As Legionnaires’ disease infects dozens of Central Harlem residents, the landlords and cooling tower operators who allowed bacteria to fester on their property could face legal consequences.

Legionnaires’ disease is a flu-like illness caused by a bacteria that grows in standing water. It flourishes in cooling towers that are installed on top of some large buildings as part of their air conditioning systems. At least 67 cases and three deaths have been reported so far in the latest cluster, according to New York City's health department.

Two New Yorkers who got sick have already hired a lawyer who has represented patients in past Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks. Their attorney, Jory Lange, has won millions of dollars for people infected with Legionnaires’ disease, according to his website

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