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LATEST NEWS & EVENTS High street stores 'may have to pay £10m' in sofa compensation  A number of high street stores, including Land of Leather, Walmsleys and Argos, may have to pay out more than £10 million in compensation and legal costs to people who suffered burns and other injuries due to toxic chemicals found in sofas. The South Yorkshire Star reported that two local women - Jean Harcus of Rotherham and Susan Thackery from Handsworth - are among the 1,600 people seeking compensation. Both women reported burns on their legs and backs, which developed soon after their new furniture was delivered. The burns were thought to be caused by the toxic chemical dimethyl fumerate, which was used by Chinese manufacturers to prevent them from going mouldy while in storage. It is believed that the incident - which first came to light two years ago - could be the largest group compensation claim ever seen in the British courts and it is possible that even more people may have been affected, as up to 200,000 defective sofas may have been sold. The high street stores involved in the sale of the toxic furniture are expected to admit liability and a judge is expected to order the retailers to pay out compensation where it is due. According to a BBC report earlier this year, Land of Leather went into administration in January and insurer Zurich is contesting whether it will be required to provide compensation. 
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