New York City Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer
Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak in NYC
The New York City Health Department recently confirmed a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Harlem, with 22 cases and at least one death. Unfortunately, NYC continues to report some of the highest numbers of Legionnaires’ disease cases in the nation—over 400 cases each year. Many of these outbreaks are linked to poorly maintained cooling towers, plumbing systems, and large residential or commercial buildings.
If you or a loved one contracted Legionnaires’ disease in Harlem, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, or anywhere in New York City, you may be entitled to compensation.
What Is Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling water vapor contaminated with Legionella bacteria. It is not spread person-to-person.
Common Sources of Legionella in NYC:
- Cooling towers and HVAC systems in high-rise buildings
- Hot water tanks, showers, and plumbing in apartments or hotels
- Decorative fountains, spas, and swimming pools
- Hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities
A milder form of the illness, known as Pontiac fever, may occur but usually resolves without treatment.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease
Symptoms appear 2–14 days after exposure and often resemble pneumonia or flu:
- Fever, chills, and severe headaches
- Persistent cough (sometimes with mucus or blood)
- Shortness of breath and chest pain
- Fatigue, muscle aches, and loss of appetite
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain
- Confusion or disorientation in severe cases
If untreated, the disease can lead to respiratory failure, kidney failure, or death.
Who Is Most at Risk in New York City?
While anyone can be affected, high-risk groups include:
- Adults over 50
- Current and former smokers
- People with chronic lung disease (COPD, asthma, emphysema)
- Individuals with weakened immune systems
- Patients with diabetes, kidney failure, or heart disease
In NYC, roughly 1 in 10 patients die from the illness, with higher mortality among seniors and the immunocompromised.
Where Do Legionnaires’ Outbreaks Occur in NYC?
Legionnaires’ disease thrives in large NYC buildings with complex water systems that aren’t properly disinfected.
Recent NYC outbreaks include:
- Harlem (2025) – 22 cases, 1 death
- Brooklyn & the Bronx (2023) – cases linked to apartment buildings and a hotel
- Upper Manhattan (2022) – Amsterdam Nursing Home outbreak killed 5 residents
These tragedies show how negligent property owners and managers continue to put New Yorkers at risk.
Legal Liability in New York City Legionnaires’ Cases
Under New York premises liability law, building owners and operators can be held responsible when they fail to maintain safe water systems.
Liable Parties May Include:
- Landlords, property owners, and building managers
- Nursing homes, hospitals, and healthcare facilities
- Hotels, gyms, and apartment complexes
- HVAC and plumbing contractors
- Manufacturers of defective water systems
To prove a case, attorneys often use:
- NYC Health Department reports
- Cooling tower maintenance records
- Building inspection and sanitation records
- Expert witness testimony (medical and engineering)
Compensation for Legionnaires’ Victims in NYC
Victims and families may recover damages such as:
- Medical expenses: hospitalization, antibiotics, long-term care
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or complications
- Wrongful death damages: funeral costs, loss of companionship, and financial support
Punitive damages may also be available if negligence was reckless or willful.
New York Statute of Limitations
In New York, victims generally have three years from diagnosis or exposure to file a claim.
Acting quickly is essential because contaminated systems are often disinfected after outbreaks, destroying key evidence.
Why Hire a New York City Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer?
Legionnaires’ disease lawsuits in NYC are complex and often involve large landlords, real estate companies, or healthcare institutions. A skilled lawyer can:
- Investigate the outbreak and trace its source
- Identify all responsible parties
- Work with medical and environmental experts
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Pursue maximum compensation in court
Most NYC personal injury firms, including ours, work on a contingency fee basis—no fees unless we win.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP?
At Greenstein & Pittari, we are dedicated New York City personal injury attorneys with deep experience handling Legionnaires’ disease lawsuits.
- Local Harlem office for convenience and trust
- Seven offices across NYC: Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
- “Our Fee Guarantee” – no fee unless we win
- Bilingual legal services available
- Top-rated by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers
- Hundreds of satisfied client testimonials
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) today for a free consultation.
Don’t be a victim twice – let us fight for your rights and compensation.