03/09/2009 - OAP wins settlement for burn injury
A pensioner from West Midlands who received severe chemical burns caused by toxic chemicals in a leather sofa has been compensated for his injuries.
Maurice Heminsley, of Willenhall, won an undisclosed four-figure settlement, according to law firm Irwin Mitchell.
The 68-year-old purchased the £1,100 sofa from Furniture Warehouse in Dudley in November 2007 and developed a rash within days. Over three months the inflammation spread across his back and legs resulting in open sores.
In February 2008, Mr Heminsley was diagnosed with acute contact dermatitis caused by sachets filled with an anti-mould chemical called dimethyl fumarate (DMF), which was found stuffed inside the imported leather sofa.
Thousands of such Chinese-manufactured settees were sold in 2007 and 2008 by stores such as Argos, Walmseys and Land of Leather.
In one of the first such payouts in Britain, the Dudley-based firm did not contest liability for Mr Heminsley's injuries and paid him the four-figure sum. According to the law firm, this could pave the way for the thousands of other consumers currently involved in similar legal disputes over the sofas.
Furniture Warehouse, which paid Mr Heminsley a full refund, declined to comment.
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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