News Summary
A lawsuit has been initiated against Rising Sun Construction and Skanska USA following a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Harlem that resulted in five deaths and over 100 illnesses. The legal action focuses on the failure to properly clean cooling towers at Harlem Hospital, which fostered Legionella bacteria growth. Two construction workers impacted by the illness are seeking damages, while community leaders express ongoing concerns about public health and safety in the area. With investigations ongoing, broader calls for improved safety standards are highlighted.
New York City – A lawsuit has been filed against Rising Sun Construction and Skanska USA, in connection with a deadly outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease that has claimed five lives and left over 100 individuals sick in Harlem. The legal action is based on allegations that the construction companies neglected to adequately clean stormwater from cooling towers at Harlem Hospital, facilitating the proliferation of Legionella bacteria.
The lawsuit is specifically filed on behalf of two construction workers, Duane Headley and Nunzio Quinto, who were hospitalized due to the disease. Their attorney stated that the outbreak was preventable, asserting that no one should have suffered illness or death as a result of it. Meanwhile, Rev. Al Sharpton convened a news conference to communicate community concerns regarding the implications of the outbreak.
The problems began when cooling towers at Harlem Hospital filled with untreated rainwater following heavy storms in July, creating ideal conditions for bacteria to thrive. The first cases of Legionnaires’ disease tied to the outbreak were diagnosed on July 22. While many symptoms of the disease resemble those of flu, including cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, and shortness of breath, the incubation period can extend up to two weeks.
Despite the severity of the outbreak, city officials confirmed the presence of Legionella bacteria in 12 cooling towers across ten buildings in Central Harlem. Consequently, all affected cooling towers were disinfected and remediated as of last week. However, concerns persist as more than 14 individuals are still hospitalized due to the illness.
The lawsuits aim to secure damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering experienced by the affected workers. In response to the outbreak, Mayor Eric Adams defended the city’s health response, acknowledging that Legionella can multiply swiftly even after initial negative tests.
In light of the outbreak and its consequences, community advocates like Ella Cortez have expressed frustration regarding the attention given to public health in Harlem, asserting that the area has often been neglected in matters of safety and health. These sentiments echo a broader call for accountability and improved safety measures to prevent any future outbreaks.
Historical data indicates that previous Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks in New York City have prompted regulatory changes, including a requirement for more diligent testing of cooling towers every 90 days. The Health Department is in the midst of ongoing investigations to determine the source of the outbreak and to identify which specific cooling towers contributed to the illnesses.
At this moment, both Rising Sun Construction and Skanska USA have been contacted for comment, with Skanska confirming their cooperation with health officials for necessary inspections. As the investigation continues, the community remains on high alert, emphasizing the urgent need for improved safety standards to protect public health.
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