Erlanger, Kentucky – A tragic incident in which a 76-year-old man suffered fatal injuries from excessively hot shower water at a hotel has resulted in a $2 million wrongful death lawsuit settlement for his family. The incident occurred at the Econo Lodge in Erlanger, Kentucky, when Alex Chronis, a food vendor from Tennessee, was scalded by water exceeding 150 degrees Fahrenheit during a work trip in November 2021.
Chronis, who collapsed in the shower due to the severity of the burns, was fortunate to be rescued by two colleagues who heard his cries for help. Despite the seriousness of his injuries, Chronis initially attempted to treat himself with over-the-counter medication and continued working at a local festival. However, his condition deteriorated, and he eventually sought medical attention at an emergency room.
Unfortunately, Chronis left the hospital against medical advice, determined to return to work. But within two days, he was readmitted and remained hospitalized for nearly five months. During this time, he underwent surgical grafting for his burn wounds and received treatment for other complications that arose during his stay.
The situation further worsened when Chronis was transferred to a rehabilitation facility in his hometown of Knoxville in April 2022. Despite ongoing efforts to improve his condition, his health did not improve, and he was readmitted to the hospital in June, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Chronis’ grieving family held hotel owner Sanjay Patel accountable, filing a lawsuit alleging that Patel had failed to maintain the hotel room in a reasonably safe condition for guests. Their claims were validated by a Tennessee jury, which awarded Chronis’ estate a total of $1.3 million for medical expenses, $250,000 for pain and suffering, $16,000 for funeral costs, and an additional $500,000 in punitive damages, according to a judgment filed on July 3.
The family’s attorney, Jeff Blankenship, voiced their belief that the jury recognized the hotel’s negligence and the devastating consequences of Chronis’ injuries. Blankenship emphasized that Chronis’ death was a direct result of the scalding wounds and reiterated that proper safety protocols could have prevented such a tragedy.