A judge awarded $2 million in compensation to the family of Greek-American Alex Chronis after the 76-year-old died from injuries sustained in 2021 when he took a shower with water heated to 65 degrees Celsius in a hotel.
The incident occurred in November 2021 during Chronis’ business trip to Kentucky.
According to the family’s lawsuit, the water caused third-degree burns to the 76-year-old man. Chronis reportedly collapsed in the bathtub when the scalding water hit him, and two colleagues staying in the same room pulled him out after hearing his screams.
Following the injury, Chronis allegedly used over-the-counter medications to treat the burns and then went to work at a local festival in a food stand.
Later, he went to a hospital but left against medical advice to return to work.
Two days later, however, he had to return to the hospital, where he stayed for five months. During his hospitalization, he underwent surgeries for the burns and other medical issues that arose.
In April 2022, his condition stabilized enough for him to be transferred to a rehabilitation center, but his health deteriorated again, leading to his return to the hospital in June 2022, where he passed away.
The Tennessee court that heard the family’s lawsuit ruled that the hotel owner “failed to ensure adequate inspection and maintenance to make the room sufficiently safe for guests.”
The court’s July 3rd decision included $1.3 million for medical expenses, $250,000 for pain and suffering, $16,000 for funeral expenses, and $500,000 for punitive damages.
The ruling is subject to appeal.
