Parker Waichman LLP, a national law firm dedicated to protecting the rights of victims injured by toxic exposure, is commenting on the recent outbreak of Legionnaire's disease in New York City, the largest such Legionnaire's outbreak in the city's history. According to a Lohud report dated August 11, 2015, 113 people have become ill and 12 have died in connection with the outbreak, which stems from contaminated cooling towers in certain buildings in the South Bronx. There have also been three cases of the disease in Rockland County, as well.

Parker Waichman is investigating potential lawsuits on behalf of individuals who were affected by the Bronx outbreak of Legionnaire's disease. “The firm has had years of experience representing clients in environmental hazard lawsuits,” said Gary Falkowitz, Managing Attorney at Parker Waichman. “This tragic outbreak has shone a light on the lack of regulations and oversight associated with the cooling towers of these buildings.”

Lohud notes that of the 39 cooling towers tested, those in 18 buildings have tested positive for the Legionella bacteria. Governor Andrew Cuomo is seeking new state laws to implement a standard policy on how to inspect buildings for Legionnaire's disease. “We can't have this happen again,” Cuomo said to reporters. “We have to have a statewide system, statewide protocols. So if you own a building in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, or Nassau, you have the same protocol.”

Inhaling water vapor contaminated with the Legionella bacteria may cause Legionnaire's disease, a form of pneumonia. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms, which typically appear two to 10 days following exposure, include: • Coughing • Shortness of breath • High fever • Muscle aches • Headaches

Parker Waichman is currently offering free legal consultations to victims of toxic exposure and may be contacted by visiting its Environmental/Toxic Substances injury page at yourlawyer.com. Free case evaluations are also available by calling 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).