Intravenous (IV) therapy is a common and often essential part of pediatric care. Unfortunately, when IV infiltration occurs, it can cause serious and sometimes permanent injuries, especially in children whose smaller, more delicate veins make them particularly vulnerable. In Florida, when a child suffers harm from IV infiltration in a hospital setting, parents may have the right to pursue a medical malpractice claim against the responsible healthcare providers and facilities.
What Is IV Infiltration?
IV infiltration happens when IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue instead of flowing into the vein. This can occur when the catheter punctures through the vein wall or becomes dislodged. In pediatric patients, early detection is critical because infiltration can lead to:
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Severe swelling and pain
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Nerve damage
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Skin necrosis
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Compartment syndrome (a surgical emergency)
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Long-term scarring and loss of function
Why Are Children at Higher Risk?
Children’s veins are smaller and more fragile. Pediatric patients, especially infants and toddlers, often cannot verbalize discomfort. This makes continuous monitoring essential. Nurses and hospital staff must frequently assess IV sites for early warning signs, including:
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Coolness or pallor around the IV site
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Swelling or tightness
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Slowed or stopped IV flow
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Complaints of pain (when age-appropriate)
Failure to conduct proper monitoring is a common cause of preventable injury.
When IV Infiltration May Be Medical Malpractice
While some infiltration incidents may occur despite reasonable care, many result from negligence such as:
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Improper IV placement
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Using inappropriate catheter size for a child
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Failure to secure the IV properly
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Infrequent monitoring of the IV site
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Delayed response to signs of infiltration
In Florida, a hospital’s failure to meet the accepted standard of care—which requires vigilance in pediatric IV therapy—can form the basis of a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Pursuing a Medical Malpractice Claim in Florida
If your child has suffered harm from IV infiltration at a Florida children’s hospital, you should know:
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Florida law imposes strict pre-suit requirements in medical malpractice cases, including a medical expert affidavit.
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There is typically a two-year statute of limitations, but certain exceptions may apply for minors.
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Damages can include compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, permanent impairment, and future care needs.
Prompt investigation is crucial to preserving evidence and protecting your rights.
How an Experienced Florida Medical Malpractice Attorney Can Help
IV infiltration injuries can have devastating impacts on a child’s health and development. An experienced medical malpractice lawyer can:
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Obtain and review medical records to identify deviations from the standard of care.
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Work with qualified pediatric and nursing experts.
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Handle the pre-suit process and all filing deadlines.
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Advocate for full and fair compensation.
If you believe your child was injured due to negligent IV infiltration care, contact a qualified Florida medical malpractice attorney to discuss 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.
