NEW YORK CITY — Two major construction firms are facing lawsuits after a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Harlem left at least five people dead and more than 100 sickened, city officials confirmed. Attorneys for victims say the tragedy was the direct result of negligence and a failure to address known safety hazards.

The outbreak, traced back to July 26, spread across multiple ZIP codes in Upper Manhattan — including 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037 and 10039 — after 12 cooling towers tested positive for Legionella bacteria at NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem and other nearby buildings.

"This medical tragedy that led to the deaths of five citizens from Harlem, that we know about, was a completely preventable outbreak," said attorney Ben Crump, who is representing victims. "It was completely preventable. And so when corporations cut corners, tragedies like this happen, preventable tragedies, unnecessary tragedies, people being hospitalized for days and weeks, having issues that cause them permanent damage."

Workers Among the Sick

One of the lawsuits was filed by Duane Headley, a construction worker who fell ill while working at a Rising Sun Construction site on 506 Lenox Avenue, near Harlem Hospital. The suit alleges Rising Sun "created and permitted a defective, dangerous and/or hazardous condition."

Headley survived but remains hospitalized, his attorneys said.

Another worker, Nunzio Quinto, claims he contracted Legionnaires while employed at the NYC Public Health Laboratory Building construction site at 40 W. 137th Street, overseen by Skanska USA Building. Quinto’s lawsuit argues the company failed to "timely remediate the Legionella colonization of the water distribution and/or cooling systems."

"I had no energy and unable to do anything," Quinto said at a press conference. "I'm finally starting to get up and walk around a little bit now and can do basic things."

Calls for Accountability

Quinto stressed his lawsuit is about more than money: "But my thing is, I want answers to what's going on. I can't have a safe place to work? This is New York City."

Civil rights leaders including Ben Crump and Rev. Al Sharpton have joined victims in demanding transparency and accountability from the construction industry.

In response, Skanska issued a statement emphasizing cooperation with health officials:
“While we can’t comment on pending litigation, Skanska has fully cooperated with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to facilitate the inspection and disinfection of the cooling tower at the building currently under construction at 40 West 137th Street — which will be the future home of the Public Health Lab. We will continue to implement all necessary mitigation and communication procedures to ensure the safety of our workers and the surrounding public.”

Broader Health and Safety Concerns

Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria, is often linked to poorly maintained cooling towers and water systems. City officials noted that this outbreak is among the deadliest New York has faced in recent years.

Public health advocates say the case highlights ongoing risks in urban construction and the urgent need for stronger oversight. With legal action underway, families of victims and surviving patients hope the lawsuits will shed light on whether the outbreak could — and should — have been stopped before lives were lost.

Originally reported by David K. Li in NBC News.