Payments to veterans begin in $6 billion 3M earplug settlement

3M has started sending payments as part of its previously announced $6 billion settlement to resolve almost 300,000 lawsuits alleging that the manufacturing company supplied faulty combat earplugs to the military that resulted in significant injuries, such as hearing loss.

3M has started sending payments as part of its previously announced $6 billion settlement to resolve almost 300,000 lawsuits alleging that the manufacturing company supplied faulty combat earplugs to the military that resulted in significant injuries, such as hearing loss. Earlier this week, the company announced that it has begun sending out approximately $250 million in payments to service members and veterans, with payouts being completed by the end of January. 3M said in a statement that it has received “strong and widespread support from claimants and the broader military community” for the settlement. “This support has helped the parties and the courts reach the next milestone set forth in the agreement toward full implementation of the settlement.” More than 30,000 have agreed to the lawsuit so far. However, it’s unclear how much money each individual claimant will receive. A website has been set up for claimants for more information. 3M has previously said the agreement is “not an admission of liability” and that the payout will come over several years and encompass $5 billion in cash and $1 billion in stock. “The products at issue in this litigation are safe and effective when used properly. 3M is prepared to continue to defend itself in the litigation if certain agreed terms of the settlement agreement are not fulfilled,” the company said.