LEATHER sofas bought from a string of well-known high street retailers including Argos and Land of Leather are at the centre of a health scare that has seen babies, adults and household pets needing medical attention.
More than 1,000 people have suffered symptoms as wide ranging as blisters, chemical burns and, in one tragic case, even heart failure.
It appears the problems can be traced back to powerful anti-mould chemicals used by Chinese manufacturers LinkWi
se.
Ben Gent, of Sheffield solicitors Ashton Morton Slack, said: "There could be a very clear case for compensation here. Where a product is unsafe, legal action can be brought against both manufacturer and suppliers.
The law gives a high priority to the safety of consumers and awards of damages are common.
"Ashton Morton Slack is already speaking to a number of people who believe they have been injured by these sofas.
"We have expertise in the cases arising from defective products and are advising our clients in respect of legal action."
A number of the affected sofa ranges have already been withdrawn from sale and some retailers have written to customers.
However, the picture is not at all clear at the moment and many other smaller retailers could be involved, he added.
Mr Gent said: "Our message to any one that thinks they may have been affected by this is to immediately seek medical advice, no matter how minor the conditions first appear."
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