Thousands of victims who were burnt as a result of toxic sofas are set to receive a share of a large compensation payout.  It has been reported that the total amount to be paid by the high street chains is in the region of £20 million pounds. 

This amount is not just for the compensation to the victims for their pain and suffering but also for legal costs.

Retailers such as Homebase and Argos have been told to pay compensation to the customers who were injured as a result of the dangerous chemicals which were found in the furniture which was made in China.

The victims are expected to receive between £1,200 and £9,000 each after a deal was made in the High Court in London.  Others are expected to also receive compensation for loss of earnings and missed weddings and holidays as a result of being ill with severe burns and rashes.

The sofas in question contained a “highly sensitising” chemical dimethyl fumarate, known as DMF.  The substance was put in the sofas to stop them becoming mouldy in storage.  The EU has now banned the substance after consumers in at least five European Companies suffered symptoms of skin complaints.

However, some retailers are still denying liability.