Enough veterans sign onto 3M earplug settlement, assuring $6B deal
Star TribuneMar 26, 2024
Enough veterans and military service members have agreed to a
The Maplewood-based company had an escape hatch in the settlement; if less than 98% of plaintiffs agreed to the deal, 3M could have walked away from it completely.
As of the final registration deadline Monday, more than 99% of eligible claims — from about 250,000 people — had been filed.
"Once all the settlement registrations that have been submitted by claimants have been processed and validated, 3M anticipates that the settlement will have achieved a more than 99.9% participation level," the company announced Tuesday.
While a handful of claimants have already received checks, there is a long timeline established for who gets paid and when. Many claimants won't see their money until later this year at the earliest, according to the settlement, and payments will stretch into 2029.
The average payout is
The settlement stems from one of the largest mass torts in
Despite the high level of participation, not all claimants are pleased with the deal or the way the settlement will be paid out, according to a highly active online forum. More than 40,000 claims were dismissed as the settlement was finalized.
Those working with a lawyer should contact their attorney to answer questions about payment amounts and timing. Those without representation who have questions should reach out to settlement administrator
3M said Tuesday it is working through lawsuits and arbitration to recover some money from insurers to cover the bill.
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