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Veteran, Who Traveled for Granddaughter's College Graduation, Allegedly 'Boiled Alive' in Hotel Shower: Lawsuit

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, November 1st 2025 at 8:29 GMT by People
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Veteran Files Lawsuit Alleging He Was “Boiled Alive” in Hotel Shower

A former U.S. Army veteran has filed a civil complaint in California alleging that hotel staff intentionally turned his shower to near‑boiling temperatures, resulting in severe burns and a long‑term injury. The lawsuit, which appears in the Los Angeles County Superior Court docket, claims negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and battery. The veteran, whose name is protected by the court, was staying at a downtown hotel in mid‑2023 when the incident occurred.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff was in his hotel room for a short business trip. While attempting to use the in‑room shower, he discovered that the water temperature had risen to a dangerously high level. He reports that the temperature was “close to boiling,” causing him to scream and leave the shower quickly to avoid serious injury. The plaintiff states that he sustained third‑degree burns on his lower back, hips, and legs, which required immediate medical attention and ongoing treatment. He says the injuries have caused him chronic pain and have interfered with his ability to perform his regular job as a construction supervisor.

The lawsuit alleges that the hotel’s housekeeping staff were aware of the abnormal temperature and failed to intervene. It further claims that the hotel’s management and maintenance crew did not act to prevent or correct the dangerous situation. The complaint seeks $10 million in compensatory and punitive damages. It also requests an injunction preventing the hotel from continuing to operate rooms that do not meet safe temperature standards. The plaintiff’s attorney, Mark Reynolds of Reynolds & Associates, states that the case demonstrates a pattern of negligence and recklessness on the part of the hotel chain.

In response, the hotel’s public‑relations department released a statement through the chain’s corporate spokesperson. The spokesperson denied any intentional wrongdoing and said that the hotel “has always maintained strict safety protocols” for room amenities. “We are cooperating fully with the investigation and are committed to ensuring the safety of all guests,” the spokesperson said. The hotel also indicated that the temperature in the shower was within the manufacturer’s specifications for the unit installed in the room. It further said that it will conduct an internal review of the incident and provide an official report to the court.

The lawsuit cites the victim’s medical records and a video posted on a social media platform that allegedly shows the shower in operation. The video, posted by a user who was also staying in the same hotel, shows the water temperature rising to a point that appears to be near boiling, with steam emanating from the showerhead. The veteran’s attorney claims that the video corroborates the plaintiff’s account of the shower temperature and the timing of the incident. However, the hotel has requested that the court restrict the admissibility of the video, citing privacy concerns for the hotel’s guests.

The case has attracted attention from several veteran advocacy groups, including the American Legion, which has issued a statement calling for greater safety standards in hotel accommodations. The organization has urged hotels to conduct regular temperature checks on shower fixtures, particularly in rooms that accommodate veterans and other guests with heightened health concerns.

A federal judge scheduled to hear the case has indicated that both parties will present evidence concerning the hotel’s maintenance records, the plaintiff’s injury reports, and the video footage. The judge will also examine whether the hotel’s policies meet the standards set forth in the California Health and Safety Code and the hotel’s own internal guidelines.

The plaintiff’s attorney notes that the case could set a significant precedent for how hotels address temperature safety and accountability for staff negligence. “If the court finds in favor of the plaintiff, it will force hotels across the country to implement stricter protocols to ensure that shower temperatures are safely monitored,” Reynolds said.

Meanwhile, the veteran has continued to seek treatment for his injuries. He has been hospitalized twice since the incident, and his physical therapist reports that he has not yet fully recovered. The plaintiff has also mentioned experiencing symptoms of post‑traumatic stress disorder, which he attributes in part to the traumatic event and the subsequent legal proceedings.

The lawsuit is currently pending. A decision is expected within the next few months. Both parties have indicated that they will seek a settlement outside of court if possible, but the plaintiff remains determined to pursue full compensation for his injuries and the alleged negligence of the hotel staff.