3M Bankruptcy Ruling a Milestone Win for Fishman Haygood Team

On Friday, Aug. 26, 2022, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Jeffrey Graham of Indianapolis ruled that thousands of military veterans with hearing loss claims allegedly related to 3M earplugs can continue the multidistrict litigation against the company. Several 3M subsidiaries, including earplug manufacturer Aearo Technologies, initiated chapter 11 proceedings on July 26, 2022.

According to Reuters, courts frequently agree to “extend litigation stays to the parents of bankruptcy subsidiaries.” The ruling means that cases will move forward against 3M during the pendency of Aearo’s bankruptcy proceedings. Read more here.

The landmark ruling was a success for Fishman Haygood attorneys Tristan Manthey, Brent Barriere, Cherie Nobles, Jason Burge, and Rebekka Veith, who served as counsel on behalf of the plaintiffs. Attorneys from Quinn Emmanuel, Otterbourg P.C., Caplin & Drysdale, and KTBS Law LLP rounded out the team. Click here for a Law.com “Litigators of the Week” article.

Our Bankruptcy and Restructuring team’s substantial experience includes both debtor and creditor side engagements, debtor‑in‑possession and exit financing, asset acquisitions, advising independent directors and boards of directors, advising bondholder and other ad hoc creditor groups, distressed M&A (in court and out of court), municipal restructuring, as well as bankruptcy litigation. Click here to learn more about the firm’s bankruptcy and restructuring group.