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2h ago

UK Veterans Put 3M on Legal Notice Over Alleged Faulty Combat Earplugs

3M maintains the earplugs were safe despite a multibillion-dollar US settlement.

Dave Watson is among thousands of soldiers taking legal action against 3M
Triple amputee Dave Watson is among thousands of British service personnel who have joined a claim being launched today against the US personal protective equipment giant 3M.

Overview

  • Specialist firm KP Law issued a pre-action letter on Tuesday, putting 3M on notice of UK litigation on behalf of thousands of former and serving personnel.
  • The claim centers on Combat Arms Earplugs V2, which KP Law says 3M supplied to the Ministry of Defence from 2003 to 2023 in at least 400,000 sets.
  • The Royal British Legion estimates more than 300,000 UK service personnel live with life-changing hearing difficulties that veterans link to ineffective protection.
  • Triple amputee and Invictus Games gold medallist Dave Watson has joined the claim, saying he suffers tinnitus and now requires hearing aids in both ears.
  • 3M says the product was safe when used properly and that the US resolution involved no admission of liability, as the MoD highlights existing protections and compensation while an MP calls for an independent inquiry.