An Overview of IV Infiltration Injuries in Adults

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:

• IV infiltration and extravasation
• Misplacement of central and PICC lines
• Chemotherapy toxicity
• Medication errors
• Fluid overload
• Air embolism

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.