Who would have ever thought that you could develop skin irritations, rashes and even burns just from relaxing in your own home. For 1000’s of people in the UK this has become a reality, they all have just one thing in common; they have bought new sofas from 3 major furniture retailers.
So what is the cause of the problem?
The cause of the skin irritation has now been linked to the chemical Dimethyl Fumarate (DMF) which is a fungicide contained in a sachet inside the sofa, which is inserted to prevent mould during shipping. The Crystals contained in these sachets particularly when exposed to heat give off toxic gases which can pass through clothing to cause a rash or skin irritation.
The matter was first highlighted by customers who had purchased sofas from Argos, Land of Leather and Walmsley Furnishing which had been manufactured by the Chinese based company Linkwise.
It is reported that one Claimant Jean Harcus spent £700 at the Land of Leather on a new sofa. Within weeks of buying the three-seat and two-seat pair of sofas made in China using Euro Star leather, the 46-year-old started to get a rash along the back of her legs, her back and her bottom.
She knew something had gone seriously wrong when, having fallen asleep in her sofa one night, she woke up with an unsightly rash all across her scalp and face.
“I was so pleased when I bought the suite, I thought it looked lovely and was very comfortable,” said Mrs. Harcus, from Rotherham. “But five weeks later I started to come out in the rash and it just got worse and worse.”
A group litigation which started 18 months ago is currently being brought in the High Court against Argos, Land of Leather and Walmsley Furnishing – who allegedly sold the leather furniture made by the Chinese company Linkwise. It is anticipated that there will be thousands of Claimants still to come forward.
It is thought to be the largest group litigation for a faulty consumer good the UK has seen. It is estimated that the pay-out could total several million pounds if the claims are successful.
Last year, the Honourable Mr. Justice Treacy made a Group Litigation Order which allowed people affected by the sofas to pursue compensation. The Court is currently awaiting the response from the insurance company to say whether or not it will cover the claims.
Zurich Insurance originally insured Land of Leather, which is now in administration, whose customers account for 570 of the 1807 claims.
It is estimated that the pay-out could total several million pounds if the compensation bid was successful.
A spokeswoman for Argos said: “Over the last 18 months, there have been issues regarding certain sofas manufactured by a company based in China which were supplied to Argos and a number of other retailers.
If you have developed a rash, irritation or other injury related to sitting on your sofa and would like more information about bringing a claim for compensation please contact us for advice on 01244 354664.
