A recent outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in New York City has been attributed to the negligence of two construction companies, leading to a tragic loss of life. At least five individuals have died, and dozens more have fallen ill from this “completely preventable” situation, according to lawsuits filed on Wednesday. The outbreak, centered in Harlem, has been traced back to July 26, impacting several Upper Manhattan ZIP codes including 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039.
This medical crisis has been described as entirely avoidable by the plaintiffs' attorney, Ben Crump. Speaking to reporters, he emphasized, “This medical tragedy that led to the deaths of five citizens from Harlem, that we know about, was a completely preventable outbreak. When corporations cut corners, tragedies like this happen—preventable tragedies, unnecessary tragedies.” Crump's statements underline the severe consequences of neglecting safety protocols in construction environments, which can lead to individuals being hospitalized for extended periods and suffering from lasting health issues.
Among those impacted is construction worker Duane Headley, who has filed a complaint against Rising Sun Construction. Headley alleges that he became ill while working at a construction site located at 506 Lenox Ave., near Harlem Hospital. The lawsuit asserts that Rising Sun allowed hazardous conditions to persist at the site, ultimately compromising Headley’s health. Although he has survived, his condition remains serious, and he continues to receive treatment in the hospital.
Another affected individual, Nunzio Quinto, claims he was exposed to the Legionella bacteria while working at the New York City Public Health Laboratory Building located at 40 W. 137th St. Quinto is suing Skanska USA Building, alleging that the company failed to promptly address the presence of Legionella in the water distribution and cooling systems. Describing his experience, Quinto stated, “I had no energy and was unable to do anything. I’m finally starting to get up and walk around a little bit now and can do basic things.”
As the plaintiffs pursue financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress, Quinto expressed a desire for answers regarding the outbreak. “My thing is, I want answers to what’s going on. I can’t have a safe place to work? This is New York City,” he noted, standing alongside civil rights leaders Crump and Rev. Al Sharpton.
In response to the ongoing litigation, Skanska released a statement indicating their full cooperation with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). They are actively involved in inspecting and disinfecting the cooling tower at the construction site for the Public Health Lab. “While we can’t comment on pending litigation, we will continue to implement all necessary mitigation and communication procedures to ensure the safety of our workers and the surrounding public,” the statement read.
This outbreak serves as a critical reminder of the importance of adhering to safety standards in construction. As investigations continue, the hope is that accountability will lead to improved safety measures and prevent future occurrences of such devastating health crises.
