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IV Errors and Medical Malpractice in Adults

A fundamental aspect of hospital care involves administering fluids or medications via intravenous (IV) therapy, a ubiquitous practice designed to efficiently deliver essential treatments and promote patient recovery. Throughout hospitalization, a vast majority of patients will undergo IV therapy at some point, underscoring its indispensable role in modern healthcare. Recognized for its unparalleled ability to swiftly deliver therapeutic agents directly into the bloodstream, an IV serves as a lifeline for patients requiring immediate medical intervention or hydration support.

Despite its utility, the mismanagement or negligence surrounding IV lines can precipitate grave consequences, including severe injury or, tragically, wrongful death. If your loved one has been admitted to the hospital and subsequently endured a serious IV infiltration injury due to lapses in care, it is paramount to familiarize yourself with your legal rights and recourse options. Seeking prompt legal counsel can provide invaluable guidance and support as you navigate the complexities of medical negligence claims, ensuring that justice is served and rightful compensation is pursued for the harm inflicted.

Burnside Law Firm LLP offers legal advice concerning IV infiltration injury and IV therapy injury cases. Call (706) 432-8320 or contact us by e-mail for an initial investigation of your case.

Burnside Law Firm: IV-Related Injuries Attorneys

Our legal team at Burnside Law Firm LLP represents clients involved in complex medical malpractice litigation, including IV-related injuries. We are equipped to handle cases involving:

Injuries to adult patients can range in severity from skin irritation and burning to permanent disfigurement, amputation and wrongful death. Our attorneys work with experienced medical experts who will help investigate the facts of your case, determine the cause of injury, and aggressively pursue claims against all responsible parties. We work to maximize your compensation for any medical injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other personal losses.

IV Infiltration Injuries and IV Burns

IV Infiltration typically occurs because an IV catheter either backs out of the vein it is situated in or causes damage to the vein wall, allowing the infusing fluids or medications to soak into the tissues around the IV site instead of the bloodstream. The severity of the resulting injury usually depends on the type and amount of fluid allowed to enter the tissues before the infiltration is detected. The longer it remains undiscovered, the more severe the resulting harm. For this reason, diligent and timely assessment of IV sites is an essential ingredient to safe IV therapy. Intravenous mistakes and injuries from IV infiltration can include:

  • Pain, burning and swelling
  • Tissue damage
  • Burns and blisters
  • Nerve injuries
  • Compartment syndrome
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Skin grafts
  • Amputation
  • Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD)
  • Increased costs
  • Additional treatment or time spent in hospital
  • Long term disability
  • Wrongful death

IV Extravasation

Certain medications categorized as vesicants possess a higher propensity to inflict damage on surrounding tissues compared to others within the pharmaceutical spectrum. When administered intravenously, these potent substances carry an elevated risk of causing substantial harm if they infiltrate the tissue surrounding the IV insertion site, a phenomenon commonly referred to as IV extravasation. The consequences of such an occurrence can be nothing short of catastrophic, potentially resulting in extensive tissue necrosis, debilitating pain and long-term functional impairment for the affected individual.

Given the severity of these potential outcomes, vigilant monitoring and prompt intervention are paramount when administering vesicant medications via IV infusion. Rigorous assessment of IV sites at regular intervals assumes critical importance in detecting and addressing any signs of infiltration promptly, thereby mitigating the risk of serious injury. If you find yourself grappling with the aftermath of an IV extravasation injury precipitated by negligence on the part of nursing staff or hospital personnel, it is imperative to seek legal counsel without delay. Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney can provide invaluable insight into your rights and avenues for seeking just compensation for the physical and emotional toll endured as a result of medical malpractice.

IV Infiltration and Extravasation Treatment

The first step in treating IV infiltration and extravasation injuries is to stop the IV immediately once the injury is discovered. Thereafter, infiltration injuries are often treated like other burns and require debridement of necrotic tissue and skin grafting. Treatment can be prolonged, expensive and very painful. If the swelling caused by infiltrating fluids becomes so severe it compromises blood flow in the affected area (known as compartment syndrome), an incision long enough to release the pressure and restore blood flow may be required (fasciotomy surgery). While this may save the arm or other body parts involved, it will also leave a large scar and prolong the healing process.

If you suspect medical negligence, do not hesitate to contact our Athens or Augusta, Georgia, lawyer at Burnside Law Firm LLP. We offer experienced, strategic advocacy in cases involving IV Infiltration injury. Call (706) 432-8320 or contact us by e-mail for an initial consultation.

Contact Us

Augusta

2919 Professional Pkwy

Augusta, GA, 30907

Phone: (706) 432-8320

Athens

325 North Milledge Avenue

Athens, GA, 30601

Phone: (706) 227-4264

We have recovered tens of millions in settlements and verdicts

The attorneys at Burnside Law Firm LLP have over 30 years of collective experience handling personal injury claims. Over that time, we have helped hundreds of injured people recover the compensation they deserve and need in order to begin putting their lives back together. This list is just a sample of the recoveries we have obtained for some of our clients here and during our time at our former firm, Burnside Wall LLP. Obviously, success in obtaining significant judgments and settlements for other clients is no guarantee of success in your case. Each case must be evaluated and handled based on the individual merits of that particular case. To discuss the facts of your case and learn more about your legal rights, contact one of the personal injury attorneys at Burnside Law Firm LLP for a free initial consultation.

Commercial Vehicle/Death

$6,000,000

Auto Accident/Death

$5,000,000

Workplace Accident/Leg Injury

$1,800,000

Medical Malpractice/Surgery Complication

$1,000,000

Medical Malpractice/IV Procedure Error

$1,000,000

Premises/Fall

$700,000

No fee unless we win

Meet The Team

Thomas R. Burnside III Personal Injury Attorney

Thomas R Burnside III

Thomas R. Burnside III is a personal injury lawyer who focuses his law practice on the representation of individuals who have suffered injury as a result of automobile collisions, trucking accidents, medical malpractice, work related accidents or other causes. With over 20 years of experience in personal injury law at both the trial and appellate court levels, Attorney Burnside has represented people with brain and head trauma...

Meet Thomas Burnside
Garon Muller Personal Injury Attorney

Garon Muller

Garon Muller is a trial lawyer who focuses his law practice on the representation of individuals who have been seriously injured or damaged through the negligence or recklessness of others, including automobile collisions, workplace injuries, premises injuries, or defective products. Before beginning his practice in the representation of injured individuals, Mr. Muller served the community as an Assistant District Attorney...

Meet Garon Muller
Robert MacGregor

Robert MacGregor

Robert MacGregor is an experienced trial attorney licensed to practice law in Georgia and South Carolina. At the Burnside Law Firm, Robert devotes his practice to protecting the rights of individuals who have been injured because of someone else’s carelessness, negligence, or recklessness and represents those who have been injured in automobile collisions or tractor-trailer accidents; because of a slip and fall; and in other general negligence actions.

Meet Robert MacGregor

Ashton Revollo

Ashton is a trial lawyer in Augusta, GA who focuses his law practice on the representation of individuals who have suffered serious injuries or damages due to the negligent or reckless conduct of others, including automobile wrecks, job-related accidents, unsafe premises, or defective
products. Before beginning his practice, Ashton obtained his J.D., at Emory University School of Law, where he gained valuable courtroom experience as an intern assisting the District Attorney for DeKalb
County. After his time at Emory, Ashton received experience as a trial attorney at a respected personal injury firm in Atlanta before moving to Augusta. Over the course of his career, Ashton has assisted deserving clients in recovering millions of dollars in injury cases throughout Georgia.

Meet Ashton Revollo

Our Client Testimonials

Our Client Reviews

Burnside Law Firm

5.0 / 5.0

Based on 38 reviews

Erin Wren

After my car accident they helped me every step of the way! They were up front and answered any questions I had! They negotiated the insurance and got a higher settlement than was offered! I would definitely use them again!

Debbie Walker

In November 2017, I was in a car accident and I decided to seek out legal assistance. I chose to go with Burnside Law Firm, LLP because of their five star rating. My inital consultation was with attorney, Mr. Garon Muller. I knew immediately that I wanted Mr. Muller to take my case. His professionalism and expertise in personal injury made my decision easy. Mr. Muller maintained his professionalism throughout my case. He kept me updated on a regular basis via telephone or email. He was always available to me when I call. I did not have to wait 24 hours to get a call back from him. I would greatly recommend Mr. Muller and the Burnside Law Firm, LLP.

Rick Estep

Burnside Law Firm is who you want to represent you. Mr. Muller came to our house for a free consultation without hesitation. He guided us and overcame every obstacle we encountered. He secured the maximum insurance limits for us and we couldn't be more happy. If you are injured, DO NOT attempt to recoup compensation without the expertise of a trusted, skilled and able law firm to be your voice. THANK YOU MR. MULLER!!!

Alexander Hughes

Garon Muller with Burnside Law Firm makes client satisfaction his priority. Mr. Muller made sure that I had a lucid understanding during every discussion. He never made a decision without my input and made me feel like we were partners. Garon Muller was very professional and push for the maximum dollar amount from the insurance company. Me and my family considered ourselves blessed to have been represented by Garon Muller with Burnside Law Firm. We highly recommend Garon Muller and Burnside Law Firm! Burnside Law Firm staff are exceptional and exceeded our expectations.

Lynn Eldridge

I have known the Burnside family for many years. Recently Thomas was most helpful in getting my check following an auto collision. I highly recommend their firm.

Damien Williams

I definitely felt comfortable in there hands really good people.

Jacob Clements

Very very good law firm. Went above and beyond to make things right. Highly reccomend.

Barbara Huskinson

Burnside Law did what they said they would do. Garon Muller was great in communicating and looked out for my best interest in getting what was fair in my settlement. I would recommend Burnside to anyone.

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    Augusta

    2919 Professional Pkwy

    Augusta, GA, 30907

    Phone: (706) 432-8320

    Athens

    325 North Milledge Avenue

    Athens, GA, 30601

    Phone: (706) 227-4264