Our lawyers are representing victims of the Legionnaires’ Disease in the South Bronx, which has now claimed 12 lives. To date, one hundred thirteen people have been sickened. New York City health officials have said that all of those who died were adults with “underlying medical conditions.”
The victims and their families may have the right to sue the owner of the building that is the source of the outbreak. Microbiological evidence, including genetic testing, can be used in a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation and justice.
Even if those who died had underlying medical conditions, their lives had value, and Legionnaires’ Disease cut their lives short.
According to New York City health officials, the latest case was diagnosed August 3, 2015, one week ago. Because if this, they believe the outbreak is tapering off, contained by disinfecting cooling towers in the 5 Bronx buildings thought most likely to be the source:
- The Opera House Hotel;
- Lincoln Hospital;
- The Concourse Plaza multiplex;
- The Verizon building at 117 E. 167; and
- Streamline Plastics Company at 2590 Park Ave.
Health officials are awaiting test results to determine which of the above buildings is the source.
Legionnaires’ Disease is a type of pneumonia, caused by Legionella bacteria that grow in warm water. The bacteria has been found in cooling towers, which are used as part of air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems in some buildings. Public health officials say that it is safe to drink, wash, and bathe with the tap water in the South Bronx and in New York City.
The symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease include fever, chills, muscle aches, and cough, along with fatigue, headaches, loss of appetitive, confusion, or diarrhea. Those most at risk for this illness are cigarette smokers, people with chronic lung disease, and people who take immunosuppressive drugs. If you live in the South Bronx and have been experiencing these symptoms, see your doctor immediately.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with this illness, call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) to protect your legal rights. Our lawyers are among the very few in this country experienced in litigating Legionnaires’ lawsuits, and have won multimillion dollar settlements for their clients.
Public health officials say that the number of sites that have tested positive for the bacteria has increased to 12. The five original sites tested were Lincoln Medical Center, the Concourse Plaza shopping center, the Opera House Hotel, a Verizon building, and Streamline Plastics Company. A nursing home, a Department of Homeless Services intake center, a high school, two courthouses, a post office, and another Verizon building were also contaminated.
The City has put new regulations in place since this outbreak began, requiring owners of buildings with cooling towers to disinfect them within 14 days of receiving an order. The disinfecting process must be conducted by a contractor with experience, using industry standard protocols.