Intravenous (IV) therapy is a routine medical procedure in hospitals and healthcare facilities across Florida. While commonly used to deliver fluids, medications, and nutrients, IV therapy is not without risk. One of the most serious complications is IV infiltration—when fluid leaks from the vein into the surrounding tissue. When not identified and treated promptly, IV infiltration can cause devastating injuries, including nerve damage, necrosis, and even permanent disability. In the context of Florida medical malpractice law, a delay in diagnosing IV infiltration can be a key factor in establishing negligence and liability.
What Is IV Infiltration?
IV infiltration occurs when non-vesicant fluids inadvertently escape the vein and enter surrounding tissues. A related condition, extravasation, involves vesicant (tissue-damaging) solutions and poses an even greater risk of harm. These complications can lead to swelling, tissue damage, compartment syndrome, and long-term functional impairment if not addressed immediately.
The Importance of Prompt Diagnosis
Early detection is critical to minimizing harm. Nurses and other medical professionals are trained to monitor IV sites for signs of infiltration, including:
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Swelling or puffiness near the IV site
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Coolness or blanching of the skin
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Complaints of pain or burning
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Reduced IV flow rate or pump alarms
Failure to identify these warning signs in a timely manner can result in prolonged exposure to the leaking fluid, which exacerbates tissue damage and increases the risk of irreversible injury.
Legal Consequences of Delayed Diagnosis in Florida
Under Florida law, medical providers have a duty to provide care that meets the accepted standard of practice. When a nurse, physician, or hospital fails to recognize and act upon signs of IV infiltration, that delay may constitute a deviation from the standard of care—potentially giving rise to a medical malpractice claim.
To succeed in a Florida medical malpractice lawsuit, a plaintiff must generally prove:
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A provider-patient relationship existed;
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The provider breached the applicable standard of care;
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That breach caused injury; and
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Damages resulted from the injury.
A delayed diagnosis of IV infiltration can satisfy each of these elements if the delay led to preventable harm that would not have occurred with timely intervention.
Evidence in Delayed IV Infiltration Cases
In many cases, nursing records, electronic IV pump data, and testimony from medical experts play a pivotal role in demonstrating how long the infiltration went unnoticed and whether proper protocols were followed. Hospitals may be held vicariously liable for the negligence of their staff under Florida’s doctrine of respondeat superior.
Common Damages in These Cases
Patients who suffer from delayed IV infiltration diagnosis may experience:
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Permanent disfigurement
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Loss of function or mobility
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Chronic pain
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Additional surgeries or grafts
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Emotional distress
In Florida, recoverable damages in malpractice cases may include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in severe cases, future medical care or loss of earning capacity.
Conclusion
Prompt recognition and treatment of IV infiltration is not just a matter of best practice—it is often a legal requirement. Delays in diagnosis can transform a routine procedure into a life-altering injury and expose medical providers to liability. If you or a loved one suffered harm due to a delayed diagnosis of IV infiltration in Florida, consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney to explore your legal options.
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 [email protected] or by text at (305) 929-8935.
