Understanding IV Injuries in Florida Hospitals
Intravenous (IV) therapy is one of the most common medical procedures performed in Florida hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient centers. While IVs are generally safe, mistakes such as improper needle placement, failure to monitor, or infiltration of medication into surrounding tissue can lead to serious harm — including nerve damage, necrosis, or compartment syndrome.
Unfortunately, many patients unknowingly make critical errors after an IV injury that can weaken their medical malpractice claim or delay proper treatment.
1. Failing to Report the Injury Right Away
One of the biggest mistakes patients make is not immediately reporting pain, swelling, or burning around the IV site. Some patients assume the discomfort is “normal,” but early signs of IV infiltration or extravasation require urgent attention.
What to do instead: Notify your nurse or doctor right away if you feel pain, burning, tightness, or notice discoloration around the IV site. Ask for the IV to be checked and documented in your chart.
2. Not Taking Photographs or Keeping Evidence
Bruising, blistering, or skin breakdown can worsen over time, but many patients forget to take photos of the injury as it develops. Without photographic proof, it’s harder to show how severe the infiltration or extravasation became.
What to do instead: Take clear, dated photos of your IV site daily after the injury occurs, and save any dressings, labels, or medication packaging related to the IV infusion.
3. Trusting the Hospital to “Handle It” Quietly
Hospitals and staff may downplay the incident or fail to document it accurately in your medical records. Relying on them to “take care of it” could result in missing key evidence or timelines for a malpractice claim.
What to do instead: Request a complete copy of your medical records, including nursing notes, IV flow sheets, and medication logs. You have a right to this information under Florida law.
4. Delaying Medical Evaluation by a Specialist
Many patients wait too long to see a specialist, such as a plastic surgeon or wound care doctor. IV injuries can rapidly worsen, leading to permanent damage if not treated promptly.
What to do instead: Seek evaluation from a qualified specialist as soon as possible. Early intervention can prevent complications and strengthen your medical documentation.
5. Failing to Contact a Florida Medical Malpractice Attorney
IV injuries often occur because of nursing negligence, improper monitoring, or failure to follow hospital protocols. Yet, many patients don’t realize they may have a valid legal claim until it’s too late.
What to do instead: Contact a Florida medical malpractice attorney experienced in IV infiltration and extravasation cases. A lawyer can help secure evidence, work with medical experts, and ensure you meet the strict deadlines under Florida’s medical malpractice laws (F.S. 766).
Protecting Your Rights After an IV Injury
If you or a loved one suffered a serious IV infiltration or extravasation injury, don’t let common mistakes jeopardize your recovery or your right to justice. With the right documentation, medical care, and legal representation, you can hold negligent medical providers accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Need Legal Help?
Our Florida medical malpractice firm helps patients statewide who were injured by IV infiltration, extravasation, or infusion-related negligence. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn your legal options.
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.
