At Weitz & Luxenberg, our attorneys are accepting personal injury cases from people who contracted Legionnaires’ disease from the contaminated cooling towers on the Upper East Side 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. Our firm is already representing victims.

Last summer, a Legionnaires’ outbreak occurred in Harlem. More than 100 people got sick, and several people died. We already have filed many lawsuits over that outbreak.

This year’s Legionnaires’ disease outbreak began on the Upper East Side on July 2. So far, 76 people have gotten sick, 7 are currently hospitalized, and 4 have died. The three zip codes affected include 10028, 10128, and 10075. ^{(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.

Upper East Side Cooling Towers Tested Positive for Legionella Bacteria

Cooling towers in 76 buildings on the Upper East Side 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) (4)}

• 60 East End Avenue.
• 80 East End Avenue.
• 90 East End Avenue.
• The Chapin School, 100 East End Avenue.
• 180 East End Avenue.
• All Souls NYC, 1157 Lexington Avenue.
• 1381 Lexington Avenue.
• 1025 Madison Avenue.
• Butterfield Market, 1150 Madison Avenue.
• 1239 Madison Avenue.
• Citi Bank, 1275 Madison Avenue.
• 920 Park Avenue.
• 1020 Park Avenue.
• 1249 Park Avenue.
• 1520 York Avenue.
• 1750 York Avenue.
• 1755 York Avenue.
• Agata & Valentina, 1513 First Avenue.
• 1660 Second Avenue.
• 1875 Second Avenue.
• 1438 Third Avenue.
• 980 Fifth Avenue.
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue.
• 1110 Fifth Avenue.
• 1511 Third Avenue.
• 1551 Third Avenue.
• 1001 Fifth Avenue.
• 1071 Fifth Avenue.
• 1080 Fifth Avenue.
• 1130 Fifth Avenue.
• 153 E. 78^th Street.
• 188 E. 78^th Street.
• 200 E. 78^th Street.
• 124 E. 79^th Street.
• 135 E. 79^th Street.
• 155 E. 79^th Street.
• Chase Bank, 201 E. 79^th Street.
• Upper East Side Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, 211 E. 79^th Street.
• 300 E. 79^th Street.
• 40 E. 80^th Street.
• 511 E. 80^th Street.
• 238 E. 81^st Street.
• 240 E. 82^nd Street.
• The Clermont, 444 E. 82^nd Street.
• 8 E. 83^rd Street.
• 25 E. 83^rd Street.
• 300 E. 83^rd Street (unregistered cooling tower).
• 500 E. 83^rd Street.
• 13 E. 84^th Street.
• 40 E. 84^th Street.
• 145 E. 84^th Street.
• 160 E. 84^th Street.
• The Rabbi Haskel Lookstein Middle School, 114 E. 85^th Street.
• 117 E. 85^th Street.
• 7 E. 86^th Street.
• Duane Reade, 401 E. 86^th Street.
• 444 E. 86^th Street.
• 445 E. 86^th Street.
• 51 E. 87^th Street.
• 120 E. 87^th Street.
• 125 E. 87^th Street.
• 152 E. 87^th Street.
• 501 E. 87^th Street.
• 160 E. 88^th Street.
• 168 E. 88^th Street.
• 401 E. 88^th Street.
• The Dalton School, 108 E. 89^th Street.
• Tarallucci e Vino at Cooper Hewitt, 9 E. 90^th Street.
• The Spence School, 22 E. 91^st Street.
• 333 E. 91^st Street.
• 354 E. 91^st Street.
• Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan/Upper East Side, 410 E. 92^nd Street.
• 40 E. 94^th Street.
• 200 E. 95^th Street.
• 235 E. 95^th Street.
• Trevor Day School, 312 E. 95^th Street.

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.” ⁽⁵⁾

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. ^{(6) (7)}

Since July 2, 2026, a cluster of businesses and residences on the Upper East Side 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. ⁽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 the Upper East Side 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 Upper East Side 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⁾

As early as May 8, 2026, NYC required Legionella sampling to be done monthly. Owners who do not comply may receive a summons. ⁽¹⁴⁾

W&L Helps Victims of the Upper East Side 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 on the Upper East Side of New York City 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some answers to questions you may have about this litigation.

Is There a Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak on the Upper East Side?

Yes, dozens of people have gotten sick. Several people have died. Three zip codes are affected: 10028, 10128, and 10075. ^{(15) (16)}

Are Upper East Side Apartment Buildings Tested for Legionella Bacteria?

Yes, so far, NYC Health Department officials have tested more than 180 cooling towers on the Upper East Side. ⁽¹⁷⁾

What Should Upper East Side Residents Know About Legionnaires’ Disease?

Anyone who lives in this area and is experiencing flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider right away. If you need help finding a provider — no matter your immigration status or whether you have insurance or not — visit NYC Health + Hospitals, call 311, or call 844-692-4692 (NYC-4NYC). ⁽¹⁸⁾

Are Hospitals on the Upper East Side Prepared to Diagnose Legionnaires’ Disease?

Yes, hospitals in the city are prepared to diagnose Legionnaires’ disease. The Upper East Side outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease began on July 2. Since then, everyone in New York has been on high alert. ⁽¹⁹⁾

Who Investigates Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreaks in Manhattan?

Officials in the New York City Health Department investigate Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks in Manhattan. They have currently tested more than 180 cooling towers on the Upper East Side. ⁽²⁰⁾

Where Can Upper East Side Residents Report Concerns About Building Water Systems?

To report general concerns about Upper East Side building water systems, visit Report an Issue. You can also speak to Customer Service. For emergencies, dial 911. For non-emergency water issues, call 311. ⁽²¹⁾