$2.5 Million Settlement Secured for Student Burned by 140-Degree Shower Water in Code-Violating Denver Housing

We secured a $2.5 million settlement for a CU Denver student who suffered first and third-degree burns covering her body after stepping into a shower with water temperatures reaching 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

The settlement was achieved through a demand letter to the property owner and management company without ever filing a lawsuit.

The water that burned our client was 140°F, a full 20 degrees hotter than the maximum 120°F allowed under the Denver Building & Fire Code, Chapter 5 & 6. This wasn't a close call. It was a clear and dangerous code violation.

The Incident: A Routine Shower Turned Catastrophic

Our client, a college student living in a downtown Denver student housing building, stepped into her shower expecting a normal morning routine.

Instead, scalding water at 140 degrees poured over her body, 20 degrees hotter than the maximum temperature allowed by Denver building code.

She sustained first and third-degree burns across large portions of her body, requiring immediate medical intervention and ongoing treatment.

State regulations under the Code of Colorado Regulations, Chapter Four, Section 4-503 mandate scald protection devices and temperature control systems to prevent exactly this type of injury. These protections were either absent or failed catastrophically.

Clear Liability: When Property Owners Fail Their Legal Duty

Property owners and managers have a non-delegable duty to maintain hot water systems in compliance with safety codes.

The 140-degree water temperature was not a gray area. It was a measurable, documented violation of mandatory safety standards designed specifically to prevent thermal burn injuries.

Building codes exist to protect residents from preventable harm. This property failed that basic obligation.

Our Strategy: A Compelling Demand Letter

We immediately documented the code violation, the severity of our client's injuries, and the property's clear liability.

Our demand letter presented the evidence comprehensively: medical records showing catastrophic burns, temperature testing confirming the 140-degree violation, and applicable building code requirements.

We made it clear that the case was trial-ready if necessary, but that settlement now would avoid protracted litigation and additional exposure for the defendants.

$2.5 Million Settlement—No Lawsuit Required

The property owner and management company agreed to settle for $2.5 million before we filed a lawsuit.

This result provides our client with resources for ongoing medical care, addresses permanent scarring and disfigurement, and compensates for significant pain and suffering.

The settlement also holds the property accountable for a preventable failure that never should have happened.

"What happened to me that morning changed my life forever. The pain was unimaginable, and living with the scars has been incredibly difficult. This settlement can't undo what happened, but it gives me some peace knowing the property owners were held accountable. Nelson Law believed in my case from day one and fought to get me justice without putting me through years of litigation. I'm grateful for everything they did."

What This Means for Tenants and Property Safety

This case demonstrates that property owners cannot ignore basic safety codes without serious consequences.

Tenants have a right to expect that their housing meets minimum safety standards, especially in student housing where young residents may not know their legal rights.

When code violations cause catastrophic injuries, responsible parties must be held accountable through meaningful compensation.

"This case illustrates why building codes exist and why they matter. A 140-degree water temperature isn't just a technical violation on paper. It's a recipe for life-altering injuries. Property owners and managers who cut corners on basic safety protections need to understand there are real consequences when residents are harmed. We're proud to have secured this result for our client and hope it sends a clear message about the importance of code compliance."

Nelson Law Firm's Commitment to Justice

Nelson Law Firm is Colorado's premier construction defect litigation law firm, serving homeowners and HOAs across five states. With more than $500 million recovered for clients and over 1,000 cases successfully resolved, we're known for our quality-over-volume approach and trial-ready reputation.

When property owners fail to meet basic safety standards, we hold them accountable.

If you or someone you know has been injured due to property defects or code violations, contact Nelson Law Firm today for a consultation.