News Summary
A lawsuit has been launched against Rising Sun Construction and Skanska USA over their alleged role in a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Harlem. The outbreak, which has sickened over 100 people and led to five deaths, is linked to mismanagement of stormwater in cooling towers at Harlem Hospital. The affected workers seek damages for medical expenses and suffering. Community leaders express concern over public health and safety as investigations continue to trace the source of the bacteria, which recently contaminated 12 cooling towers across the area.
New York City – A lawsuit has been filed against two construction companies, Rising Sun Construction and Skanska USA, in connection with a recent outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Harlem. The outbreak has tragically led to five deaths and more than 100 reported illnesses among residents and workers in the area.
The lawsuit specifically cites the companies for failing to adequately manage stormwater in the cooling towers at Harlem Hospital, which allowed for the proliferation of Legionella bacteria. This failure is said to have directly contributed to the outbreak, which first came to light when cases were diagnosed on July 22.
Legal action has been taken on behalf of two construction workers, Duane Headley and Nunzio Quinto, who were among those hospitalized due to the disease. The attorneys representing them have described the outbreak as “completely preventable,” highlighting the grave consequences of negligence that resulted in serious illness and death.
Community leaders, including Rev. Al Sharpton, have voiced significant concerns regarding the outbreak as they gather to discuss its implications for public health in Harlem. The cooling towers at Harlem Hospital reportedly became contaminated after significant rainfall in July caused untreated stormwater to accumulate, creating an ideal environment for the bacteria to thrive.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, which can mimic flu-like conditions, include cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. The incubation period for the disease can extend to two weeks, making identification and response more challenging for health authorities.
As of last week, all affected cooling towers in the area have undergone disinfection and remediation processes. However, ongoing investigations have confirmed the presence of Legionella bacteria in 12 cooling towers across 10 different buildings in Central Harlem. Over 14 individuals remain hospitalized due to the outbreak, raising alarms about community health and safety.
The lawsuit seeks damages related to medical expenses, lost wages, and other suffering experienced by the affected workers. The city has faced scrutiny regarding its health response, with Mayor Eric Adams acknowledging the rapid proliferation of Legionella bacteria, even in the wake of negative test results from cooling systems.
Both Rising Sun Construction and Skanska USA have been reached for comment, with Skanska indicating their cooperation with health officials during inspections. Historical data reveal that previous instances of Legionnaires’ disease in New York City have led to significant regulatory changes, including a mandate for more comprehensive testing of cooling towers every 90 days to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The city’s Health Department continues to investigate the outbreak to determine its source and specifically which cooling towers may have contributed to the illnesses. As community outrage grows, residents and advocates are calling for heightened accountability and improved safety measures in Harlem, emphasizing that public health must be a priority to avert future outbreaks.
Advocacy groups, represented by voices in the community like Ella Cortez, insist that health concerns in Harlem have been historically under-addressed, fueling demands for more rigorous attention to safety and health standards across the borough.
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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
