The family of an Indian grandmother who died after being scalded in a hotel shower in the UK is seeking 1.2 million pounds in damages, media reported today.
Kalyani Uthaman, 59, from Bangalore who was on holiday in Scotland, was scalded at the Premier Inn in Edinburgh in 2012. She had sustained 25 per cent burns to her body and died of multiple organ failure.
On 4 August 2012, Uthaman went for a shower, but minutes later her daughter-in-law found her lying slumped and scalded, BBC News reported.
She was treated in intensive care for six weeks but died of multiple organ failure, which doctors said was caused by her burns.
Her family has now lodged a legal action at Scotland's highest civil court, the Court of Session in Edinburgh, where they are seeking 1.2 million pounds (USD 1.8 million) from the hotel chain's operators.
Uthaman's son Sundar Vadivel Uthaman, 44, said it has been a very difficult time for the family.
"It is an irreparable loss given the love and affection she had for us and we had for her. It was something none of us expected would ever happen in a very safe country like the UK," he said.
Glen Millar, of Thompsons Solicitors, said their case centres on the claim thermostatic valves, which prevent scalding, should have been fitted.
The hotel said, "Our thoughts are with the family of Ms Uthaman during what must have been, and which must remain, an extremely difficult period for them. We have worked closely with and supported the relevant authorities with their enquiries around this case. As civil proceedings are active we unfortunately cannot comment further."
The Uthaman family, and their lawyer, said they were unable to understand why the Crown Office decided not to hold a fatal accident inquiry into the death so lessons could be learned to prevent similar future accidents.
The case for damages is due to have its first call in court later this month.
