a mesothelioma lawsuit lawyer can help you prove it and show you how to file an individual or class action case against the asbestos company.

Deadline to file a mesothelioma and asbestos lawsuit

The lawsuit you file for asbestos-related mesothelioma can be a personal injury or wrongful death case. It can also be a single or multiple plaintiff lawsuit. Whichever type of lawsuit you file, you will have a mandatory filing deadline. Every type of civil lawsuit has a time limit commonly called the statute of limitations.

In general, one of the following statutory filing deadlines will apply to your lawsuit:

• A personal injury statute of limitations will define the filing deadline for individuals suffering from asbestos exposure and subsequently diagnosed with mesothelioma.
• A wrongful death statute of limitations will define the filing deadline for family members who lost a loved one due to asbestos-related mesothelioma.

Once the relevant statute of limitations for your state has been determined, it can still vary according to:

• The date you were diagnosed with mesothelioma
• The date of a loved one’s asbestos-related demise
• The age of the injured party 

Failing to have your lawsuit filed in time to comply with the statute of limitations could mean you inadvertently relinquish the ability to file at all and you could be left with no legal avenue to compel the at-fault party to compensate you or your family.

When you work with a network of attorneys, they will explain the many different factors that could potentially alter the statute of limitations in your case.

Working with a mesothelioma lawyer

Filing mesothelioma lawsuits for financial compensation after you are diagnosed with mesothelioma or after a loved one succumbs to it can be a complex and arduous process. 

On your own, the legal parameters and complexities can be daunting. When a lawyer represents you in your pursuit of compensation, he will:

• Clarify your legal position
• Identify the at-fault party
• Organize and submit your evidence
• Comply with the statute of limitations
• Build a compelling case file
• Negotiate a favorable settlement
• Review the compensation process step by step
• Explain the merits of individual and class action lawsuits

When you decide to pursue the at-fault party for monetary recovery, the lawyer you choose to handle your case is important. Because mesothelioma lawsuits can be emotionally charged, look for an attorney who serves his clients with kindness and compassion. Some additional factors to consider when choosing an attorney to represent you include:

• Their area of specialization
• Their professional reputation 
• Their client communication efforts

Your attorney should provide you with regular updates on the progress of your case. Look for a law firm that offers free reviews and consultations on your case and will accept your case on a contingency-fee basis. This type of fee agreement means you don’t pay out of pocket for attorney’s fees because your lawyer is only paid after your case is settled.

Steps involved in filing a mesothelioma lawsuit

Organizing and preparing your case can be an elaborate and involved process. It can include long periods of investigation, mountains of paperwork and documentation, numerous interviews and consultations, and assessing the potential value of your case. 

In an asbestos lawsuit, you—and others if yours is a class action case—are the plaintiff, and the company from whom you seek monetary compensation is the defendant. When you pursue an asbestos manufacturer, your attorney will draft a letter of complaint and send it to the defendant. The defendant, then, has a limited amount of time — typically 30 days—to respond to the letter.

Additional steps in building your case can include:

• Investigating your mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer
• Reading and reviewing your medical evidence
• Identifying and consulting expert witnesses
• Filing a formal complaint against the at-fault party
• Conducting discovery sessions and taking depositions

The discovery process is an important part of your case because it allows your attorney to question the defendant in writing. It also means they can request documentation, evidence, and witness lists that may aid them in building your case.

Will a mesothelioma lawsuit go to trial?

The outcome of your personal injury, wrongful death, individual, or class action lawsuit varies depending on whether or not an agreeable financial settlement can be reached. Your case can be resolved with a financial settlement from the at-fault party or their insurance provider.

A settlement means you agree to accept a specified amount of money to conclude your case instead of proceeding to trial. A settlement is usually the preferred case resolution. Because you, not your attorney, make the final decision to accept or reject a settlement offer, the timeline of settling your case is often up to you.

If a settlement cannot be reached, your case will proceed to trial. At trial, attorneys for each side will present their case to a judge or jury who will decide which side prevails. 

If your case is successful, the judge or jury will then decide on the financial damages you receive. Often, the defendant will appeal your victory, which can delay payment of your financial award.

If your initial lawsuit is unsuccessful, part of preparing your case can also involve filing an appeal. When you pursue the at-fault party for compensation, the lawyer that handles your case will walk you through each step of the preparation process. He will provide explanations and clarity around legal principles and statutes as well as their specific applications to your case.

Examples of verdicts in mesothelioma lawsuits

According to RAND Institute for Civil Justice (ICJ) research, asbestos litigation is the longest-running mass tort litigation in the history of the country. This long history of asbestos litigation causes concern among many recent victims of asbestos exposure. Their concerns include worries that asbestos companies may file for bankruptcy or that funds will otherwise not be available to future claimants.

ICJ’s study of asbestos litigation goes back to the early 1980s and continues into the 2000s. Their research indicates that the number of claims continues to increase for asbestos-related cancer cases and for non-malignant cases. They also cite mesothelioma as a “signature disease” of asbestos exposure. 

Attorneys can fight for the financial compensation you deserve. Some notable asbestos lawsuit verdicts include:

• $137 million awarded in the first class-action asbestos-related lawsuit
• $250 million to a former employee of U.S. Steel Corporation
• $18.6 million award for the family of a deceased tire builder
• $16.67 million verdict for the family of a past paper mill employee

Further research from Reuters cites the average payout in asbestos lawsuits. The average payout for:

• 2009 was $6.3 million 
• 2010 was $17.6 million
• 2011 was $10.5 million 

As the number of individual and mass tort asbestos injury lawsuits continued to increase over the years, asbestos companies opted to settle cases rather than go to court. Your attorneys should work to settle your mass tort case so that you can get the compensation you and your family deserve.

Just as people injured by asbestos exposure will experience a wide range of symptoms and illnesses, they will also have a wide range of financial damages. Calculating your recoverable damages on your own can be difficult. Your attorneys will help you understand how to assign a monetary value to your case.