Intravenous (IV) infiltration and extravasation injuries are preventable but serious complications that can occur during routine medical care in Florida hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. When IV fluids or medications leak into surrounding tissue due to negligent insertion, monitoring, or response, patients can suffer lasting damage—including necrosis, nerve injury, compartment syndrome, and permanent disability.
If you or a loved one suffered an IV injury caused by suspected medical negligence, proper documentation is critical to preserving your right to pursue a medical malpractice claim in Florida. Below, we explain what IV injuries are, why documentation matters, and how to effectively preserve evidence for your case.
What Are IV Infiltration and Extravasation Injuries?
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IV Infiltration occurs when a non-vesicant solution (like saline) leaks into the surrounding tissue.
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IV Extravasation involves leakage of a vesicant solution—such as chemotherapy or contrast media—which can cause tissue necrosis and serious damage.
Both can result from improper IV insertion, failure to monitor the site, or delayed response to early warning signs like swelling, discoloration, or pain.
Why Proper Documentation Is Crucial
In Florida, medical malpractice cases must comply with Chapter 766, Florida Statutes, and require proof that the healthcare provider deviated from the prevailing professional standard of care. To meet this standard, the patient (or their attorney) must present detailed medical and factual evidence—starting with clear documentation of the injury and its progression.
How to Document IV Injuries for a Florida Malpractice Case
1. Photograph the Injury Immediately and Regularly
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Take high-resolution photos as soon as swelling, bruising, blistering, or skin breakdown occurs.
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Photograph from multiple angles and continue documenting changes over time—daily if possible.
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Include date stamps or preserve metadata to verify when the images were taken.
2. Request and Review Medical Records
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Obtain complete hospital records, including:
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Nursing notes
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IV site assessments
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Physician progress notes
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Medication administration records
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Incident reports (if any)
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Ensure the records include IV start and stop times, monitoring intervals, and responses to any complaints.
3. Document Your Symptoms and Medical Course
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Maintain a journal or log detailing:
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When symptoms started
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What staff was notified
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What actions were taken (or not taken)
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Pain levels, emotional distress, and functional impact
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Keep copies of all post-injury treatment records, such as wound care, plastic surgery consultations, or physical therapy.
4. Obtain a Second Medical Opinion
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A qualified physician—ideally a specialist in wound care, vascular access, or plastic surgery—can assess the extent of the injury and provide an expert opinion on causation and future care needs.
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Expert opinions are vital to support causation and damages under Florida’s medical malpractice pre-suit requirements.
5. Preserve IV Equipment (If Possible)
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If the IV catheter or infusion equipment is available, preserve it in a safe and sterile condition for later forensic analysis.
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In rare cases, faulty equipment may contribute to liability.
Florida’s Pre-Suit Requirements for Medical Malpractice Claims
Before filing a lawsuit, Florida law requires a formal pre-suit investigation, including:
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A verified written medical expert opinion supporting the claim;
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A Notice of Intent to Initiate Litigation served on the healthcare provider;
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A 90-day presuit investigation period during which the defendant may respond or settle.
Thorough documentation of the IV injury strengthens this presuit investigation and improves the likelihood of reaching a resolution or moving forward with a strong case.
Consult a Florida Medical Malpractice Attorney Early
If you believe your IV injury was caused by negligence, consult a Florida medical malpractice attorney promptly. An experienced lawyer can:
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Help you collect and preserve key evidence;
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Retain medical experts to review your case;
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Navigate Florida’s complex pre-suit and litigation procedures;
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Fight for compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, future care, and permanent injury.
Conclusion
Properly documenting IV infiltration or extravasation injuries is essential to holding negligent healthcare providers accountable in Florida. With detailed evidence and legal guidance, you can build a compelling medical malpractice claim and seek justice for the harm you’ve suffered.
If you or a loved one experienced an IV injury due to suspected medical negligence in Florida, contact our office today for a free consultation. Let us help you document your injuries and protect your rights.
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.
