Nationwide Nursing Home & Abuse Lawyers
Dedicated legal advocates protecting your loved ones nationwide. When nursing homes break their promise of care, our experienced attorneys fight for the justice your family deserves.
Gastroenteritis—often referred to as “stomach flu”—can spread rapidly in nursing homes, triggering severe illness, dehydration, hospitalization, and even death among elderly residents. While not all outbreaks are preventable, many are made worse—or even caused—by poor infection control, unsanitary conditions, or delayed medical response.
At The Higgins Firm Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers, we represent families across the country whose loved ones were harmed by gastroenteritis outbreaks that should have been contained. With decades of experience and a nationwide reach, our firm helps hold negligent facilities accountable for the pain and loss they cause.
Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. It’s commonly spread through:
In nursing homes, the most common cause of gastroenteritis is norovirus, a highly contagious virus that spreads rapidly through close quarters. Other causes include:
Elderly individuals—especially those with underlying health conditions—are more susceptible to severe gastroenteritis complications, including:
Many residents also have cognitive impairments or limited mobility, which means they can’t report symptoms or access help on their own. This makes early recognition and fast response by staff absolutely critical.
Nursing home staff must monitor residents for warning signs of infection. Symptoms of gastroenteritis can appear suddenly and progress quickly:
For elderly residents, these symptoms aren’t just uncomfortable—they can be life-threatening if not treated swiftly.
Facilities are legally and ethically obligated to follow strict infection control protocols. This includes:
| Area | Best Practices |
| Hygiene | Frequent handwashing by staff and residents, proper glove and PPE use |
| Food Safety | Safe storage, handling, and preparation of all food items |
| Isolation | Prompt separation of infected residents to prevent spread |
| Staffing | Adequate staff to monitor symptoms, clean surfaces, and respond to illness |
| Medical Oversight | Timely evaluations, hydration support, and appropriate treatment plans |
| Cleaning Protocols | EPA-approved disinfectants and enhanced cleaning of shared spaces |
When facilities cut corners—by ignoring symptoms, failing to isolate residents, or using untrained staff—outbreaks become tragedies.
While gastroenteritis can occur even with proper precautions, families should be alert to signs that a facility failed its duty of care:
If you believe your loved one suffered serious harm due to an outbreak that was mishandled or ignored, you may have a legal claim.
Nursing homes are bound by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) infection control guidelines, including:
Failure to meet these standards may constitute negligence or regulatory violation, and may open the door to legal consequences.
We approach gastroenteritis neglect cases with the same thoroughness and compassion we bring to every nursing home case:
Whether your loved one endured unnecessary suffering or passed away due to gastroenteritis complications, we’re here to help you pursue the justice they deserve.
Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, The Higgins Firm Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers accepts gastroenteritis-related cases across the United States. Whether your case involves a private facility, publicly funded home, or national nursing home chain, we are prepared to stand by your side.
If you believe your loved one’s gastroenteritis-related illness was preventable—or mishandled by their nursing home—we want to help you understand your options. Our team can investigate what happened and advise you on the next steps, free of charge.
Based in Nashville, TN | Serving Families in All 50 States
Contact The Higgins Firm Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers for Your Free Case Review
Dedicated legal advocates protecting your loved ones nationwide. When nursing homes break their promise of care, our experienced attorneys fight for the justice your family deserves.