News Summary
A lawsuit has been filed against Rising Sun Construction and Skanska USA following a deadly outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Harlem that resulted in five deaths and over 100 illnesses. The legal action claims the companies failed to clean stormwater from cooling towers at Harlem Hospital, fostering the growth of Legionella bacteria. Affected construction workers are seeking damages for medical expenses and suffering. Community advocates demand accountability and enhanced health measures as investigations continue to identify the outbreak’s source.
New York City – A lawsuit has been filed against Rising Sun Construction and Skanska USA, two construction companies implicated in a deadly outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Harlem. The outbreak has led to five deaths and over 100 reported illnesses among residents. The legal action targets the companies for allegedly failing to adequately clean stormwater from cooling towers at Harlem Hospital, which allowed the growth of Legionella bacteria.
The lawsuit was specifically initiated on behalf of Duane Headley and Nunzio Quinto, two construction workers who were hospitalized as a result of contracting Legionnaires’ disease. Attorney Ben Crump described the outbreak as a “completely preventable outbreak,” asserting that the outcome could have been avoided and emphasizing that no one should have suffered illness or fatalities.
In response to the outbreak, Rev. Al Sharpton held a news conference to address community concerns over the implications of the crisis. Concerns have been further heightened due to the circumstances surrounding the cooling towers at Harlem Hospital, which were reportedly filled with untreated rainwater following heavy storms in July. This created conditions conducive to the growth of the harmful bacteria.
The first cases connected to the outbreak were diagnosed on July 22, and symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, which can mimic flu-like conditions, include cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. The incubation period for the disease can last up to two weeks, further complicating detection and treatment.
Health officials have confirmed that Legionella bacteria were detected in 12 cooling towers across ten buildings in Central Harlem. Since the outbreak, efforts have been made to remediate the affected cooling towers, with all being disinfected last week. Despite these measures, more than 14 individuals remain hospitalized.
The lawsuits seek damages covering medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering experienced by the affected workers. Meanwhile, Mayor Eric Adams defended the city’s response to the health issue, explaining that Legionella bacteria can develop rapidly, even after initial negative test results are obtained.
Both Rising Sun Construction and Skanska USA have been contacted for comments regarding the lawsuit; Skanska has confirmed its cooperation with health officials during inspections. The issue of public health oversight has dominated discussions, especially following previous outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease in New York City, which spurred regulatory changes, including a requirement for more rigorous testing of cooling towers at 90-day intervals.
Community advocates have raised concerns over what they perceive as neglect of health issues in Harlem, citing a need for heightened attention and improved safety measures. The Health Department continues its investigation to determine the precise origin of the outbreak and identify which specific cooling towers were responsible for the illnesses that arose.
The situation has sparked outrage among residents, emphasizing the urgency for accountability from those responsible and the necessity for proactive measures to prevent similar outbreaks in the future. The community’s demands for enhanced oversight reflect a growing awareness of health and safety standards, especially in the wake of a tragedy that has impacted numerous families and individuals in Harlem.
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HERE Resources
Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak in New York City
Harlem Faces Serious Outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease
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Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
