Argos and Walmsley Sofa Claims Unaffected By Zurich Decision

Following the announcement by Land of Leather Insurers Zurich that they will not pay compensation for claims relating to furniture sourced from the Linkwise factory in China, Lawson-West would like to reassure clients that claims regarding sofas bought from Argos and Walmsley will still go ahead. This is the latest twist in the ‘Toxic Sofas’ story which has grown into the largest group litigation action over a consumer product in British legal history. The claims relate to leather sofas containing sachets of DMF, an anti-mould agent used in the sofas which causes serious skin reactions. Many claimants have suffered severe burns as a result of sitting on sofas which have become contaminated with the chemical. The decision regarding Land of Leather is reportedly due to a ‘breach’ of their insurance policy, which means Zurich can decline to pay out on claims that relate to that breach. Since Land of Leather is now in administration, claimants are unlikely to recover damages directly from the firm either. However, in the Argos and Walmsley cases, no such breaches have occurred, and Lawson-West are hopeful that settlements will be agreed soon. If you’d like further information, please contact Vickki Ridgway at Lawson-West on 0116 212 1055.