"3M Settles $6 Billion Lawsuit Over Faulty Earplugs"

3M has agreed to pay over $6 billion to settle a class-action lawsuit brought by consumers and military members who claimed that the company's earplugs were defective and caused hearing loss and other injuries. The settlement, which will be paid out between 2023 and 2029, includes $5 billion in cash and $1 billion in 3M common stock. The plaintiffs alleged that the earplugs, manufactured between 2003 and 2015, became loose and exposed them to harmful sounds. 3M maintains that the earplugs are safe when used properly and the settlement is not an admission of liability.