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PICC and central IV lines provide for long-term venous access and tremendous benefits to patients. They are beneficial because with proper administration, they are a low risk for infection and decrease skin puncture wounds for blood sampling, especially for patients with long-term care needs. PICC and central IV lines also provide prolonged venous access and a means for administrating medications that would otherwise be irritating to smaller peripheral blood vessels. Like all medical procedures, PICC and central IV lines also present risks of serious injury if they are not properly inserted, managed and removed.

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.

Central lines are commonly inserted in hospitals and widely used for IV access in medical practices across the country, particularly for chemotherapy patients. While their benefits are well-known, adequate training, preparation and technique are essential to prevent serious injury to patients in the insertion, management and removal of PICC and central IV lines.

PICC and Central IV Line Infiltration Injury

As with all IVs, central and PICC lines are designed to provide venous access so medications can be administered when necessary. Therefore, medical staff must assess the site at appropriate time intervals to make sure the IV line remains in the vein and is infusing properly. If the line backs out of the vein or stops, clots off or stops functioning properly, IV infiltration can occur and the infusing medication can absorb into the tissues instead of the blood. IV infiltration and extravasation injuries can result in serious burns, scarring, nerve damage and long term disability. It can also prolong hospital stays and increase medical expenses.

PICC Line Mistakes and Injury

A PICC line is a peripherally inserted central catheter that starts in the vein of the arm above the elbow and goes into the center of the chest to the superior vena cava. A PICC line has many advantages in that it can be used for a long period of time to administer medication directly into the larger vessels of the body. PICC lines can also be placed in the jugular vein, something which is becoming more and more popular.

The importance of placing the PICC line in the proper vessel cannot be overstated, especially if it is being placed in the jugular vein. Other structures are located in and around the jugular vein including the carotid artery. If a PICC line or other central line is inadvertently inserted into the carotid artery instead of the jugular vein and fluids are infused, they will likely travel to the patient’s brain and result in serious injury, brain damage or, more likely, death.

  • Misplacement of PICC lines: While a PICC line is being inserted, it can migrate from the proper position if the practitioner is not careful. After the insertion of the catheter, the position of the tip should always be confirmed by x-ray to make sure it is placed in the proper vessel. Confirmation of the tip placement is essential before the PICC line is used. Securing the PICC catheter is also essential to help prevent dislodgement or other migration.
  • Air embolism: Proper precautions must be taken to ensure that air is not allowed to enter the blood vessel during insertion, maintenance or removal of a PICC or Central IV line. Removal of a PICC line inserted through the jugular vein is particularly dangerous and can result in air embolism if proper measures are not taken to prevent the entry of air. This includes applying an air occlusive dressing once the line is removed.
  • Nerve injury: Large sensitive nerves run in and around the jugular vein as well. During insertion of a jugular PICC line, the nearby nerves can be injured if proper procedures are not followed.
  • Catheter breakage: Some catheters are very long. If proper measures are not taken, a catheter can break during insertion or removal. This commonly occurs if excess pressure is applied during the process. For this reason, catheters should be measured upon insertion and removal to make sure none of the catheter has broken off and remains in the body. This ensures that prompt action can be taken to remove the broken catheter before it migrates to vital organs and causes serious injury.
  • Injury from IV removal: PICC lines should never be forcefully removed as they can cause severe damage to the venous system. If the line is difficult to remove, warm compresses should be applied to dilate the vein, especially in the case of a venospasm. The application of warm compresses and allowing the patient time to calm down should allow the vein to relax such that the PICC line can be removed. Forceful removal of a PICC line can result in tragic consequences including rupture of the vein or catheter.

If you suspect medical negligence, do not hesitate to contact Burnside Law Firm LLP at our Augusta, Georgia, law office. Our lawyers offer experienced, strategic advocacy in cases involving IV infiltration and IV 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