Norovirus, often referred to as the 'winter vomiting bug', is one of the most common gastric illnesses in the UK. It has severe symptoms that can last several days and can have long-term effects such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and psychological damage.

If you’ve had norovirus, we might be able to help you make a compensation claim. Contact our team of expert solicitors to see if you can make a claim.

We can take norovirus claims on a no win no fee basis. This is offered on a case-by-case basis and might not be suitable for everyone; this is something we’ll discuss with you at the start of your claim.

How does norovirus spread?

Norovirus can spread very quickly in public places such as restaurants, hospitals, schools, hotels, or cruise ships. The main way you can catch norovirus is by eating contaminated food. The virus can also be spread by touching a contaminated surface or being in close contact with someone who has the illness.

In many instances, norovirus spreads because an organisation or business hasn’t adequately followed hygiene procedures. If you’ve fallen ill because these procedures have been neglected, you may be able to claim compensation for your suffering and to cover any expenses you’ve incurred.

Why choose Irwin Mitchell to manage your norovirus claim?

Our specialist illness lawyers have extensive experience helping those who’ve been struck down with norovirus, whether at home or abroad.

We'll do everything we can to make things easier for you and your family. We’ll keep you informed about the progress of your case at every stage and make sure you’ve the support that you need.

Our lawyers offer the highest level of professionalism and expertise, combined with dedication and sensitivity. We always work to get you compensation that accounts not only for your pain and suffering in the short term, but also for the longer-term effects on your health. Above all, we put you first.

We also have extensive experience in international claims, which is especially important as many cases of norovirus happen on cruise ships, or in holiday resorts where hygiene standards may not be as high as here in the UK.

While we work to settle your claim, our Support and Rehabilitation Coordinators will work with you to make sure you’ve got access to the support you need. The team are trained medical professionals who’ll understand your needs after contracting norovirus.

We’ve offices around the UK, which means there’ll be an expert in your nearest office. If you can’t come to one of our offices, we’ll be able to arrange phone or video calls or meet you at an appropriate location.

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Norovirus Claims - More Information

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of norovirus?

The main symptom that distinguishes norovirus from other gastric illnesses is the sudden onset of projectile vomiting. This is usually followed by:

  • Nausea
  • Watery diarrhoea
  • Abdominal pain.

These symptoms appear one to two days after you become infected and usually last up to three days. Some people also report developing a slight fever, headaches, and aching limbs.

In serious cases, a norovirus infection can lead to post-infective irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and changes in bowel habits. It can also cause lasting psychological damage, particularly for children who might associate travelling or eating out with their illness in the future.

Norovirus usually clears up on its own, but in the meantime, paracetamol can help with fevers, aches, and pains. There are also steps you should take to aid your recovery:

  • If possible, stay at home (or in your room if you're on holiday)
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
  • Stick to plain foods
  • Get lots of rest.

If you’ve had these symptoms, you may be able to make a norovirus claim to compensate you for your illness, as well as any lost earnings or expenses you’ve incurred. 

Who’s responsible for norovirus outbreaks?

Norovirus is carried in small particles of infected vomit or faeces. It can spread when hygiene procedures break down, leading to food or surfaces becoming contaminated and these particles being passed onto other people.

Businesses and organisations have a public duty to prevent contamination in the buildings and spaces they’re responsible for. This includes:

  • Cleaning premises regularly and having procedures in place to monitor this
  • Following hygiene regulations when preparing, cooking and serving food
  • Making sure staff members or pupils with norovirus infections don’t return to work/school until 48 hours after their illness has passed
  • Containing any suspected outbreak to prevent further infection (particularly in hospitals, cruise ships and nursing homes where people can’t be sent home)
  • Closing premises, where necessary, for a deep clean to remove any contamination.

Because of the highly infectious nature of norovirus, these measures must be in place to prevent the spread of infection. Outbreaks are more likely to occur in places where many people are together, including:

  • Restaurants and hotels
  • Cruise ships
  • Schools
  • Hospitals and nursing homes.

If you've contracted norovirus because an organisation hasn’t upheld its duty of care to you, our dedicated and experienced team can help you claim compensation.

If you’ve fallen ill on a cruise or package holiday, we may be able to make your claim against the cruise line or holiday operator in the UK rather than in the country where you fell ill. 

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