NEW YORK, August 11, 2026 — A New York Legionnaires’ disease attorney is demanding answers from the operator of a Chelsea hotel after the company’s own testing reportedly found Legionella bacteria at the property — and workers say they were denied access to information about the contamination and were not allowed to leave the hotel.

The High Line Hotel tested positive for Legionella twice this summer, according to the New York Gaming and Trades Council. The development comes just weeks after a deadly Legionnaires’ disease outbreak on Manhattan’s Upper East Side sickened 92 people and left seven dead.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene tested the hotel on July 1 and did not detect Legionella. MCR, which operates the hotel, subsequently conducted its own testing and reportedly detected traces of the bacteria. A second test reportedly found higher levels of Legionella.

The hotel workers’ union then demanded documentation showing what MCR was doing to address the contamination. According to the union, the hotel operator initially refused to provide the requested documentation. When workers subsequently walked off the job, MCR agreed to provide the information.

When the second set of test results came back showing higher levels of Legionella, the union again asked that workers be allowed to leave the hotel. That request was reportedly denied.

There have been no reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease among the hotel’s employees or guests connected to the testing, according to information currently available.

“If a hotel operator knows that Legionella has been detected on its property, employees and guests deserve to know what was found, what is being done about it and whether it is safe to remain in the building,” said Ronald J. Katter of Katter Law Firm. “Keeping workers in the dark about potentially dangerous bacteria is unacceptable. At a minimum, employees should have been given the information necessary to make an informed decision about whether they wanted to remain on the premises.”

If you or someone you know has been sickened or injured as a result of Legionnaires’ disease, contact the “Legionnaires’ Lawyer” — Ronald Katter. Mr. Katter and his firm will help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, contact us at (212) 809-4293 or visit our contact page.

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About The Katter Law Firm
The Katter Law Firm is a premier New York City personal injury and medical malpractice law firm specializing in public health negligence and Legionella outbreak litigation. Founder Ronald J. Katter and his team are dedicated to holding negligent property owners and public entities accountable to secure just compensation for victims of preventable illnesses.