Following news that a man has received compensation, after accepting a proposal to settle from Furniture Warehouse who admitted liability, for a severe allergic reaction to a sofa bought from Furniture Warehouse containing di-methyl fumarate (DMF), Lawson-West solicitors would like to give an update on the situation.
Lawson-West, solicitors, are representing a number of claimants who have suffered severe allergic reactions to DMF used in leather sofas. The reactions left some with burns and others with weeping sores causing pain and forcing people to take time off work. From 1 May 2009 the European Commission banned products containing DMF from being placed or made available on the market. DMF has been used as an anti-mould agent and placed in sachets within the sofas. The problem is that DMF converts from liquid to gas at a relatively low temperature, eg if a sofa is left in direct sunlight or in a centrally-heated room, the gas gets absorbed by the sofa covering so then comes into contact with whoever sits on the sofa.
Anyone who has suffered a severe allergic reaction potentially has a personal injury claim against the retailer for providing defective products. Claims against Argos and Homebase are fully insured. Claims against Land of Leather may not be insured as it depends who the manufacturer of the sofa was, although lawyers are challenging the denial of insurance cover by the insurance company and we are waiting the outcome.
There is a further court hearing in September 2009. We are aware of the frustration at the time being taken to settle claims and will provide further updates as soon as we have any further news.
