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NYC Woman Sues Over Husband's Legionnaires' Death
22 Jul
Summary
- A widow is suing after her husband died from Legionnaires' disease.
- Four deaths are linked to an Upper East Side Legionnaires' cluster.
- City Council speaker calls for greater transparency and action.
A legal battle is brewing in New York City following a deadly Legionnaires' disease outbreak on the Upper East Side. Ida Goldstein is planning to sue after her husband, Robert Goldstein, died from the illness. He was one of four fatalities linked to the cluster.
Her attorney stated the lawsuit will target a building owner for allegedly failing to properly maintain a rooftop cooling tower. This comes as health officials report 76 cases, with no new infections identified since mid-July, suggesting the source may be contained.
City Council Speaker Julie Menin has called for increased transparency from the Department of Health and is introducing legislation. This package aims to enhance public education, establish a communication hotline, and promote a more proactive city approach. An oversight hearing on the outbreak is scheduled for September.
The Department of Health maintains it responded rapidly, launching its investigation with only two confirmed cases and directing buildings with positive tests to disinfect cooling towers. They believe their actions have saved lives and are committed to identifying the source and holding responsible parties accountable. DNA testing is the next step to pinpoint the origin.
