Harford, P.C. has been retained by multiple residents who contracted Legionnaires’ disease because of a lack of water management at the Haven Plaza residences in the Alphabet City neighborhood of Manhattan. The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (“DOH”) recently confirmed the presence of legionella bacteria within the drinking and potable water system for the complex.
The DOH has now advised the residents to stop taking showers and to fill bathtubs slowly to avoid breathing in legionella mist from the water supply. The owner of the property, Catholic Homes, an affiliate of the Archdiocese, declined to answer any questions about what they plan to do to mitigate the contamination.
The complex contains 371 affordable apartments for families and seniors. The outbreak was also recently reported on ABC News where residents showed brown water emanating from their kitchen sinks. Many of the residents have complained that they have been dealing with water and plumbing issues for years.
Harford, P.C. will be filing lawsuits on behalf of residents of the property against the owner and manager Wavecrest Management.
Legionnaires’ disease causes flu-like symptoms that can include headache, muscle aches, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and confusion. The disease can be treated with antibiotics but can be fatal if left untreated. The people at the highest risk are typically over 50 years-old, suffer from lung issues, and/or have a weakened immune system.
Harford, P.C. is no stranger to litigations arising from legionella outbreaks in the New York and New Jersey communities. Scott A. Harford represents clients that suffered Legionnaires’ disease from the Harlem Hospital 2021 and 2025 outbreaks, South Bronx Opera Hotel outbreak, the Sugar Hill outbreak in upper Manhattan, Co-Op City, a financial district residential building, various nursing homes in New York, NYCHA residential facilities, and multiple apartment complexes in New Jersey.
If you or someone you know has been injured by exposure to Legionella bacteria, we are here to help you.
Please call or e-mail us today for a free consultation at (212) 390-8983 and/or scott.harford@harford-law.com
