DMF-contaminated Sofas bought from Argos, Homebase, Land of Leather or Walmsleys – update on the Group Litigation Action

Lawson-West solicitors can now report that Argos, Homebase (which is now owned by Argos) and Land of Leather have admitted which ranges of sofas they sold that may have contained DMF, the irritant that caused the severe allergic reactions. This means that people who have suffered burns, rashes and blisters as a result of an allergic reaction to di-methyl fumarate (DMF) and can show that they purchased or used the sofas, will be able to claim compensation.

DMF was used as an anti-mould agent in sachets within the sofas. The problem was that if a sofa was placed in a heated room or in direct sunlight, the DMF turned from liquid to gas which leaked from the sachets and was absorbed by the leather covering where it come into contact with people sitting on the sofa. Sofas sourced from Linkwise and Eurosofa then sold at Argos, Homebase, Land of Leather and Walmsleys Home Furnishings have been affected.

However, Unibrook, trading as Walmsleys Home Furnishings, have not admitted liability. Unibrook have indicated that they are not the importer of the Canberra and Stanton models, alleged to have contained DMF. This suggests that Unibrook could be planning to deny liability to sofa users who were not purchasers, as they would have no liability for non purchasers under the Sale of Goods Act. For example if a parent bought one of these sofas and their children used it and suffered a severe allergic reaction, Unibrook would deny liability for compensation for the children even though the children have suffered burns and blisters through no fault of their own. Unibrook have been asked who the importer was.

As Walmsleys Home Furnishings, they continued to sell the sofas after they ought to have known there was a problem and that the sofas may have been contaminated with DMF, they may still be held liable in negligence.

Lawson-West solicitors can still help. If you or a family member have been affected by a severe allergic reaction to a leather sofa bought during the last three years from Argos, Homebase, Land of Leather or Walmsleys, please contact Vickki Ridgway on 0116 212 1000 or complete one of the on-line forms for advice.