Kentucky motel ordered to pay $2 million after guest dies from 150-degree shower

76-year-old Alex Chronis sustained third-degree burns and spent months in the hospital before he died.

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The family of a 76-year-old Kentucky man was awarded over $2 million for his death from second- and third-degree burns suffered in a scalding hot motel shower where water temperatures reached at least 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

Legal records from the case stated that Alex Chronis arrived at the Econo Lodge in Erlanger, Kentucky, on November 18, 2021. The following day, he attempted to use the shower and was immediately engulfed by super-hot water, causing him to fall and sustain burns that continued to burn him. The two individuals staying at the motel with Chronis heard his cries and helped him out of the shower.

"He had to undergo skin grafting procedures due to the deep-tissue second- and third-degree burns caused by the shower's scalding heat," Jeffrey Blankenship, the lawyer representing Chronis' family, informed NBC News on Thursday.

After a few months in the hospital, Chronis succumbed to his injuries on June 19, 2022. Chronis was unmarried and had no offspring, so his niece pursued legal action on his behalf.

Testimonies from expert witnesses confirmed that the shower's water temperature was at least 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Photos taken by Chronis' nephew, who was present at the motel, revealed extensive damage and discoloration on Chronis' legs.

The court's final decision, issued on July 11, allocated $1,271,486.60 to cover medical bills, $16,058.73 for the cost of the funeral, $250,000 for the pain and suffering endured, and $500,000 for punitive damages. The defense had 30 days to appeal the decision.

The defense argued that Chronis did not actually stay at the motel, according to Blankenship. The defense's lawyers did not respond to requests for comment, citing the appeal process.

Sources:

NBC News