Authored by: Ollie Lammers
According to Law.com, 3M had a $110 million verdict in late January. In Pensacola, Florida, a federal jury awarded $55 million each to two plaintiffs. The award included $15 million in compensatory damages and $40 million in punitive damages.
The $110 million verdict is the most significant award to plaintiffs suing 3M over its dual-ended combat earplugs used in the military.
The trial was the eleventh court case brought against 3M earplugs, alleging the use of their earplugs causes hearing loss, ringing of the ears, or tinnitus. Ten of the previous jury trials have split between rewarding plaintiffs for their damages against 3M and finding 3M not responsible for the damages caused against the plaintiffs.
A judge in the Northern District of Florida has overseen more than 250,000 claims in multidistrict litigation against the company.
3M released a statement saying it would appeal the verdict. The company noted, “Consolidating multiple plaintiffs’ cases into one jury trial can confuse jurors, ultimately affecting outcomes.”
For more information on 3M cases, click here for the Law.com article.
