Intravenous (IV) therapy is one of the most common procedures performed in Florida emergency rooms. But when IV lines infiltrate—meaning fluid leaks into surrounding tissues—patients can suffer devastating consequences. One of the most severe complications is compartment syndrome, a painful condition that can lead to permanent nerve damage or even amputation if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
Below, we’ll explore a case example highlighting how IV infiltration can spiral into a medical emergency and the legal options victims may have under Florida medical malpractice law.
What Happened in This Case?
A patient arrived at a Florida hospital’s emergency department with dehydration and received IV fluids. The nurse inserted the IV into the patient’s forearm, secured it, and began infusion. However, over the next several hours, fluid leaked unnoticed into the soft tissues of the arm, causing extreme swelling and internal pressure.
Despite the patient’s complaints of pain, tightness, and numbness, the healthcare team attributed the symptoms to minor IV irritation. No assessment for compartment syndrome occurred, and no physician evaluated the site.
By the time a vascular surgeon was consulted, the patient had already developed severe compartment syndrome. Emergency surgery was required to relieve the pressure. Unfortunately, the delay in diagnosis resulted in permanent nerve damage and loss of function in the patient’s dominant hand.
What Is Compartment Syndrome?
Compartment syndrome occurs when pressure builds within a closed muscle compartment, cutting off circulation and compressing nerves. In the context of IV infiltration, large volumes of IV fluid can rapidly increase internal tissue pressure.
Warning signs include:
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Severe, worsening pain out of proportion to the injury
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Swelling and tightness of the limb
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Numbness or tingling
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Weak or absent pulses
This is a surgical emergency, and delays in diagnosis and treatment can cause irreversible damage.
How Does This Become Medical Malpractice?
In Florida, medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care and causes injury. In this scenario, multiple potential breaches occurred:
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Failure to monitor the IV site adequately
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Failure to recognize and act upon clear signs of infiltration and compartment syndrome
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Delay in obtaining surgical intervention
When these failures lead to severe harm, such as permanent nerve injury, patients have the right to pursue a malpractice claim.
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
Victims of IV infiltration malpractice in Florida may be entitled to compensation for:
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Medical expenses (past and future surgeries, rehabilitation)
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Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Permanent disability and loss of enjoyment of life
Protecting Your Rights After IV Infiltration Injuries
If you or a loved one developed compartment syndrome or other complications after IV infiltration in a Florida emergency room, it is essential to seek experienced legal counsel. Hospitals and insurers often fight these claims aggressively, but skilled medical malpractice attorneys can help gather records, consult medical experts, and pursue accountability.
Timelines matter—Florida has strict deadlines for filing medical malpractice claims. Don’t wait to get the answers and help you deserve.
Contact Us Today
If you have questions about a potential medical malpractice case involving IV infiltration injuries, call our office for a free, confidential consultation.
Have you or someone you know been injured as a result of an IV infiltration or extravasation? Contact Florida Hospital and Medical Malpractice Lawyer J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo by dialing his direct number at (786) 272-5841, calling the main office at (305) 461-1095, or Toll Free at 1 (866) 71-CLAIM or email Miami Attorney Gonzalez-Sirgo directly at jp@yourattorneys.com or by text at (305) 929-8935.
