Nate Raymond

(Reuters) – Friday’s $22.5 Million verdict by a federal jury in the U.S. Army case against 3M Co was the largest yet in huge litigation related to the product.

Theodore Finley was the plaintiff in the Pensacola trial. This latest proceeding stemmed from 272,000 suits brought by veterans and military personnel alleging 3M’s defective earplugs were responsible for their hearing damage.

Finley was a soldier who used the earplugs from 2006 to 2014. He received $7.5million in compensatory damages, and $15 million for punitive damages. It was more than $13 million that jurors had awarded an Army sergeant.

This trial was eighth to result in a verdict. Plaintiffs in four cases won more than $28 millions. 3M was sided in 3M’s case, while 2 more cases are currently underway.

In a joint statement, the three lead plaintiffs’ lawyers, Shelley Hutson, Bryan Aylstock and Christopher Seeger said that 3M would be held accountable for placing profits above the safety of the nation.

3M didn’t respond to our request for comment. 3M claimed that the Combat Arms Earplugs Version 2 are safe and effective.

The product was developed by Aearo Technologies LLC which 3M purchased in 2008. Plaintiffs claim the company failed to instruct on how to properly use the earplugs.

To ensure that the earplugs work correctly, it is necessary to fold back the flexible cups at the end of the ear. Otherwise, noises and loosening of the plugs will occur. Veteran complain that 3M did not communicate the necessity to fold the plugs.