Press Releases and Media Clips
Ronald Katter Says Property Owners Can Be Held Liable for Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak in Central Harlem
August 25, 2021
Ronald J. Katter of The Katter Law Firm is urging people in central Harlem who tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease to learn their legal rights to compensation from the property owners who failed to properly maintain the cooling towers on top of their buildings.
Since August 20, twelve people residing within the 10037 and 10039 ZIP codes have contracted Legionnaires’ disease. Some of those who were sickened with Legionnaires’ disease were more than 50 years old, which places them in the group most susceptible to the disease. Others in the high-risk group include people with compromised immune systems or with respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported.
“It is imperative that anyone who experiences Legionnaires’ disease symptoms — which may include one or more of the following: headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, cough, gastrointestinal symptoms and confusion — seek immediate medical attention,” Mr. Katter says. “For the at-risk population, Legionnaires’ disease can be life-threatening.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Legionnaires’ disease is caused by the Legionella bacteria, which are usually found in water. The bacteria can grow in warm water found in hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems and decorative fountains. People contract the disease when they breathe in a mist or vapor containing the bacteria.
“The spread of this disease could have been prevented, had the property owners followed local law and kept the cooling towers properly cleaned and maintained,” Mr. Katter says. “If you have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, consult with an attorney who is experienced in handling Legionnaires’ cases to learn your legal rights to compensation.”