3M begins paying $6 billion in combat earplugs settlement

(Gray News) - 3M has started paying out $6 billion in settlement money for lawsuits alleging the company supplied the military with faulty combat earplugs.

The company started sending out nearly $250 million in payments to service members and veterans this week.

According to a 2021 Wall Street Journal report, the earplugs allegedly caused some service members to experience hearing loss and tinnitus.

More than 30,000 claimants have agreed to the lawsuit so far.

In a statement, 3M said the settlement is not an admission of liability.

To receive money, claimants must have a case on file and the necessary documentation, the claims website said. Claimants must also keep their contact information current with the lawsuit representing them in the case.

ARCHER Systems, which is managing the settlement, said it will reach out to those eligible for payments about their claims directly, copying their attorneys.