IVs are supposed to help patients heal—not leave them with permanent scars, burns, or disfigurement. Yet every year, Florida patients suffer serious scarring after IV infiltration or extravasation injuries, sometimes requiring skin grafts, plastic surgery, or lifelong cosmetic treatment.
If you or a loved one has visible scarring after an IV injury, you may be wondering: Is this just an unfortunate medical outcome—or medical malpractice? And if malpractice occurred, can Florida law compensate you for disfigurement?
The answer is often yes.
What Is IV Infiltration and Extravasation?
An IV infiltration occurs when IV fluids leak out of the vein into surrounding tissue. Extravasation is a more severe form involving caustic or damaging medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, contrast dye, or vasopressors.
When not promptly recognized and treated, these injuries can cause:
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Chemical burns
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Tissue necrosis (cell death)
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Open wounds and infections
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Permanent scarring
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Disfigurement of the arms, hands, neck, or chest
How IV Infiltration Can Lead to Permanent Scarring
Scarring usually develops when:
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Medical staff fail to properly monitor the IV site
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Warning signs (pain, swelling, tightness, discoloration) are ignored
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The IV is left in place despite patient complaints
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Treatment is delayed after infiltration is discovered
Severe cases may result in:
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Surgical debridement
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Skin grafts
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Reconstructive or plastic surgery
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Loss of normal skin texture or pigmentation
These outcomes are not minor cosmetic issues—they can permanently alter a person’s appearance and quality of life.
Is Scarring After an IV Injury Considered Medical Malpractice in Florida?
Not every scar is malpractice. But under Florida law, an IV infiltration injury may be medical negligence when healthcare providers fail to meet the accepted standard of care.
Common examples include:
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Improper IV placement
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Failure to secure or check the IV line
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Ignoring patient complaints of pain or burning
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Delayed response after infiltration is detected
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Lack of proper protocols for high-risk medications
If scarring or disfigurement could have been prevented with reasonable care, a Florida medical malpractice claim may be appropriate.
Recoverable Damages for Scarring and Disfigurement in Florida
Florida law allows injured patients to pursue economic and non-economic damages for IV infiltration injuries.
Economic Damages
These compensate for financial losses, including:
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Medical bills
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Future reconstructive or cosmetic surgery
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Dermatologic treatment
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Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Non-Economic Damages
These are often the most significant in disfigurement cases and may include:
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Pain and suffering
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Mental anguish
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Emotional distress
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Loss of enjoyment of life
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Permanent scarring and disfigurement
Visible scars—especially on the arms, hands, neck, or face—can profoundly affect self-esteem, employment, and daily life. Florida courts recognize this harm.
Does Florida Place Limits on Scarring and Disfigurement Damages?
Florida’s medical malpractice damage laws are complex and depend on:
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The date of injury
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Whether the defendant is a private provider or government entity
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Whether the injury caused permanent harm
While some statutory caps have been ruled unconstitutional in certain contexts, scarring and disfigurement remain valid elements of non-economic damages in Florida malpractice cases.
A detailed legal analysis is often necessary to determine the full value of the claim.
Time Limits to File an IV Infiltration Malpractice Claim in Florida
Florida has strict deadlines for medical malpractice cases. In most situations:
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Claims must be filed within two years of discovering the injury
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An absolute four-year statute of repose may apply
Because scarring may worsen over time, it is critical not to delay seeking legal advice.
What Should You Do If You Have Scarring After an IV Injury?
If you are dealing with permanent scarring or disfigurement:
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Document the injury with photos over time
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Obtain complete medical records
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Follow through with recommended treatment
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Avoid assuming the injury was “just a risk”
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Speak with a Florida medical malpractice attorney
Early investigation often makes the difference between a denied claim and full compensation.
Conclusion
Scarring and disfigurement after an IV infiltration injury are not just cosmetic concerns—they can be life-altering injuries. When these injuries result from preventable medical errors, Florida law allows patients to pursue compensation for both physical and emotional harm.
If you or a loved one is living with permanent scars from an IV injury, you may have legal options worth exploring.
If you have questions about an IV infiltration injury, scarring, or disfigurement in Florida, consider speaking with an attorney experienced in Florida medical malpractice and IV injury claims to understand your rights and potential 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.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
