Gran’s family win payout af ter she’s scalded to death by hotel shower
THE family of a grandmother who died after being horrifically scalded in a hotel shower have received a substantial six-figure compensation award from the owners.
Indian tourist Kalyani Uthaman, 59, suffered 25 per cent burns to her body.
She was found by her daughter-in-law and spent six weeks in intensive care but died of multiple organ failure blamed by doctors on her injuries.
Mrs Uthaman was on holiday in Scotland in August 2012 when the incident occurred.
Her family sued for £1.2million, claiming a thermostatic valve should have been fitted to control the temperature at the Premier Inn in Newcraighall, Edinburgh.
Her family, represented by Scottish solicitors Thompsons, said the device should have been installed between the water tank and the shower. They have now accepted an out-of-court settlement from owners Whitbread who said it was ‘an isolated incident’.
Speaking from Bangalore, Mrs Uthaman’s son Sundar Uthaman, 44, said he felt vindicated by the decision. He added: ‘I am still angry about what they did and it wasn’t until the court proceedings were raised that they issued an apology. Nobody from the hotel ever spoke to me or to my family about exactly what happened.
‘I feel disappointed. The settlement has prevented the evidence being heard in court and the court being able to have a say to make sure a tragedy like this never happens to anyone else.’
He also described how his wife found her in agony, telling the BBC: ‘My wife opened the door and heard my mother scream.
‘She noticed to her shock that my mother had slumped in a crouch position and had been badly scalded on her back.’
The family insist that a fatal accident inquiry – ruled out by the Crown Office three years ago after police and safety inquiries – should have been held.
Glenn Miller, of Thompsons, said the hotel chain had failed in its duty of care.
A Premier Inn spokesman said: ‘We are very sorry for the tragic accident.
‘We constantly monitor and regulate the water temperature of our showers in line with industry best practice.’