Wasting no time, a patient recently struck down with Legionnaires’ disease has filed a lawsuit against a New York hotel which was cited as the source of the outbreak which killed 12 people.
‘Negligence, carelessness and recklessness’ by the historic Opera House Hotel caused Leslie Noble, a 54-year old security guard physical pain and mental anguish, the lawsuit claims.
Noble spent five days in hospital and is still recovering from the illness.
He is claiming unspecified damages.
The city health commissioner blamed the Bronx hotel’s rooftop cooling tower for the outbreak which sickened 128.
Noble’s attorney, Ronald Katter, said the illness may have caused long term health problems.
"It’s a form of pneumonia. That’s a pretty significant lung condition that often has a permanent and residual effect,"" Katter said.
The hotel said it cooperated with health officials once the source of the outbreak was identified and further tests have proven negative for bacteria,
"Our tower was just two years old and has the most modern technology, and our maintenance plan was consistent with the new regulations the city and state are just now putting into place," said spokesman Michael McKeon.
"We expect that some lawyers will attempt to cash in on this unfortunate event, but we have lawyers to handle these matters, too."
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