In a game-changing win for plaintiffs attorneys suing over combat earplugs, a bankruptcy judge refused to halt lawsuits filed against 3M.
Friday’s order by Chief Bankruptcy Judge Jeffrey Graham means lawsuits would go forward against 3M alleging the earplugs caused hearing loss and ringing of the ears. Graham, who heard testimony during a hearing in Indianapolis earlier this month that lasted three days, found there was insufficient evidence that 3M would not be able to meet its funding obligations, which include making payments to its subsidiary, Aearo Technologies, the debtor in the Chapter 11 case that incurred earplug liabilities under an indemnity arrangement.
