Your Legal Rights After the Harlem Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak

The tragic Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Harlem has now claimed six lives and sickened more than one hundred residents. According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the outbreak was traced to contaminated cooling towers at ten different locations, including several city-owned properties such as Harlem Hospital.

For those who have been hospitalized, lost wages, or lost loved ones because of this outbreak, the question is clear: What are your legal rights?

The Duty of Property Owners and Building Operators

Under New York City law, property owners and managers are required to properly maintain cooling towers and water systems to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria such as Legionella. Failure to do so can amount to negligence.

If the outbreak was linked to a poorly maintained cooling tower, the building owner or operator may be legally responsible for:

• Failing to maintain safe premises
• Neglecting to test and treat water systems
• Delaying response after positive Legionella findings

When the responsible party is a city-owned building, claims may need to be pursued against municipal entities — a process that has its own strict notice and filing deadlines.

Your Rights as a Victim or Family Member

Victims of Legionnaires’ disease and surviving families may be entitled to pursue legal action, including:

• Compensation for medical expenses — hospitalizations, treatment, and follow-up care.
• Lost income or diminished earning capacity if the illness prevented work.
• Pain and suffering for the severe physical and emotional toll of the disease.
• Wrongful death damages for families who lost loved ones.

The Importance of Acting Quickly

Claims involving public buildings require prompt legal action. In New York, if you are bringing a claim against a city agency, you may be required to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days. Missing this deadline could jeopardize your right to recover compensation.

How a NYC Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

Determining liability in an outbreak of this scale requires thorough investigation, access to medical and environmental experts, and an experienced legal team prepared to take the case to trial if necessary.

For over a century, Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf has represented New Yorkers in cases where negligence caused widespread harm. Our attorneys have successfully handled claims against both private property owners and city agencies, holding them accountable when their failures put lives at risk.

If you or a loved one has been affected by the Harlem Legionnaires’ outbreak, you have legal rights. Contact our firm at 212-943-1090 for a free consultation with a New York personal injury lawyer to discuss your options.