Miami Product Liability Lawyer 
From food to medicine to tools, we expect the products we buy will be safe to use. Companies that make these products are obligated to test them to make certain of that. Unfortunately, a business may let its bottom line lead to neglecting the safety of consumers by not properly testing a product. This can result in serious injury. At the law firm of Needle & Ellenberg, P.A., we understand product liability cases. If you or a loved one has been hurt due to a defective or poorly designed product, we will fight to get you the compensation you are due.
To schedule a free evaluation, call our experienced product liability lawyers today. We serve clients in the Miami and in communities throughout Florida.
What Type Of Product Defect Injured You?
Handling product liability cases can be complex and time-consuming. We are available to represent clients in any type of product liability case, including those involving any recreational or consumer product, such as:
- Defective automobile parts (faulty tires, air bag defects, poor design leading to rollover)
- Defective heavy equipment/industrial equipment
- Defective tools (power drills, saws)
- Defective firearms (defective guns, defective rifles)
- Defective medical devices
- Defective medicine
- Defective toys (bicycles, scooters)
- Defective electronics
Our motto is we are committed to improving lives, one at a time. To us, this means we handle each case personally. We will take the time to learn about your situation and your needs. When we build a product liability case for you, it will be designed to get you compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We will work hard to improve the quality of life diminished by the negligence of others.
Taking Action
To arrange a free case evaluation with an attorney, call our law firm today. You can also email us.
3M Combat Arms Earplug Lawsuits
As a Miami product liability lawyer can explain, in early 2019, two Houston law firms filed 100 lawsuits on behalf of veterans alleging that faulty earplugs led to losses of hearing and balance as well as other difficulties. The lawsuits, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, charged that between 2003 and 2015, the 3M Company, a government contractor based in Minnesota, produced the defective plugs and sold them to the United States military without disclosing the defects. Product liability lawyers in Miami and across the country expect many more plaintiffs to come forward because the earplugs were used for such a long period of time.
According to court filings, the plaintiffs claim that the trademarked Combat Arms earplugs did not maintain a tight seal and allowed dangerous sound waves to harm the user’s hearing. Further, the documents state that 3M knew of the faulty design as early as 2000 and failed to warn users or give instructions on how to avoid the dangers. Even more egregious, 3M allegedly falsified documents claiming that the plugs met military specifications and used patent infringement lawsuits to keep competing products from reaching the market.
A press release from the Justice Department in 2018 indicates that, in earlier proceedings under the False Claims Act, 3M agreed to a settlement of $9.1 million to resolve claims that the company knowingly sold the plugs without disclosing the defects. While that case is now concluded, there was no determination of liability and all funds recovered went to the United States military to cover costs related to the defective plugs. Suits currently being filed by Miami product liability lawyers and other attorneys are individual claims on behalf of veterans and will each be weighed on its own merits.
Eligibility for Compensation Under the 3M Combat Arms Earplug Lawsuits
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs states that hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) are the most common service-related disability among American vets. Approximately 60% of veterans report some level of hearing loss after leaving service, and as of 2014, more than 2 million veterans were receiving disability compensation for such conditions.
Anyone who served in the military between 2003 and 2015 and suffered hearing loss or damage after using 3M earplugs may be eligible for compensation. Such awards can help with medical expenses and other financial losses; some cases may qualify for payments for pain and suffering. Time limits do apply, so eligible veterans and service members should contact an attorney immediately to determine next steps.
Contact a Miami Product Liability Lawyer Today
If you think you have suffered injury because of 3M earplug use, contact Needle & Ellenberg, P.A. today to meet with a Miami Product liability lawyer for a free and case evaluation.