IV infiltration and extravasation injuries are far more serious than most patients realize. What starts as a swollen IV site can quickly turn into severe tissue damage, nerve injury, compartment syndrome, permanent scarring, or even amputation. When these injuries happen because nurses or hospital staff failed to monitor an IV line properly, victims often wonder: How much is my IV infiltration or extravasation case worth in Florida?

The truth is that no two cases are identical, but certain factors strongly influence the value of these claims. Below is a detailed breakdown to help Florida patients and families understand how damages are evaluated.

What Compensation Is Available in an IV Infiltration or Extravasation Claim?

Under Florida medical malpractice law, victims of IV injuries may pursue compensation for:

1. Medical Expenses

This may include:

  • Emergency care

  • Surgical debridement

  • Fasciotomies (if compartment syndrome occurred)

  • Wound care

  • Skin grafts or reconstructive surgery

  • Neurology or orthopedic consultations

  • Physical and occupational therapy

Serious cases involving vesicants (like vancomycin, calcium solutions, contrast media, or chemotherapy drugs) tend to produce the highest medical cost damages.

2. Pain and Suffering

These damages often make up the largest portion of the case value. Pain may be intense, long-lasting, and life-altering—especially in cases involving:

  • Nerve damage

  • Chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS/RSD)

  • Permanent functional loss

Florida juries and insurers heavily consider the degree of permanent impairment.

3. Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

If your injury prevented you from working or caused long-term physical limitations, you may recover for:

  • Missed time from work

  • Reduced ability to return to the same job

  • Permanent disability

4. Scarring or Disfigurement

IV burns, tissue necrosis, and surgical scars often significantly increase the value of a claim—especially for visible injuries on the hands, arms, or face.

5. Future Medical Care

IV infiltration victims often require:

  • Additional wound care

  • Long-term nerve-pain management

  • Surgical follow-up

  • Treatment for mobility limitations

Future medical damages can substantially increase case value.

Injury Categories in IV Infiltration and Extravasation Cases

āœ” Mild Injuries

Swelling, discomfort, short-term pain; full recovery expected

āœ” Moderate Injuries

Tissue damage, blistering, lingering pain, temporary mobility limits, minor scarring

āœ” Severe Injuries

Permanent nerve damage, moderate scarring, ongoing pain, or functional impairment

āœ” Catastrophic or Life-Altering Injuries

Compartment syndrome requiring fasciotomy, skin grafts, amputation, severe disfigurement, or CRPS

What Factors Influence Case Value in Florida?

1. Type of IV Fluid or Drug Involved

Some substances are far more dangerous when they leave the vein:

  • Vesicants (vancomycin, potassium chloride, contrast dye, calcium, chemotherapy drugs)

  • Hyperosmolar fluids

  • Vasopressors

The more corrosive the fluid, the higher the likely case value.

2. Delay in Detection

Many IV injuries occur because nurses fail to:

  • Check the IV site every 15–30 minutes

  • Respond to patient complaints

  • Monitor swelling or blanching

  • Stop the infusion when alarms trigger

If staff ignored warning signs, liability may be strong.

3. Permanent Injury Severity

Long-term impairment increases value significantly:

  • Loss of hand function

  • Nerve damage

  • Disfigurement

  • Chronic pain syndromes

4. Age of the Patient

Infants, children, and elderly adults have higher risks and often suffer more severe consequences—leading to higher potential compensation.

5. Hospital Negligence vs. Individual Provider Negligence

If the hospital’s policies, staffing failures, or training gaps contributed to the injury, the case may have higher settlement potential.

Do IV Infiltration Cases Settle or Go to Trial?

Most IV infiltration and extravasation cases settle, especially when:

  • The injury is clearly documented

  • The fluid or drug was known to be hazardous

  • Nurses failed to properly monitor the site

  • There is significant scarring or permanent impairment

However, Florida’s medical malpractice pre-suit rules require thorough investigation, expert support, and compliance with F.S. 766 before filing suit.

What Should You Do If You Suspect an IV Infiltration Injury?

Take the following steps immediately:

  1. Photograph the injury daily

  2. Request copies of your medical records

  3. Document pain, swelling, and functional limitations

  4. Seek a second medical opinion if necessary

  5. Speak with a Florida medical malpractice attorney quickly

IV injuries worsen rapidly—early legal and medical action can make a significant difference in both health outcome and case value.

When to Call a Florida IV Infiltration Malpractice Attorney

If you or a loved one suffered an IV infiltration or extravasation injury in a Florida hospital, ER, nursing home, or surgical center, you may be entitled to significant compensation. An experienced attorney can help determine case value, gather evidence, consult expert witnesses, and pursue a claim under Florida’s medical malpractice laws.

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.

J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo
J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo
J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo, P.A.
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