Family of scalded toddler settles suit for $2M

The family of a toddler who suffered severe burns from scalding hot water in a hotel bathtub has confidentially settled a lawsuit against the hotel for $2 million, his attorney reports.

J.D. Hensarling of Vann Attorneys in Raleigh reported that the two-year-old boy and his family were at the hotel in 2015 when he was burned by water that was “well above the legal temperature.” The family filed a lawsuit in Wake County Superior Court, alleging negligence and negligence per se, claiming that the hotel did not properly maintain its water temperature control system.It is not clear how the boy got into the tub.

“How the child ended up in the tub was a big part of the dispute,” Hensarling said. “What’s not in dispute is that the child ended up in the tub and the water caused third-degree burns.”

The boy continues to undergo medical treatment. 

The settlement, mediated by Jacqueline Clare of Raleigh, was reached on July 26. The identities of the defendants and their attorneys were withheld pursuant to the confidentiality agreement.

Follow Bill Cresenzo on Twitter @bcresenzonclw

SETTLEMENT REPORT – NEGLIGENCE

Amount: $2 million

Injuries alleged: Third-degree burns

Case name: Confidential

Court: Wake County Superior Court

Case No.: Confidential

Mediator: Jacqueline Clare of Raleigh

Date of settlement: July 26

Attorney for plaintiff: J.D. Hensarling of Vann Attorneys in Raleigh

Attorney for defendant: Confidential