IVs are supposed to deliver medication safely into a vein—but when they’re inserted incorrectly, poorly monitored, or left in too long, the result can be painful and dangerous injuries. IV infiltration and extravasation can cause swelling, infection, nerve damage, permanent disability, and in severe cases, compartment syndrome requiring emergency surgery.
If you suffered an IV injury in a Florida hospital, you may be wondering: Do I have a medical malpractice case?
Here’s what Florida patients need to know.
What Is IV Infiltration vs. Extravasation?
IV Infiltration
This occurs when non-vesicant fluids (such as saline) leak into surrounding tissue instead of the vein. While often less severe, infiltration can still cause serious harm if not recognized and treated immediately.
IV Extravasation
This is more dangerous. Extravasation happens when a vesicant or irritant medication—such as chemotherapy drugs, certain antibiotics, potassium chloride, or contrast dyes—escapes the vein and enters surrounding tissue. These substances can cause:
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Severe chemical burns
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Tissue necrosis
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Nerve injury
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Muscle damage
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Permanent scarring
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Compartment syndrome
Because the risks are well-known, hospitals must follow strict monitoring and documentation protocols.
When Does IV Infiltration or Extravasation Become Medical Malpractice in Florida?
Not every IV problem automatically means negligence. Florida malpractice law requires you to prove that the hospital or healthcare provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care, and that failure caused your injury.
Common Forms of Negligence in IV Injury Cases
You may have a malpractice case if any of the following occurred:
1. Improper IV Insertion
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Incorrect site selection
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Poor technique
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Wrong needle or catheter size
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Failing to verify placement
If the catheter was never properly in the vein, infiltration or extravasation is likely.
2. Failure to Monitor the IV Site
Nurses should check IV sites frequently, especially with high-risk medications. Warning signs often include:
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Swelling
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Burning
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Tightness
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Pain
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Cool skin
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Fluid leaking around the site
If these signs were ignored, delayed, or undocumented, malpractice may have occurred.
3. Delayed Response to Complaints of Pain
A patient reporting burning or pain during infusion requires immediate assessment. Ignoring patient complaints is a major factor in IV injury lawsuits.
4. Use of Vesicants Without Proper Protocols
Hospitals should have strict procedures for administering vesicants, including:
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Using a fresh IV site
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Preferring a central line when appropriate
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Continuous monitoring
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Documenting assessments in real time
Failing to follow these guidelines may be negligence.
5. Failure to Stop the Infusion Once Infiltration Is Suspected
Once infiltration or extravasation is suspected, the infusion must be stopped immediately. Continuing to run the IV can make injuries far worse.
What Types of Injuries Support a Malpractice Claim?
Florida IV injury cases often involve:
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Severe swelling and blistering
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Skin burns or necrosis
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Nerve damage (including complex regional pain syndrome)
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Loss of mobility or function
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Surgical debridement
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Skin grafts
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Compartment syndrome requiring fasciotomy
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Permanent scarring or disability
If your injury led to long-term pain, surgery, or permanent impairment, you may have a claim.
What Evidence Helps Prove an IV Injury Case?
Strong documentation is key. Helpful evidence includes:
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Photos of the IV site (swelling, burns, blisters)
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Hospital and nursing notes
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Medication logs
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Infusion pump records
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Witness statements
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Expert review by a vascular access or nursing expert
Florida law requires expert testimony for medical malpractice cases, so early investigation is critical.
How Florida’s Malpractice Laws Impact IV Injury Claims
Florida has specific rules that affect your case:
Pre-Suit Investigation (Chapter 766)
Before filing a lawsuit, you must go through a detailed pre-suit process that includes:
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Obtaining medical records
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A presuit notice
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An expert affidavit
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A 90-day investigation period
An attorney experienced in Florida medical malpractice can guide you through these steps smoothly.
Statute of Limitations
Most Florida malpractice cases must be filed within:
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2 years from when the injury is discovered or should have been discovered
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No more than 4 years from the date of the malpractice (with narrow exceptions)
IV injury victims should not delay seeking legal advice.
Do I Have a Valid Case? Key Questions to Ask
You may have a strong IV infiltration or extravasation case if:
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The IV site was not properly monitored
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You complained of pain and were ignored
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A vesicant drug was administered through an old or risky IV site
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There was a delay in stopping the infusion
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You required surgery or suffered ongoing pain, nerve injury, or disability
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The hospital’s documentation fails to match what happened
Even “minor” infiltrations can be malpractice if they were preventable.
What Should You Do Next?
If you believe you suffered an IV injury at a Florida hospital:
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Take photos of the injury as soon as possible.
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Request your medical records from the hospital.
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Write down what happened, including what you reported and how staff responded.
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Speak with a Florida medical malpractice attorney who handles IV infiltration and extravasation cases.
These cases often involve hidden errors in documentation and require expert review.
Speak With a Florida Medical Malpractice Attorney About Your IV Injury
IV infiltration and extravasation injuries can be incredibly painful and life-altering. You do not have to guess whether you have a case. A lawyer experienced in Florida IV injury and hospital-negligence claims can evaluate the facts, secure the necessary experts, and explain your legal options.
If you or a loved one suffered harm from an IV at a Florida hospital, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, and permanent disability.
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.