A MAJOR UPDATE FROM THE 3M EARPLUG CASE
In 2008, 3M bought Aearo Technologies’ earplug design and product. Prior to that, Aearo Technologies had won a major military contract with the U.S. federal government to supply the earplugs to men and women serving in the nation’s military. Turns out, the entire product was a fraud. After years of battling for justice in court, juries have awarded veterans — who claim the earplugs did nothing to protect their hearing — millions of dollars in compensation for Aearo and 3M’s negligence. In June 2021, veteran Lloyd Baker was awarded $1.7 million by a jury over 3M’s failure to warn him and 230,000 other U.S. military personnel (who are currently fighting for compensation) about the defective product. The Florida-based jury found 3M 62% liable for Baker’s injuries, which could result in a deserved $1.1 million payout. This is the second case in which a jury has sided with plaintiffs seeking compensation for their injuries. In April, another jury awarded three veterans $7.1 million in compensation. In a third case, the jury did not support the plaintiff’s claims, but plaintiffs’ attorneys are hopeful and determined as September and October trials approach. The crux of the cases come down to the Combat Arms Earplugs Version 2 (CAEv2) which were sold to the U.S. military from 1999 to 2015, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The design and shape
of the earplugs were intended to protect soldiers from the loud and potentially damaging noises from gunfire and training. However, the plugs failed to do so, and records show 3M was aware of that. Furthermore, the Veterans Affairs office (VA) reports that tinnitus, or ringing of the ear, is one of the most commonly reported disabilities. This condition can cause difficulty interacting with family and friends, a rise in chronic health conditions, and trouble enjoying activities, like playing music. If you or a loved one served in our nation’s military between 1999– 2015 and sustained hearing loss or tinnitus, you may have a case for compensation. Our legal team can help you begin this process. Call our office today to learn more.
We Value You!
ONE-PAN APPLE CIDER CHICKEN
At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., the trust we build with our clients is our most valuable asset. To show our appreciation, we would like to thank our clients who have referred others to us since our August newsletter:
Bring the taste of fall into your kitchen with this sizzling skillet meal.
Sharon McCoy, Loreal Mansfield, Gwendolyn Gilbert, and Cassandra Dennard
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard • 4 tsp olive oil, divided • 3 sweet apples, cut into 1/2-inch slices • 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped, plus more for garnish
Ingredients • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs • 1 tsp salt, divided • 1/2 tsp black pepper, divided • 1/2 cup apple cider
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Directions 1. Sprinkle chicken with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Set aside. 2. In a small bowl, combine apple cider and mustard. Set aside. 3. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tsp olive oil. When shimmering, add chicken thighs top-side down. Cook for 4 minutes, then flip and cook for 4 more minutes. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil. Wipe the skillet clean. 4. Heat the remaining oil in the skillet, then add sliced apples, remaining salt and pepper, and rosemary. Cook for 5 minutes. 5. Return the chicken to the skillet and add apple cider-mustard mixture. Cook for 5 minutes, then serve sprinkled with rosemary!
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