Nerve Injuries from IV Infiltration and Extravasation in Florida: When Does Medical Malpractice Apply?
Intravenous (IV) therapy is a common and often essential part of medical care, used to administer fluids, medications, and nutrients directly into a patient’s bloodstream. However, when IVs are improperly inserted or monitored, infiltration or extravasation can occur—leading not just to tissue damage, but also permanent nerve injuries. In Florida, patients who suffer nerve damage due to such errors may have a valid medical malpractice claim against a hospital, nurse, or other healthcare provider.
What Are IV Infiltration and Extravasation?
IV infiltration occurs when IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue rather than entering the vein. Extravasation is a more severe form of infiltration, involving the leakage of vesicant or irritant drugs that can damage tissue and nerves.
Both conditions can result in:
-
Severe pain and swelling
-
Skin blistering or ulceration
-
Nerve compression or damage
-
Permanent loss of function or sensation
When these injuries occur due to medical negligence, the victim may be entitled to compensation under Florida’s medical malpractice laws.
How Nerve Injuries Happen During IV Therapy
Nerve damage from IV infiltration or extravasation may happen when:
-
The IV catheter is improperly placed near or through a nerve
-
The IV is not regularly monitored for signs of leakage
-
The patient’s complaints of pain or burning are ignored
-
Caustic or high-risk medications are administered without proper safeguards
-
Staff fail to promptly discontinue the IV when infiltration is suspected
Nerve injuries can result in chronic pain, numbness, tingling, or even paralysis in the affected limb. These complications often require long-term therapy or surgical intervention and may lead to permanent disability.
Establishing Medical Malpractice in Florida
To bring a successful medical malpractice claim in Florida, an injured patient must prove:
-
A provider-patient relationship existed.
-
A duty of care was owed by the medical provider.
-
A breach of that duty occurred (e.g., failure to properly insert or monitor an IV).
-
The breach caused injury—in this case, nerve damage.
-
The injury resulted in damages, such as pain, lost income, or medical expenses.
Expert medical testimony is typically required to establish the standard of care and show how it was violated.
Common Defendants in IV Injury Lawsuits
In Florida, defendants in nerve injury claims from IV infiltration or extravasation may include:
-
Hospitals or surgical centers
-
Nurses who inserted or monitored the IV
-
Physicians supervising the treatment
-
Home health agencies administering IV therapy
-
Pediatric or neonatal care units where IVs are especially high risk
Liability can also extend to corporate healthcare entities under theories of vicarious liability or negligent training and supervision.
Statute of Limitations in Florida Medical Malpractice Cases
Under Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(b), a medical malpractice claim generally must be filed within two years from the date the injury was discovered or should have been discovered, but no later than four years from the date of the incident. There are exceptions for minors and in cases involving fraud or concealment.
Damages Available for IV-Related Nerve Injuries
Victims of nerve injuries from IV infiltration or extravasation may be entitled to compensation for:
-
Past and future medical expenses
-
Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
-
Pain and suffering
-
Loss of enjoyment of life
-
Permanent disability or disfigurement
In wrongful death cases, family members may also be able to bring a claim under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act.
Take Action: Consult a Florida Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered a nerve injury due to IV infiltration or extravasation in Florida, you may be facing a lifetime of complications and expenses. Prompt legal consultation is critical to protect your rights and preserve evidence. A qualified Florida medical malpractice lawyer can help investigate the claim, consult with medical experts, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Need Legal Help?
Our firm helps patients across Florida recover compensation for injuries caused by medical negligence. Contact us today for a free consultation regarding your IV injury case.
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 [email protected] or by text at (305) 929-8935.
