An IV line is supposed to deliver medication safely into your bloodstream—not into surrounding tissue. Yet in hospitals and surgical centers across Florida, IV extravasation injuries continue to cause devastating burns, tissue death, and permanent scarring. In the most serious cases, patients require skin graft surgery and face long-term pain, disability, and disfigurement.
Not every IV complication is malpractice. But when preventable mistakes lead to severe burns or delayed treatment, Florida patients may have a valid medical malpractice claim.
What Is IV Extravasation?
IV extravasation occurs when medication leaks out of a vein and into surrounding tissue. Certain drugs—such as chemotherapy agents, calcium chloride, potassium, contrast dye, and vasopressors—are known as vesicants because they can destroy tissue on contact.
When extravasation is not promptly recognized and treated, it can cause:
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Chemical burns
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Blistering and open wounds
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Skin necrosis (tissue death)
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Permanent scarring
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Nerve and muscle damage
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Need for surgical debridement or skin grafts
When IV Extravasation Leads to Skin Grafts
In severe cases, leaked medication cuts off blood supply and kills the skin and underlying tissue. Once necrosis develops, treatment may include:
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Emergency wound care
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Surgical removal of dead tissue (debridement)
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Hospitalization
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Skin graft surgery
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Multiple follow-up procedures
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Permanent cosmetic and functional impairment
Skin grafts are often a sign that the injury was serious, progressive, and not promptly addressed—a key red flag in potential malpractice cases.
When IV Extravasation May Be Medical Malpractice in Florida
Florida law does not require perfection from healthcare providers—but it does require them to meet the accepted standard of care. An IV extravasation injury may rise to malpractice when it results from preventable errors, including:
1. Failure to Properly Monitor the IV Site
Nurses and staff must regularly inspect IV sites, especially when administering high-risk medications. Ignoring swelling, pain, or skin changes can allow catastrophic injury to develop.
2. Ignoring Patient Complaints of Pain or Burning
Patients often report early warning signs such as stinging, pressure, or burning. Dismissing these complaints or attributing them to “normal IV discomfort” can constitute negligence.
3. Improper IV Placement or Technique
Incorrect catheter size, poor vein selection, or insecure IV placement increases the risk of leakage—particularly in elderly patients or those with fragile veins.
4. Delayed Response After Extravasation Occurs
Once extravasation is suspected, the standard of care typically requires:
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Immediate stopping of the infusion
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Elevation of the limb
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Administration of antidotes when indicated
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Timely consultation with specialists
Delays can mean the difference between minor irritation and permanent injury.
5. Failure to Follow Hospital Policies or Protocols
Most Florida hospitals have written protocols for handling vesicant drugs and IV complications. Failing to follow those protocols can strongly support a malpractice claim.
Is Every IV Extravasation Case Malpractice?
No. Some IV complications can occur even with appropriate care. However, cases involving burns, necrosis, or skin graft surgery often warrant close legal review—especially when medical records show delays, ignored warnings, or inadequate monitoring.
Key factors include:
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How quickly staff responded
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Whether high-risk drugs were involved
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The extent of tissue damage
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Whether earlier intervention could have prevented surgery
Damages in Florida IV Extravasation Malpractice Cases
When malpractice is proven, injured Florida patients may be entitled to compensation for:
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Past and future medical bills
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Skin graft and reconstructive surgery costs
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Pain and suffering
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Permanent scarring or disfigurement
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Loss of function or mobility
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Emotional distress
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Loss of enjoyment of life
In severe cases, damages can be substantial—particularly when injuries are permanent.
What Florida Patients Should Do After an IV Extravasation Injury
If you or a loved one suffered IV extravasation burns:
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Photograph the injury regularly
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Request complete medical records immediately
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Document all symptoms and complaints
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Follow up with wound care or plastic surgery specialists
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Speak with a Florida medical malpractice attorney promptly
Strict deadlines apply under Florida law, and early investigation is critical.
Final Thoughts
IV extravasation injuries that result in burns and skin grafts are not just “bad outcomes.” They are often preventable medical errors. When healthcare providers fail to monitor IVs, ignore patient warnings, or delay treatment, Florida patients may have strong grounds for a malpractice claim.
If you are dealing with the aftermath of a severe IV injury, understanding your legal rights is an important step toward accountability and recovery.
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.
