Intravenous (IV) therapy is a common medical procedure used to deliver fluids, medications, and nutrients directly into a patient’s bloodstream. However, when IV infiltration occurs—where the IV fluid leaks into surrounding tissues instead of the vein—it can result in serious injuries. In Florida, preventable tissue damage caused by IV infiltration may give rise to a medical malpractice claim if it stems from healthcare negligence. This blog explores three significant types of tissue damage linked to IV infiltration: necrosis, compartment syndrome, and nerve injuries.
1. Necrosis (Tissue Death)
Necrosis is the death of body tissue and is one of the most severe consequences of IV infiltration. Certain medications—especially vesicants like chemotherapy agents, calcium solutions, or potassium chloride—can cause irreversible damage when they extravasate into surrounding tissue. Signs of necrosis include blackened or discolored skin, ulceration, and open wounds.
From a legal perspective, a malpractice claim may arise if medical staff:
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Failed to monitor the IV site properly,
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Did not recognize early signs of infiltration, or
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Did not intervene promptly to prevent further damage.
Tissue necrosis often requires surgical intervention, skin grafting, or even amputation, all of which can serve as evidence of serious harm in a Florida medical negligence case.
2. Compartment Syndrome
Compartment syndrome is a medical emergency that occurs when pressure builds up within a confined space in the body—typically a limb—reducing blood flow and leading to muscle and nerve damage. In the context of IV infiltration, this condition can result from excessive fluid accumulation in a muscle compartment.
Warning signs include:
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Severe pain out of proportion to the injury,
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Swelling and tightness in the affected limb,
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Numbness or paralysis.
Failure to recognize and promptly treat compartment syndrome can result in permanent disability. In Florida, liability may attach to nurses, doctors, or hospitals who delay in diagnosing the condition or in ordering emergent fasciotomy surgery to relieve pressure.
3. Nerve Injuries
Nerve damage is another devastating outcome of IV infiltration or extravasation. Nerve injury can occur either from direct chemical irritation, compression due to swelling, or improper IV placement near nerve pathways.
Symptoms may include:
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Tingling or burning sensations,
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Muscle weakness,
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Loss of function or sensation in the affected limb.
Permanent nerve injuries can greatly impair a patient’s quality of life and ability to work. Medical malpractice may be found where practitioners fail to follow standard protocols for IV insertion, monitoring, or response to patient complaints.
Proving Medical Malpractice in Florida IV Infiltration Cases
To succeed in a Florida medical malpractice claim, a plaintiff must prove:
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A duty of care existed between the healthcare provider and patient;
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A breach of that duty through failure to meet the standard of care;
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Causation linking the breach to the IV infiltration injury; and
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Damages, such as permanent disability, disfigurement, or need for future care.
Pre-suit requirements under Florida Statutes § 766.106 must also be followed, including obtaining a verified medical expert opinion before filing suit.
Conclusion
Tissue damage from IV infiltration—including necrosis, compartment syndrome, and nerve injuries—can have life-altering consequences. When these injuries are the result of medical negligence, Florida law allows injured patients to seek compensation. If you or a loved one suffered harm from IV infiltration in a hospital or clinic, consult with an experienced Florida medical malpractice attorney to explore your legal options.
Have you or someone you know been injured as a result of 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.
