New York Personal Injury Attorneys BlogHarlem Legionnaires’ Outbreak: What Victims and Families Need to Know About Their Legal Rights
Insights from our New York Personal Injury Lawyers
A troubling outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Harlem has left one person dead and at least 22 others ill, according to recent announcements from the New York City Department of Health. As personal injury attorneys in New York, we have seen firsthand how preventable public health failures—particularly those involving building maintenance and water safety—can have devastating consequences.
The outbreak, which began around July 25, has affected residents in five Harlem ZIP codes—10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039—along with surrounding neighborhoods. Investigators believe the source may be cooling towers that were not properly maintained, allowing Legionella bacteria to grow and spread via contaminated water vapor.
What Is Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious and potentially deadly form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacterium. It is contracted by inhaling small droplets of water that contain the bacteria. These droplets are often released by poorly maintained systems like:
- Cooling towers
- Hot tubs
- Decorative fountains
- Humidifiers
- Plumbing systems
- Industrial air conditioning units
While the disease is not spread person-to-person and is treatable with antibiotics, it poses a significant risk to older adults, smokers, and individuals with chronic lung disease or compromised immune systems.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Legionnaires’ outbreaks are often the result of negligence. When property owners, building managers, or contractors fail to properly maintain water systems or ignore warning signs, they may be held legally responsible for any resulting illness or death.
Under New York law, building owners have a duty to ensure their properties are safe. That includes complying with city regulations that require regular inspections and disinfection of cooling towers and water systems. Failure to do so may constitute grounds for a premises liability or wrongful death lawsuit.
Your Legal Options If You Were Affected
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease after spending time in or around the affected Harlem area, you may have a legal claim. Our team of New York personal injury attorneys has extensive experience investigating complex public health cases and holding negligent property owners accountable.
We work with leading epidemiologists, pulmonologists, and environmental experts to identify the source of contamination and pursue full compensation for our clients’ medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and, in fatal cases, wrongful death damages.
Contact Us
If you’ve been impacted by the Harlem Legionnaires’ cluster, don’t wait to take legal action. The earlier an investigation begins, the more effectively evidence can be preserved. Call 212-943-1090 or visit https://www.gairgair.com/contact-us.html to speak with an attorney.
