Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak in NYC Linked to Construction Companies
Two construction companies reportedly ignored safety measures, leading to a “completely preventable” outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in New York City. This situation has resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals and left many others ill, as detailed in lawsuits filed on Wednesday.
The outbreak in Harlem has been traced back to July 26, with affected areas identified in several Upper Manhattan ZIP codes, according to officials.
“This medical tragedy that led to the deaths of five citizens from Harlem—at least that we know of—was completely avoidable,” stated Ben Crump, an attorney representing the plaintiffs.
He emphasized that “when corporations cut corners, tragedies like this occur, ones that didn’t have to happen—tragedies that leave people hospitalized for extended periods, facing potential long-term health issues.”
One of the affected individuals, construction worker Duane Headley, has filed a lawsuit against Rising Sun Construction, claiming he fell ill while working on a site at 506 Lenox Ave., close to Harlem Hospital. The lawsuit indicates that Rising Sun allegedly “created and permitted a dangerous condition” at the worksite.
Although Headley survived, he continues to receive treatment in the hospital, according to his lawyers.
Another individual, Nunzio Quinto, alleges that he was exposed to the Legionella bacteria while working at the New York City Public Health Laboratory Building, also near Harlem Hospital. In his lawsuit against Skanska USA Building, Quinto states that the company failed in its responsibility to address the Legionella growth in the water distribution and cooling systems.
“I had no energy and was unable to do anything,” Quinto shared with reporters. “I’m finally starting to get up and walk around a little bit now and can manage simple tasks.”
While the plaintiffs are looking for compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress, Quinto also hopes that these lawsuits will lead to a better understanding of how the outbreak occurred.
“But really, I want to know what happened,” Quinto expressed, standing alongside civil rights advocates Crump and the Rev. Al Sharpton. “How can I not have a safe place to work? This is New York City.”
In response, Skanska stated, “While we can’t comment on pending litigation, we have fully cooperated with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to aid in the inspection and disinfection of the cooling tower at the site at 40 West 137th Street, which will serve as the future location of the Public Health Lab. We are committed to ensuring the safety of our workers and the surrounding community.”
