IV infiltration and IV extravasation injuries can cause severe pain, tissue damage, nerve injury, compartment syndrome, and even permanent disability. While hospitals often describe these injuries as “known risks,” many IV injuries in Florida are actually the result of medical negligence.
If you or a loved one suffered an IV infiltration injury in a Florida hospital, an important question is who can be held legally responsible. In many cases, more than one party may be liable.
Below is a clear breakdown of potential defendants under Florida medical malpractice law.
What Is an IV Infiltration Injury?
IV infiltration occurs when intravenous fluids leak into surrounding tissue instead of flowing into the vein. IV extravasation is a more severe form involving caustic medications or contrast dye, which can cause tissue necrosis and long-term injury.
Common red flags include:
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Swelling, tightness, or blistering near the IV site
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Severe pain or burning
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Skin discoloration
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Delayed treatment after complaints
When healthcare providers fail to properly monitor, respond, or intervene, liability may arise.
Potentially Liable Parties in a Florida IV Injury Case
1. Nurses and IV-Placing Staff
Nurses are most often responsible for:
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Inserting IV lines
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Monitoring IV sites
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Responding to patient complaints
A nurse may be liable for:
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Improper IV placement
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Ignoring patient complaints of pain or swelling
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Failing to check IV sites per hospital protocol
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Delaying removal of a compromised IV
In Florida, nurse negligence is frequently central to IV infiltration lawsuits.
2. The Hospital or Medical Facility
Hospitals are often directly liable for IV injuries under several legal theories, including:
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Vicarious liability for negligent employees
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Negligent training or supervision
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Unsafe staffing levels
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Failure to enforce IV monitoring protocols
Florida hospitals cannot avoid liability simply by claiming an injury was a “known complication.”
3. Physicians and Supervising Providers
Doctors may be liable when they:
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Fail to respond to worsening IV complications
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Ignore signs of extravasation
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Delay specialist consultations (e.g., vascular or plastic surgery)
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Continue IV medication despite obvious infiltration
Physician liability often arises when early intervention could have prevented permanent damage.
4. Traveling Nurses and Staffing Agencies
Many Florida hospitals rely on travel nurses or agency staff. In these cases:
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The hospital may still be liable
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The staffing agency may also share responsibility
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Contractual relationships must be examined closely
These cases often involve complex employment and agency agreements.
5. Radiology Departments and Contrast Dye Providers
IV extravasation frequently occurs during:
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CT scans
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MRI contrast injections
Liability may involve:
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Radiology technicians
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Supervising radiologists
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Imaging centers within hospitals
Failure to monitor high-pressure contrast injections is a common basis for claims.
6. Urgent Care or Emergency Room Providers
IV infiltration injuries commonly occur in:
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Emergency rooms
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Urgent care centers
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Short-stay observation units
Fast-paced environments do not excuse negligent IV monitoring under Florida law.
Can More Than One Party Be Held Liable?
Yes. Florida law allows multiple defendants to share responsibility. A thorough investigation may uncover:
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Nursing negligence
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Hospital policy failures
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Physician inaction
Proper case evaluation often requires medical experts and detailed chart review.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Victims of IV infiltration injuries in Florida may recover damages for:
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Medical expenses
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Future treatment and surgeries
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Pain and suffering
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Permanent impairment or disfigurement
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Loss of quality of life
Severe cases involving compartment syndrome or tissue necrosis often result in substantial claims.
Why IV Infiltration Cases Are Often Wrongly Dismissed
Hospitals frequently argue that IV infiltration is unavoidable. However, Florida medical malpractice law focuses on preventability, not outcome alone.
Delayed response, ignored warnings, and lack of monitoring frequently transform a “risk” into actionable negligence.
Speak With a Florida Medical Malpractice Attorney
IV infiltration injuries are often minimized or mischaracterized by hospitals. If you believe your injury could have been prevented, a Florida medical malpractice attorney can evaluate:
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Medical records
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Hospital protocols
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Staffing practices
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Expert testimony
Early legal review is critical due to Florida’s strict medical malpractice deadlines.
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.
