W&L Taking Legionnaires’ Disease Cases from Harlem, New York

At Weitz & Luxenberg, our attorneys are accepting personal injury cases from people who contracted Legionnaires’ disease from the contaminated cooling towers in Harlem in New York City (NYC). We are seeking compensation on behalf of anyone who has died, needed to be hospitalized, or developed severe symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease after being exposed to Legionella bacteria.

Weitz & Luxenberg is co-counsel with Ben Crump Law, PLLC in this important litigation. Our firm is already representing victims.

The Legionnaires’ disease outbreak began in Harlem on July 25. So far, 108 people have gotten sick, and 5 people have died. The zip codes affected include 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039. ^{(1) (2)}

Reach out to us today if you are feeling sick and there is a possibility you have Legionnaires’ disease. We can start exploring your legal options.

Harlem Cooling Towers Tested Positive for Legionella Bacteria

Twelve cooling towers in 10 buildings in Harlem have tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease. “We are particularly concerned about anyone living or working near these buildings,” says Gary R. Klein, a W&L partner and our firm’s managing attorney: ⁽³⁾

• BRP Companies, Lafayette Development LLC, 2239 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Boulevard.
• BVK, 215 West 125th Street.
• Commonwealth Local Development, 301 West 124th Street.
• CUNY – City College Marshak Science Building, 181 Convent Avenue.
• Harlem Center Condo, 317 Lenox Avenue.
• NYC Economic Development Corporation, 40 West 137th Street.
• NYC Health Department Central Harlem Sexual Health Clinic, 2238 Fifth Avenue.
• NYC Health + Hospitals Harlem Hospital, 506 Lenox Avenue.
• The New York Hotel Trades Council Harlem Health Center, 133 Morningside Avenue.
• Wharton Properties, 100 West 125th Street (3 of 8 towers).

Mr. Klein explains, “People who developed Legionnaires’ disease breathed in contaminated water vapor. We are moving quickly to get victims of the contaminated water vapor the legal help they need to protect their rights, since many of the contaminated sites require claims to be filed within 90 days.”

He continues, “Building owners should know that Legionella bacteria can grow in warm water. They are responsible for making sure their cooling towers are inspected and maintained.” ⁽⁴⁾

Buildings owned by NYC have strict time limits for filing your lawsuit. Your claim needs to be filed within less than three months from the date you were exposed, or felt your first symptoms. Reach out to us immediately, so you don’t miss out on your legal rights.

Contaminated Cooling Towers Lead to Legionnaires’ Disease

Cooling towers are rooftop devices containing water and a fan. They give off mist as they cool large buildings. Legionella bacteria can grow if the water inside is too warm, sits too long, and isn’t disinfected properly. The mist can make people sick. ^{(5) (6)}

Since July 25, 2025, a cluster of businesses and residences in Central Harlem have been in the direct path of water vapor contaminated with Legionella bacteria. Exposure to these bacteria can lead to Legionnaires’ disease. Legionnaires’ disease is a severe type of lung infection called pneumonia. ^{(7) (8)}

Legionella bacteria occur naturally in source water and soil. Water meant for human use and consumption must be properly filtered. ⁽⁹⁾

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease

Anyone who has visited Harlem in recent weeks should be on the lookout for the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease. Symptoms typically appear in 2 to 10 days after being exposed to the Legionella bacteria. Early symptoms may include: ⁽¹⁰⁾

• Headache.
• Muscle aches.
• Fever that could be as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit or even higher.

You may experience these additional symptoms within a few days: ⁽¹¹⁾

• Cough, which could bring up mucus or blood.
• Shortness of breath.
• Chest pain.
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Confusion or other mental changes.

Legionnaires’ disease is mostly a respiratory illness involving the lungs. However, you could also develop infections in sores you already have and other parts of your body. Even your heart could be affected. ⁽¹²⁾

Protecting Yourself From Legionnaires’ Disease

In the case of the Harlem Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, the responsibility for your safety is up to the building owners. They are responsible for maintaining the building water systems.

According to New York City law, building owners are supposed to register and maintain their cooling towers. They are also responsible for making sure they are regularly inspected. ⁽¹³⁾

A new proposal would establish specific time periods building owners would need to follow for testing. Tests would have to be handled by state-certified labs. Noncompliance would lead to monetary penalties. ⁽¹⁴⁾

W&L Helps Victims of Harlem Legionnaires’ Outbreak

W&L has won billions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our personal injury clients. Our attorneys know what it takes to win lawsuits in New York.

If you or someone you love has been exposed to bacteria in Harlem and developed Legionnaires’ disease, Weitz & Luxenberg can help you. If you are feeling sick, or diagnosed as getting ill due to your exposure, you may be entitled to compensation.

We encourage you to contact us today. Your time to file a lawsuit is extremely limited. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you explore your legal options.

You can reach us by calling (917) LAWYERS or by filling out the form that appears on this page. One of our representatives can reach out to you shortly.

Get news coverage about this litigation:

1. Construction workers sue over Legionnaires’ disease outbreak
2. Lawsuit blames construction company for Legionnaires’ disease outbreak
3. Lawsuit accuses 2 construction companies in Legionnaires’ outbreak
4. Lawsuit against 2 construction companies claims negligence in Harlem Legionnaires’ outbreak
5. Who’s To Blame For Harlem’s Legionnaires’ Outbreak?
6. Construction Worker Sickened in Harlem Legionnaires’ Outbreak Speaks Out: ‘I Want Answers’
7. Two Legionnaires’ Patients File Lawsuits Against Employers, Death Toll Climbs to Six
8. Legionnaires’ disease is spreading thanks to a perfect storm of conditions
9. Deadly Legionnaires’ disease outbreak was ‘completely preventable,’ lawyer contends — putting NYC on lawsuit notice
10. Workers sickened in Legionnaires’ outbreak file suit against construction firms