More than 1500 victims of toxic sofas are due to receive compensation ranging from £1,175 to £9,000 each after an agreement was reached by lawyers for £20 million.

What is thought to be the largest consumer group litigation in British legal history came after hundreds of customers began suffering with serious burns, eye problems and breathing difficulties. Insurers for Argos, Homebase, Walmsley Furnishing and some smaller companies have admitted liability for their customers’ injuries and agreed to pay compensation. 

The burns were the result of the fungicide called dimethyl fumarate (DMF) which is used to prevent leather going mouldy whilst stored in humid conditions. The sofas were originally manufactured in China. The chemical DMF has now been banned by the European Union.

It is estimated that 100,000 leather suites containing the DMF chemical were sold in Britain. There has not been a national recall by trading standard officials despite the large amount of customers known to have suffered health implications as a result of purchasing one of these sofas.

The compensation only relates to non-severe cases as liability continues to be disputed in 3,000 more severe cases. 

If you have suffered an injury that was not your fault, it is important that you take legal advice at the earliest opportunity.

If you think you may have a claim, contact our specialist personal injury lawyers for immediate advice. Call Actons Solicitors free on 08081 355 355 or click here to start your claim now.