A SIX-YEAR-OLD girl, Holly David, has been awarded €10,000 damages against Argos Ltd after she developed “intensely tingly” rashes from a new sofa when she was aged two.
Barrister Andrew Whelan told the Circuit Civil Court yesterday a widespread recall of chemically-contaminated sofas was carried out by Argos in November 2009.
Holly’s mother, Gabriela, had bought the sofa in November 2006, and Holly had already been treated for a dermatitis-type skin infection prior to the recall.
Mr Whelan said Holly, who was aged two at the time, and her entire family had developed skin problems as a result of coming in contact with the chemical used in the production of the sofa.
Ms David, of Pace Road, Clonee, Co Dublin, told the court in an affidavit she had received a replacement sofa shortly after Holly had developed skin problems.
She said all exposed parts of her body such as her neck and the back of her legs had become intensely tingly and uncomfortable following short periods of exposure to the chemical dimethyl fumarate.
Mr Whelan said the Personal Injuries Assessment Board had recommended damages of €10,000 for Holly, and he asked the court to approve a settlement offer of that amount by Argos.
Mr Justice Matthew Deery said it was clear from medical reports that Holly had quickly recovered from her skin problems.
He awarded her an extra €534 special damages by way of expenses and her legal team’s costs.