Liability Fully Admitted in ‘Toxic’ Sofas Case

Two out of the three defendants in the ‘Toxic’ sofas case have now fully admitted liability, which means that the floodgates are officially open for multiple compensation payments. Both Argos/Homebase and Land of Leather have admitted liability for all users of their furniture, subject to establishing that a Claimant has had contact with an affected sofa.

Nationally 1500 people are bringing a joint claim, and Leicester Law firm Lawson-West are acting for more than 45 people who have developed severe allergic reactions to certain leather sofas, previously available from Argos, Land of Leather and Walmsleys. The affected sofas, mainly in the Pia, Bari and Marco ranges, were sourced from the Linkwise factory in China.

The severe allergic reactions have been caused by the anti-mould agent used in sachets placed within the sofas. The anti-mould agent, di-methyl fumarate (DMF), turns from liquid to gas when heated and becomes absorbed in the leather sofa covering. When someone comes into contact with the DMF by sitting on the sofa, it has been shown to cause severe skin reactions including blistering, burns, sores and rashes.

Further information on the sofas case can be obtained from Vickki Ridgway or Saira Roper at Lawson-West on 0116 212 1000.