Lawsuit Blames Construction Companies and NYC for Deadly Legionnaires' Outbreak in Harlem

Legionnaires' Outbreak in Harlem

• ⚠️ A new lawsuit blames two construction companies and the city of New York for a deadly Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Harlem.
• 🎯 The outbreak has resulted in five deaths and at least 109 people falling ill, with 14 still hospitalized.

Preventable Tragedy and Legal Claims

• 💡 Attorneys argue the outbreak was entirely preventable and highlights a recurring issue in Harlem.
• ⚖️ The lawsuit, filed on behalf of two hospitalized construction workers, names two construction companies and, as of this morning, the city of New York.
• 🗣️ Attorney Ben Crump stated that no one should have died or become sick from this outbreak.

Cooling Towers and Bacterial Growth

• 🔬 The lawsuit alleges that rainwater collected in cooling towers, part of building AC systems, was not adequately tested.
• 🦠 This allowed bacteria causing Legionnaires' disease to grow and spread through mist across 12 different sites.
• ❓ A key concern raised is why this outbreak has specifically impacted Harlem and certain zip codes.

Worker Accounts and Company Response

• 🏥 One plaintiff, Nunio Quinto, described severe breathing problems and internal bleeding due to the illness.
• 🏢 Quinto claims his co-workers received no information from employers subcontracted by Scansa Construction.
• 🚧 Scansa Construction stated they are working to facilitate the inspection and disinfection of a cooling tower at a building under construction at 40 West 137th Street, but could not comment on the lawsuits.
• 📢 Quinto felt compelled to speak out due to the severity of the situation, despite potential repercussions from his employer.