When an IV is placed in a hospital or clinic, it’s normal to expect some mild soreness or a small bruise. But sometimes what looks like a simple bruise is actually IV infiltration—a more serious injury that occurs when IV fluid leaks into surrounding tissues. In Florida, IV infiltration and extravasation injuries are a common source of medical malpractice claims, especially when nurses fail to properly monitor the IV site.

Knowing the difference between a harmless bruise and a dangerous infiltration can protect your health—and your legal rights.

What Is IV Infiltration?

IV infiltration happens when a non-vesicant IV fluid or medication accidentally escapes the vein and enters the surrounding tissue.
Extravasation is even more dangerous and occurs when a vesicant (a drug capable of causing tissue necrosis or blistering) leaks outside the vein.

Common causes include:

• Improper IV insertion

• Poorly secured IV lines

• Failure to regularly check the IV site

• Excessive pressure from IV pumps

• Patient movement without staff monitoring

• Fragile veins in pediatric or elderly patients

In Florida hospitals, the standard of care requires nurses to check IV sites frequently and respond immediately to signs of complication.

“Just a Bruise” vs. IV Infiltration: Key Differences

Many patients are told a swollen or painful IV site is “normal.” But certain symptoms should raise concern.

A normal bruise may include:

• Mild discoloration (blue, purple, or yellowish)

• Slight tenderness

• Minimal swelling

• Symptoms that improve within a few days

Signs of IV infiltration—NOT just a bruise—include:

• Rapid swelling around the IV site

• Skin that feels cool or hard to the touch

• Burning, stinging, or worsening pain

• Fluid leaking around the catheter site

• Blanching or whiteness of the skin

• Tight, shiny, or stretched skin

Signs of extravasation (more serious):

• Blistering

• Severe or radiating pain

• Darkening or blackened skin

• Loss of feeling or movement

• Tissue breakdown or ulceration

If you see any of these symptoms, you are not dealing with “just a bruise.”

IV Infiltration Can Cause Serious Injuries

IV infiltration and extravasation can lead to permanent damage if not caught quickly.

Potential complications include:

• Nerve damage

• Compartment syndrome

• Skin necrosis

• Infection

• Loss of mobility or function

• Permanent scarring

• Need for surgery, including skin grafts

In severe cases, patients experience long-term disability and chronic pain.

When Is IV Infiltration Medical Malpractice in Florida?

Not every infiltration is malpractice, but many occur because medical staff fail to follow proper procedures.

You may have a malpractice claim if hospital staff:

• Didn’t properly secure the IV

• Failed to check the IV site regularly

• Ignored patient complaints of burning or pain

• Kept the IV running despite obvious warning signs

• Used a vesicant drug without proper monitoring

• Allowed infiltration to progress to nerve or tissue damage

Florida law requires proving that the nurse or hospital breached the standard of care, and that breach directly caused your injury.

What to Do If You Suspect IV Infiltration

If you believe an injury is more than a bruise:

1. Document the injury

• Take clear photos daily

• Note changes in swelling, color, or pain

2. Request your medical records

These records often reveal whether staff properly monitored the IV.

3. Seek medical evaluation

A specialist can assess nerve or tissue damage.

4. Consult a Florida medical malpractice attorney

An attorney can evaluate whether the hospital or staff were negligent and explain your potential damages, including medical bills, pain and suffering, scarring, and lost income.

When to Contact a Lawyer

If your IV injury caused:

• Persistent pain

• Numbness or nerve symptoms

• Visible deformity

• Scarring

• Need for surgery

• Functional limitations

…it is worth speaking with a Florida medical malpractice attorney.

IV infiltration cases often involve strong liability because these injuries are highly preventable with proper monitoring.

Speak With a Florida IV Infiltration Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one suffered an IV infiltration or extravasation injury in a Florida hospital, you may be entitled to compensation. Our firm helps patients understand their rights and hold negligent hospitals accountable.

Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case and 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.