IV therapy is one of the most common procedures performed in Florida hospitals and clinics. But when an IV goes wrong—causing pain, swelling, discoloration, nerve damage, or even long-term disability—patients often wonder: Was this a normal complication, or was it medical malpractice?
Under Florida law, the answer depends on whether the injury resulted from an accepted medical risk or from a breach of the standard of care by a nurse, doctor, or hospital.
This guide explains how Florida medical malpractice law treats IV injuries, the difference between expected risks and negligence, and what patients can do when something feeling “minor” turns into a major injury.
Common IV Injuries That Florida Patients Experience
IV injuries range from mild to severe. Some are preventable, and some happen even with proper care.
Known IV Risks Include:
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Minor bruising at the insertion site
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Temporary swelling
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Mild discomfort on insertion
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Small, self-resolving hematomas
These complications are typically harmless and short-lived.
Potentially Serious Injuries Include:
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IV infiltration (fluid leaking into surrounding tissue)
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Extravasation (leak of a caustic or vesicant medication)
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Compartment syndrome
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Nerve damage
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Tendon or muscle injury
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Skin ulceration or necrosis
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Permanent scarring or functional loss
These are the types of injuries that may raise red flags under Florida malpractice law.
When Is an IV Injury Considered a “Known Risk”?
Florida law recognizes that not every medical outcome—good or bad—is the result of negligence. IV placement involves needles, veins, and fragile tissues. Even when performed properly, complications can occur without anyone doing anything wrong.
An IV injury may fall under “known risk” when:
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The IV was placed correctly using accepted medical technique
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The site was monitored appropriately
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The staff reacted promptly to any complications
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The resulting injury was mild and temporary
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The patient was informed about the risks beforehand
However, most severe IV injuries are not considered normal or unavoidable—especially when preventable steps were missed.
When Does an IV Injury Become Medical Malpractice in Florida?
Under Florida Statute § 766, medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care—essentially, what reasonably careful medical professionals would have done under the same circumstances.
An IV injury may be malpractice when:
1. The IV Was Improperly Inserted
Examples include:
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Missing the vein repeatedly
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Choosing an inappropriate vein
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Inserting the catheter too deeply or shallowly
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Puncturing the vein wall
Poor technique is one of the leading causes of infiltration and extravasation injuries.
2. Staff Failed to Monitor the IV Site
Florida hospitals and nursing standards require:
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Regular visual checks
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Palpation of the IV site
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Asking the patient about pain or discomfort
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Immediate removal of the IV if infiltration is suspected
If your IV was left unchecked for long periods—or staff ignored your complaints—this can be clear evidence of negligence.
3. Alarms, Pump Settings, or Safety Protocols Were Ignored
IV pumps often warn of pressure problems or blockages. If staff silenced alerts or failed to respond, the hospital may be liable.
4. Caustic or Vesicant Drugs Were Improperly Administered
Medications such as:
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Chemotherapy drugs
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Certain antibiotics
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Potassium chloride
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Calcium chloride
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Contrast agents
These must be administered with extreme care. Extravasation of these drugs can cause catastrophic tissue injury—and is almost always preventable.
5. The Injury Was Severe, Long-Lasting, or Permanent
Major outcomes are rarely “just a risk” of routine IV insertion.
If your injury resulted in:
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Nerve damage
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Compartment syndrome
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Surgery
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Loss of mobility
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Disfigurement
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Chronic pain
—Florida courts often view this as evidence that something went wrong beyond normal risk.
Key Questions to Ask Yourself
To determine whether your injury may be malpractice, ask:
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Did the staff respond when you said something hurt or felt wrong?
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Did the nurse regularly check the IV site?
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Did swelling, discoloration, or extreme pain develop while the IV was running?
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Did the IV involve a high-risk medication?
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Was the injury severe or permanent?
If the answer to several of these is “yes,” you may have a malpractice claim.
How Florida Patients Can Protect Their Rights
If you suspect your IV injury was due to negligence:
1. Request Your Medical Records Immediately
Under Florida law, hospitals must provide them within a reasonable timeframe.
2. Take Photos of the Injury
Document bruising, swelling, burns, discoloration, or scarring daily if possible.
3. Seek a Second Medical Evaluation
A specialist can help determine the cause and severity of the injury.
4. Speak With a Florida Medical Malpractice Attorney
IV injury cases often require expert testimony under Florida’s medical malpractice statutes. A lawyer can review your records, consult experts, and determine whether your case meets Florida’s legal standards.
Final Thoughts: IV Injuries Are Common—But Serious Harm Usually Isn’t
Minor IV problems may be expected, but severe injuries, nerve damage, or tissue destruction are almost never “just a risk.” Florida law protects patients when medical providers fail to follow proper standards of care.
If your IV injury caused significant pain, disability, or lasting damage, you may have a valid claim under Florida medical malpractice law.
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.
