MRSA Infections in Nursing Homes

MRSA Is Not Just a “Superbug”—It’s a Red Flag for Neglect

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a dangerous bacterial infection that’s notoriously difficult to treat. In nursing homes, MRSA can spread rapidly and quietly, especially when facilities fall short on hygiene, staffing, and infection control. For vulnerable residents, even a minor cut or sore can become a doorway to life-threatening illness.

At The Higgins Firm, we help families nationwide hold long-term care facilities accountable when MRSA infections develop or worsen due to neglect. Whether your loved one suffered from an undiagnosed infection, an untreated wound, or systemic lapses in care, we’re here to investigate and fight for justice.

Where Does MRSA Come From?

MRSA is a strain of Staphylococcus aureus that has developed resistance to multiple antibiotics, including methicillin and other beta-lactams. While Staph bacteria live harmlessly on many people’s skin, MRSA becomes dangerous when it enters the body through a break in the skin or mucous membranes.

In nursing homes, MRSA often spreads through:

• Direct contact with infected wounds
• Shared medical equipment
• Contaminated hands of staff or caregivers
• Unsanitary surfaces or linens
• Inadequate isolation of infected residents

MRSA is especially hazardous in residents with weakened immune systems, open wounds, or invasive medical devices like catheters or feeding tubes.

Common Forms and Symptoms of MRSA in Long-Term Care

Infections can progress rapidly, and delayed treatment can lead to hospitalization, amputation, organ failure, or death.

High-Risk Nursing Home Residents for MRSA

MRSA is more likely to take hold in residents who are:

• Recovering from surgery or injury
• Living with chronic wounds, pressure ulcers, or diabetic ulcers
• Dependent on indwelling medical devices like catheters or IVs
• Frequently hospitalized or transferred between facilities
• Immunocompromised due to illness or medications
• Bedbound or incontinent, requiring frequent hands-on care

For these residents, preventive measures aren’t optional—they’re life-saving.

How MRSA Spreads in Negligent Nursing Homes

Infection control in nursing homes is not just a best practice—it’s a regulatory requirement. But in many facilities, we uncover glaring failures that allow MRSA to spread unchecked.

Examples of Facility Failures That Enable MRSA Outbreaks:

• Staff not washing hands between residents
• Sharing equipment without cleaning between uses
• Failure to isolate residents with active infections
• Ignoring or misclassifying wounds
• Using soiled linens or reusing gloves
• Understaffing that leads to skipped wound care or hygiene checks
• Delays in notifying doctors or families about signs of infection

These aren’t isolated slip-ups—they’re often symptoms of a system in crisis.

The Legal and Regulatory Standards Nursing Homes Must Follow

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mandate strict infection prevention protocols in nursing homes. Facilities are required to:

• Maintain a comprehensive Infection Prevention and Control Program (IPCP)
• Provide ongoing staff training on MRSA and other infection control standards
• Screen and isolate infected or colonized residents when needed
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand hygiene practices
• Clean and disinfect shared surfaces, rooms, and medical equipment
• Monitor for early signs of infection and respond promptly

Violating these standards not only puts residents at risk—it may open the facility to civil liability.

Our Approach to MRSA Infection Cases

When you suspect MRSA neglect, you need a team with both legal strength and clinical insight. At The Higgins Firm Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers, we:

• Review medical records, lab reports, wound assessments, and medication logs
• Investigate infection control compliance through staff interviews and documentation
• Analyze wound care timelines and facility communication logs
• Partner with infectious disease experts and wound care specialists to determine preventability
• Evaluate systemic practices, including staffing levels, outbreak response, and hygiene policies

Our goal is not just to answer what happened—but to uncover why it happened and who should be held accountable.

Compensation for MRSA-Related Harm

Families may be entitled to compensation for:

• Hospitalization and surgical costs
• Rehabilitation and wound care
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent injury or disability (e.g., amputation)
• Wrongful death damages
• Punitive damages for gross negligence or outbreak mismanagement

Every case is different. We build each one with the care and attention your loved one deserves.

Why Families Trust The Higgins Firm to Handle Infection Cases

If your loved one developed a serious MRSA infection while in a nursing home—or lost their life due to delays in care—you deserve answers. The Higgins Firm Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers is here to guide you every step of the way, from investigation to resolution. Here’s what we bring to the table:

• Focused Experience: We handle nursing home abuse and neglect exclusively
• National Reach: Based in Nashville, TN, we represent families across all 50 states
• Clinical Understanding: We speak the language of infection control and medical records
• Compassionate Advocacy: We treat your family with the same care we’d expect for our own
• Results-Driven Litigation: We don’t back down from large corporations or national care chains

Contact The The Higgins Firm Firm now for a free, confidential consultation—we’re available 24/7 to listen to your story and explain your options. There’s no fee unless we win your case.