Intravenous (IV) lines are one of the most common medical procedures in hospitals, emergency rooms, and outpatient clinics. While IV therapy is generally safe, complications can occur. Two of the most serious are IV infiltration and IV extravasation, which can sometimes lead to dangerous infections.

For Florida patients and families, a common question is:
If an infection develops after an IV complication, was it malpractice or just an unavoidable risk?

The answer depends on the circumstances, the medical response, and whether proper standards of care were followed.

What Are IV Infiltration and Extravasation?

IV infiltration occurs when non-vesicant fluids leak from the vein into surrounding tissue.
IV extravasation happens when vesicant (tissue-damaging) medications leak outside the vein.

Both conditions can cause:

  • Swelling

  • Pain or burning

  • Skin discoloration

  • Blistering

  • Tissue damage

When not properly treated, these injuries can become infected, leading to far more serious complications.

How Infections Develop After an IV Injury

An IV infiltration or extravasation creates damaged, inflamed tissue. This environment is more vulnerable to bacteria. Infection may occur when:

  • The IV site is not properly cleaned or monitored

  • The catheter remains in place after infiltration is suspected

  • Tissue necrosis develops

  • Blisters or open wounds form

  • Treatment is delayed or inadequate

Common infections include:

  • Cellulitis

  • Abscess formation

  • Necrotizing soft tissue infections

  • Sepsis in severe cases

Warning Signs of Infection After an IV Complication

Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they notice:

  • Increasing redness or warmth at the IV site

  • Swelling that worsens instead of improving

  • Pus or drainage

  • Fever or chills

  • Severe or spreading pain

  • Blackened or dead tissue

    Early treatment can prevent long-term damage or life-threatening complications.

    When Is an Infection Considered Medical Malpractice?

    Not every infection means a healthcare provider did something wrong. In Florida, a malpractice claim generally requires proof that:

    1. A healthcare provider owed a duty of care to the patient.

    2. The provider breached the accepted standard of care.

    3. The breach caused the infection or worsened the injury.

    4. The patient suffered damages as a result.

    Examples of Potential Malpractice

    An infection after IV infiltration or extravasation may be malpractice if:

    • Staff ignored obvious signs of infiltration.

    • The IV was not checked regularly.

    • The catheter was left in place after swelling or pain was reported.

    • Vesicant drugs were administered improperly.

    • There was a failure to document or respond to patient complaints.

    • Infection symptoms were ignored or treated too late.

    • Sterile technique was not followed.

    When It May Be an Unavoidable Complication

    In some cases, infection may occur even when providers:

    • Properly inserted and monitored the IV

    • Responded promptly to early signs of infiltration

    • Followed all accepted medical protocols

    • Provided appropriate treatment immediately

    In these situations, the infection may be considered a known risk rather than negligence.

    Common Long-Term Effects of IV-Related Infections

    Serious infections after IV complications can lead to:

    • Permanent scarring

    • Skin grafts

    • Nerve damage

    • Chronic pain syndromes

    • Loss of function in the affected limb

    • Amputation in extreme cases

    These injuries may have lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences.

    What to Do If You Suspect Malpractice After an IV Infection

    If you or a loved one develops an infection after an IV complication:

    1. Seek immediate medical care to treat the infection.

    2. Take photos of the injury as it progresses.

    3. Request copies of your medical records.

    4. Write down symptoms and conversations with medical staff.

    5. Consult a Florida medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible.

    Florida law imposes strict time limits and pre-suit requirements for malpractice claims, so early legal advice is critical.

    How a Florida Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help

    An experienced attorney can:

    • Obtain and review medical records

    • Consult qualified medical experts

    • Determine whether the standard of care was violated

    • Handle Florida’s pre-suit investigation process

    • Pursue compensation for medical bills, pain, scarring, and other damages

    The Bottom Line

    An infection after IV infiltration or extravasation is not always unavoidable. In many cases, it results from delayed recognition, improper monitoring, or inadequate treatment.

    If proper medical protocols were not followed, the infection may be the basis for a Florida medical malpractice claim.

    Have questions about an IV injury or infection in Florida?
    Speaking with a qualified medical malpractice attorney can help you understand your rights and whether you may have a claim.

    Have you or someone you know been injured as a result of medical malpractice? 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.

    This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo
J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo
J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo, P.A.
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