NEW YORK, NY — Ronald J. Katter of The Katter Law Firm is urging residents of the Amsterdam Nursing Home in Manhattan and members of the surrounding community who are experiencing flu-like symptoms to be tested for Legionnaires’ disease after two people died, possibly from the disease.
On September 14, two residents died after the disease was found at the nursing home, according to the New York State Department of Health. Although both residents were infected with Legionnaires’ disease, the agency could not confirm if that contributed to their deaths.
Between June 2022 and early September 2022, the NYS Health Department investigated eight possible cases of Legionnaires’ disease. Four of the residents died, two of whom had the disease. Five started showing initial signs of Legionnaire’s disease, while one tested positive.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Legionnaires’ disease is caused by the Legionella bacteria. It grows in warm water found in water systems, including cooling towers. The cooling towers disperse water vapor into the air. People contract the disease when they breathe in water vapor containing the bacteria. The CDC notes that approximately 10% of all Legionnaires’ cases result in death.
Although it cannot be transmitted from one person to another, it can be serious for those who smoke or have chronic lung conditions. Legionnaires’ disease can successfully be treated with antibiotics.
Amsterdam Nursing Home was cited in 2017 for failing to adequately clean or disinfect the new cooling towers and again in March 2021 for failing to test and analyze a Legionella sample.
“New York City health codes require building owners to test and treat their water systems to prevent the occurrence of Legionella,” 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.”
Mr. Katter is experienced in representing clients who contracted Legionnaires’ disease, including clients who were sickened during recent outbreaks in the Highbridge section of the Bronx, New York; Harlem, New York; and Napa County, California.
Mr. Katter is available for interviews on this matter. For more information, call (212) 809-4293 or visit www.katterlaw.com.
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About The Katter Law Firm
The Katter Law Firm represents clients throughout New York City in personal injury cases including those who have suffered injuries as a result of construction accidents, Legionnaires’ disease, motor vehicle collisions, pedestrian knockdowns, bicycle crashes, slip/trip and falls, assaults, workplace accidents, professional malpractice, nursing home negligence, hospital mistreatment, police abuse, accidental death, pet attacks and cemetery and funeral negligence. The firm aggressively represents injured victims through New York’s five boroughs, as well as the surrounding counties. For more information, call (212) 809-4293 or visit www.katterlaw.com
