Weitz & Luxenberg is accepting personal injury legal cases from people living or working in the Bronx who developed Legionnaires’ disease after being exposed to cooling towers contaminated with Legionella bacteria. We are filing lawsuits on behalf of victims of Legionella exposure who died, required hospitalization, or developed significant symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease after exposure to this dangerous bacteria. Our firm is currently seeking compensation for victims of this outbreak.
Already, two Legionnaires’ outbreaks have occurred, one last year in Harlem and a second in July 2026 on the Upper East Side. Last year, over 100 people got sick, and several deaths were reported. On the Upper East Side, more than 90 people were made sick, and 11 died from the disease. (1)
We encourage you to reach out to us immediately if you begin feeling sick and believe you could have contracted Legionnaires’ disease. We can help you consider your legal options.
Bronx Cooling Towers Ordered to Be Cleaned
Cooling towers in 10 buildings in the South Bronx tested positive for the bacteria that can lead to Legionnaires’ disease. So far, at least nine people have received a diagnosis for this illness. Of these, one person has died. Three others were hospitalized. (2)
Investigators have ordered these towers in the Bronx to be fully drained and cleaned, as well as disinfected. Sites affected by the contaminated cooling towers include Yankee Stadium and NYC’s Health + Hospitals/Lincoln medical facility. The affected sites are: (3)
- 820 Concourse Village West.
- 234 E. 149th Street.
- 1 E. 161st Street.
- 470 E. 161st Street.
- 1265 Franklin Avenue.
- 567 Melrose Avenue.
- 3339 Park Avenue.
- 1160 Teller Avenue.
- 890 Washington Avenue.
- 1085 Washington Avenue.
The investigation by the health department began on September 10, right after the first cases of Legionnaires’ disease emerged. As of September 13, there were 24 cooling towers tested. (4)
W&L Reaching Out to Bronx Residents and Businesses
“We are particularly concerned about residents and businesses located in the neighborhoods of Morrisania and Melrose. This Legionnaires’ disease cluster in the South Bronx predominantly affects zip codes 10451 and 10456. Anyone living or working in these neighborhoods should call us if they are feeling possible symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease,” says Gary R. Klein, a partner and managing attorney at Weitz & Luxenberg. (5)
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease may take a couple of days to show up after you are exposed to the Legionella bacteria. In some cases, symptoms may not show up until 10 days after exposure. These symptoms could be signs of Legionnaires’ disease: (6)
- Headache.
- Muscle aches.
- Fever of 104º Fahrenheit or higher.
- Cough, possibly bringing up mucus or blood.
- Shortness of breath.
- Chest pain.
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Confusion or other mental changes.
Legionnaires’ disease typically targets the lungs. However, people may develop infections in sores on the body, and sometimes even the heart. (7)
Building Owners Are Responsible for the Safety of Their Cooling Towers
“Building owners are responsible for ensuring their cooling towers are routinely inspected and maintained. In fact, as of May 8, the NYC Health Department issued new citywide regulations. Every 31 days when the cooling tower is operating, building owners must now test for Legionella bacteria. This requirement is 3 times more frequent than the previous requirement,” Mr. Klein explains. (8)
W&L Helping Victims of the Legionnaires’ Outbreak in the Bronx
If you or someone you love contracted Legionnaires’ disease after being exposed to Legionella bacteria in the Bronx, New York City, our lawyers at Weitz & Luxenberg can help you. If you feel sick or were diagnosed with an illness due to exposure to Legionella bacteria, you may be able to seek financial compensation.
We urge you to reach out to us immediately. You have only a limited period of time to file a lawsuit. Our knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorneys can assist you in exploring possible legal options.
W&L attorneys have secured billions of dollars in settlements and verdicts on behalf of our personal injury clients. Our firm has a proven record of winning lawsuits in New York City.
You can reach us by phone at (917) LAWYERS or by completing the form provided on this page. One of our representatives will be in touch with you shortly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about our Bronx Legionnaires’ litigation.
Are Buildings in the Bronx Tested for Legionella Bacteria?
Yes, many buildings in the Bronx have been tested for Legionella bacteria. A number of buildings tested positive. (9)
What Should Bronx Residents Know About Legionnaires’ Disease?
If you begin experiencing flu-like symptoms and believe you may have developed Legionnaires’ disease, reach out to a medical provider. (10) You should also contact an experienced personal injury lawyer, who can try and help you get compensation for your illness if you have a positive diagnosis.
Who Investigates Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreaks in the Bronx?
Officials in the New York City Health Department are investigating the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in the Bronx. (11)
Where Can Residents of the Bronx Report Concerns About Building Water Systems?
To report nonemergency concerns about Bronx building water systems, call 311. For emergencies, call 911. (12)
