3M Begins $6 Billion Settlement Payments to U.S. Service Members Over Faulty Earplugs

The company accelerates a payment of $253 million as part of the settlement, while maintaining that the earplugs are safe when used properly.

3M has begun making payments as part of a $6 billion settlement to U.S. service members and veterans who alleged hearing loss and other injuries due to faulty earplugs made by the company.
The settlement, agreed upon in August, is expected to result in 25,000 to 30,000 claimants dismissing associated litigation.
3M recently accelerated a payment of $253 million to settle 'wave' cases by the end of January.
The earplugs in question were used by the U.S. military in training and combat from 2003 to 2015.
Despite the settlement, 3M maintains that the earplugs are safe and effective when used properly, and that the settlement is not an admission of liability.