A recent lawsuit revealed that a jury has awarded $2 million to the estate of a man who tragically passed away after sustaining severe burns from scalding water in a Kentucky motel shower. The incident occurred at the Econo Lodge in Erlanger, Kentucky, where 76-year-old Alex Chronis suffered third-degree burns during a shower, leading to his untimely death on June 19, 2022.
According to the complaint filed by Chronis' niece, on November 19, 2021, Chronis was overwhelmed by scalding hot water as soon as he entered the shower, causing him to fall to the floor where he continued to be scalded. Hearing his distress, two associates rushed to his aid.
The water temperature was reported to be over 150 degrees, a level that can cause third-degree burns in just two seconds, as per the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Despite initially treating his burns with nonprescription medicine, Chronis eventually sought medical help and underwent skin graft surgery two days later. He spent nearly five months in the hospital before being transferred to a rehabilitation facility in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The lawsuit alleged that the motel owner, Sanjay Patel, failed to maintain a safe environment for guests, leading to the tragic incident. The jury's judgment, issued on July 3, awarded Chronis' estate $1.3 million for medical expenses, $250,000 for pain and suffering, over $16,000 for funeral costs, and $500,000 in punitive damages.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety of hotel facilities to prevent such devastating accidents from occurring.
