The case was brought by North Norfolk District Council (NNDC). Geoffrey Saunders, 86, had been staying in Ancient House, part of the Victoria Hotel in Holkham, when the incident happened in September 2016.
The council said he suffered “catastrophic” scalding injuries while attempting to have a bath and still suffers health problems because of the severe scars left by his burns.
NNDC’s investigation found that the water temperature in his bath had not been regulated to avoid such an injury despite the company having been informed by professionals both that temperature-regulating valves needed to be fitted to the taps and that “Caution: very hot water” signs should be displayed.
The authority argued that the risk had occurred because the Victoria had addressed another risk – that of Legionella infection – in a manner which created and exacerbated the scalding risk.
While in the bath, Mr Saunders attempted to top up the water. Scalding water came out of the high tap on to his back and he was unable to turn it off. As he sought to avoid the hot water, he became trapped in the bath with scalding water pouring in.
The authority’s investigation also found that the hotel had failed to act on the recommendations made by its consultant, despite unsafe temperatures being routinely recorded in its temperature logs. The design of the bath was also found to make it difficult for elderly guests to get in and out.
A Holkham spokesman said: “The management team at The Victoria sincerely regrets this incident involving Mr Saunders. The team have ensured all recommended remedial work and advisory signs have been actioned.”
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