An IV infiltration injury can start as mild swelling or discomfort—but in some Florida hospital cases, it escalates into severe tissue damage, nerve injury, compartment syndrome, or permanent scarring. The first 48 hours after an IV infiltration are critical, not only for medical treatment but also for protecting your legal rights.
If you or a loved one suffered an IV infiltration or extravasation injury in a Florida hospital, emergency room, or surgical center, here’s what you should do immediately.
1. Demand Immediate Evaluation—Do Not “Wait and See”
If you notice swelling, tightness, blistering, burning, discoloration, or severe pain around an IV site, notify medical staff immediately and insist on a documented evaluation.
Florida hospitals are required to monitor IV sites—especially in high-risk patients such as:
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Children
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Elderly patients
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Sedated or unconscious patients
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ICU or post-surgical patients
Delays in responding to IV infiltration are a common basis for Florida medical malpractice claims.
Red flag: If staff downplays your symptoms or removes the IV without further assessment, this may indicate negligent care.
2. Request Documentation and Incident Reports
Within the first 48 hours, ask for:
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Nursing notes related to the IV
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Medication or contrast agent administered
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Time the IV was placed and removed
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Any internal incident or risk-management report
You are entitled to this information under Florida law. Missing or altered records often become key evidence in IV infiltration lawsuits.
3. Take Photographs and Videos of the Injury
Visual evidence can be critical. Use your phone to document:
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Swelling progression
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Skin discoloration or blistering
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Leaking fluid
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Bandages or wound changes
Take photos multiple times per day, with timestamps if possible. IV injuries often worsen rapidly, and early images can prove that the damage was not “pre-existing” or unavoidable.
4. Ask for a Specialist Evaluation If Symptoms Worsen
If pain or swelling increases, request:
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A vascular consult
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A plastic or hand surgeon evaluation
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Compartment pressure testing (if applicable)
Failure to escalate care is a frequent allegation in Florida IV infiltration malpractice cases—particularly when vesicant medications or contrast dyes are involved.
5. Avoid Signing Anything Without Legal Review
Hospitals sometimes present forms after an adverse event. These may include:
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Incident acknowledgments
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Liability waivers
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Early settlement or “courtesy adjustment” paperwork
Do not sign anything without legal advice. Signing the wrong document could limit your ability to pursue a claim under Florida medical malpractice law.
6. Preserve All Discharge Instructions and Supplies
Keep:
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Discharge paperwork
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Prescribed medications
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Dressings, splints, or compression wraps
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Follow-up appointment records
These documents help establish the severity and duration of your injury—an important factor in damages.
7. Speak With a Florida Medical Malpractice Lawyer Early
Florida medical malpractice cases—including IV infiltration claims—are governed by strict pre-suit requirements and deadlines. Early legal involvement helps:
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Secure medical records before they are lost or altered
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Identify responsible parties (nurses, hospitals, staffing agencies)
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Preserve expert testimony
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Avoid statute-of-limitations issues
Waiting too long can significantly weaken your case—even if the injury is serious.
When an IV Infiltration May Be Medical Malpractice in Florida
Not every IV infiltration is malpractice—but it may be when there is:
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Failure to monitor the IV site
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Delay in stopping the infusion
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Improper IV placement
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Ignoring patient complaints
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Failure to escalate care
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Severe or permanent injury that could have been prevented
Florida law allows injured patients to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, scarring, disability, and future care needs when negligence is involved.
Protect Your Health—and Your Rights
The first 48 hours after an IV infiltration injury can determine both your medical outcome and your legal options. Prompt action, documentation, and advocacy matter.
If you believe your IV injury was mishandled in a Florida hospital, emergency room, or surgical center, speaking with a medical malpractice attorney experienced in IV infiltration cases can help you understand your rights and next steps.
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.
