California Family Sues Marriott After 77-Year-Old Grandfather Scalded to Death by “Boiling Hot” Shower at San Jose Hotel
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA — A California family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Marriott International after a 77-year-old grandfather allegedly died from scalding hot shower water while staying at a San Jose hotel during a family trip. The shocking case, reported by ABC7 News Bay Area, alleges that dangerously high water temperatures in the hotel’s plumbing system caused fatal burns that led to the man’s death.
Family Alleges “Uncontrolled Hot Water” in Hotel Shower
The incident occurred at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Jose Airport, where the victim — whose name has not yet been released publicly — was visiting to attend his granddaughter’s graduation. According to the lawsuit, the man entered the shower and was exposed to water temperatures ranging from 134 to 136 degrees Fahrenheit, well above safe limits.
His family’s attorney claims that hotel staff and management failed to regulate water temperature controls, resulting in conditions that were “foreseeably dangerous and deadly.” The man reportedly suffered severe burns and medical complications that led to his death soon after.
Family’s Lawsuit Targets Hotel Negligence
Filed in Santa Clara County Superior Court, the suit accuses Marriott and the hotel’s operators of negligence, premises liability, and wrongful death. The complaint alleges that the hotel’s water systems were improperly maintained and lacked basic safeguards to prevent scalding.
“The water temperature in that room was at a level known to cause third-degree burns within seconds,” the family’s attorney said in court filings. “This tragedy was entirely preventable.”
Hot Water Safety Standards and Hotel Responsibility
Industry safety standards recommend that hotel water heaters be set between 120°F and 125°F to prevent bacterial growth while avoiding burn risks. At 130°F, water can cause serious burns in just 30 seconds, and at 136°F, severe scalding can occur in as little as five seconds.
Experts say commercial hotels are required to routinely inspect and calibrate thermostatic mixing valves, which control water temperature throughout guest rooms. Failure to do so can expose guests to sudden surges of dangerously hot water.
Marriott Yet to Respond Publicly
As of Tuesday, Marriott International has not issued a public statement regarding the allegations. The company operates the San Jose location under a franchise model, which may complicate legal liability between the property owners and corporate management.
Legal experts note that wrongful death cases involving scalding incidents are rare but serious, often leading to multimillion-dollar settlements when proven to involve neglect of maintenance protocols.
For now, the grieving family hopes the lawsuit brings attention to hotel safety standards and prevents other guests from suffering similar harm.
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