Lawsuits filed this week in New York City accuse construction companies of overlooking safety concerns that led to a deadly Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Harlem.

The outbreak has resulted in at least five deaths and sickened dozens of people since it began in July in Central Harlem.

Health officials said the bacteria that cause Legionnaires’ disease were found in 12 cooling towers across 10 buildings, including Harlem Hospital.

Attorney Ben Crump, part of the team representing those who filed the lawsuits, said it is believed that the cooling towers were filled with untreated rainwater after several storms in July, which allowed the bacteria to spread and sicken those who were exposed.

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