Econo Lodge Lawsuit: Scalding Showers Result in $2 Million JudgmentEcono Lodge Lawsuit: Scalding Showers Result in $2 Million Judgment A Kenton County jury has awarded a Tennessee man $2 million after a scalding hot shower at an Econo Lodge hotel in Erlanger, Kentucky, allegedly led to his death. Incident Details Alex Chronis, a 76-year-old food vendor, was visiting the Cincinnati area in November 2021. While staying at the Econo Lodge, he attempted to take a shower when he was burned by water over 150 degrees Fahrenheit, causing third-degree burns. Lawsuit Allegations According to the lawsuit, the hotel owner, Sanjay Patel, failed to properly maintain the hotel room and the water heater, resulting in the excessive water temperature. Medical Treatment and Death Despite initial medical treatment, Chronis’s condition worsened, and he was hospitalized for nearly five months. He underwent surgical interventions and developed other unspecified medical problems. In June 2022, he was transferred to a hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he subsequently died. Jury Verdict The jury found Patel liable for failing to maintain the hotel room in a safe condition. The judgment awarded Chronis’s estate $1.3 million for medical expenses, $250,000 for pain and suffering, $16,000 for funeral expenses, and $500,000 in punitive damages. Hotel Ownership and Franchise The Econo Lodge is owned by Aspyn, LLC, which does business under the name “Econo Lodge of Erlanger.” The hotel is franchised by Choice Hotels International, which operates over 6,000 franchised hotels in the United States, including 675 Econo Lodges. Comment from Family and Hotel Chronis’s family declined to comment on the matter. Patel could not be immediately reached for comment, and his attorney did not respond to a request for comment. Implications This case highlights the importance of hotel safety and maintenance. It also raises concerns about the potential for hotel franchising companies to be held accountable for incidents at their franchised properties.
Travelers who normally worry about hotel safety or bed bugs are facing a new health and safety issue when they check in, thanks to a horrific incident at an Econo Lodge in Northern Kentucky: scalding hot showers.
A Kenton County jury has awarded a Tennessee man $2 million in assets after a hot shower at an Erlanger hotel led to the man’s death several months later, a lawsuit alleges.
Alex Chronis, a 76-year-old food vendor who was visiting the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area for work in November 2021, was burned when he tried to take a morning shower at the Econo Lodge at 633 Donaldson Road, according to documents filed in Kenton County District Court.
The lawsuit said the water was more than 150 degrees, which can cause third-degree burns within seconds of exposure. Chronis collapsed in the shower but was pulled out by two coworkers in his room who heard his screams.
After taking some over-the-counter medication for his burns, Chronis attended a local festival where he worked as a food vendor. He later visited the emergency room at Miami Valley Hospital, but against medical advice, he left to continue working.
Chronis returned to the hospital within two days and did not leave for nearly five months, in April 2022. During his stay, Chronis underwent surgical intervention for his burns. He also developed and was treated for unspecified medical problems.
Chronis’ condition stabilized enough to allow him to be transferred to a rehabilitation center in his hometown of Knoxville, but his condition did not improve. In June 2022, he was transferred to another Knoxville hospital, where he died.
A jury in Kenton County found that the hotel owner, Sanjay Patel, “failed to exercise ordinary care in inspecting and maintaining” the hotel room “in a reasonably safe condition for use by their guests.” Patel owns the hotel, which is incorporated as Aspyn, LLC but does business under the name “Econo Lodge of Erlanger,” according to the Kentucky Secretary of State.
The judgment, entered July 3, 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 judgment is subject to appeal, court documents said.
According to the manager of his estate, Chronis’ family did not want to comment yet.
Patel could not immediately be reached for comment, an official at his company told The Enquirer on Tuesday. His attorney did not respond to a phone call seeking comment.
Econo Lodge is a budget hotel brand franchised by Choice Hotels International of North Bethesda, Maryland, which has more than 6,300 franchised hotels in the U.S., including 675 Econo Lodges, according to an annual report filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Choice Hotels officials did not respond to messages seeking comment.
