What Is IV Infiltration?
Intravenous (IV) therapy is one of the most common medical procedures in hospitals and clinics across Florida. It involves inserting a needle or catheter into a vein to deliver fluids, medications, or nutrients. IV infiltration occurs when the fluid meant for the vein leaks into the surrounding tissue instead. This can happen when the needle or catheter punctures or slips out of the vein, allowing the solution to spread into nearby areas of the arm or hand.
While some cases are mild and resolve on their own, others can cause significant tissue injury — and, in severe cases, nerve damage that leads to chronic pain or loss of function.
How IV Infiltration Can Cause Nerve Damage
When IV fluid leaks into surrounding tissue, it creates swelling and pressure in the affected area. If the infiltration involves a vesicant or irritant solution — such as chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, or electrolytes — it can chemically burn or destroy nearby tissues, including nerves.
Nerve damage can occur in several ways:
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Compression injury: Swelling puts direct pressure on surrounding nerves.
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Chemical injury: Leaked medications damage nerve fibers and surrounding tissue.
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Ischemic injury: Reduced blood flow caused by swelling deprives nerves of oxygen.
Symptoms of nerve damage from IV infiltration may include:
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Burning or shooting pain at or near the IV site
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Numbness or tingling in the hand, wrist, or arm
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Muscle weakness or limited mobility
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Sensitivity to touch (allodynia)
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Persistent pain long after the IV is removed
If untreated, these symptoms can become permanent and severely impact a patient’s quality of life.
When IV Infiltration Becomes Medical Malpractice
Not all IV infiltrations are due to negligence. However, hospitals, nurses, and healthcare providers have a legal duty to monitor IV sites carefully and respond promptly to signs of infiltration. Malpractice may occur when:
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The IV site is not properly checked or documented
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Staff ignore early signs of swelling, pain, or discoloration
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A vesicant medication is administered without proper precautions
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The infiltration is allowed to progress, leading to tissue necrosis or nerve injury
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The hospital fails to train or supervise nursing staff appropriately
When medical professionals fail to follow accepted standards of care, resulting injuries — including nerve damage — may give rise to a Florida medical malpractice claim.
Your Legal Rights After IV-Related Nerve Damage
If you suffered nerve damage from IV infiltration, you may be entitled to compensation for:
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Medical expenses (past and future)
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Pain and suffering
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Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
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Rehabilitation or physical therapy
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Permanent disability or disfigurement
Under Florida Statute §766, victims of medical negligence must follow specific pre-suit procedures, including providing notice to the healthcare provider and obtaining an expert medical opinion. An experienced Florida medical malpractice attorney can guide you through this process and help you gather evidence to prove negligence.
Why You Should Speak With a Florida IV Injury Attorney
IV infiltration cases involving nerve damage require detailed medical review and expert testimony to establish the standard of care and causation. A skilled attorney can:
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Obtain medical records and nursing logs
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Consult vascular and neurological experts
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Determine whether infiltration resulted from negligence or improper monitoring
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Calculate the full value of your claim
Take Action to Protect Your Health and Rights
If you or a loved one has suffered nerve damage after an IV infiltration in a Florida hospital or clinic, you don’t have to face it alone. Legal help can make a critical difference in recovering fair compensation and holding negligent healthcare providers accountable.
Contact a Florida medical malpractice attorney today to discuss your case and learn your options for recovery.
Have you or someone you know been injured as a result of an IV infiltration or extravasation injury? 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.
