IV Infiltration and Complication Attorneys

September 6, 2024 | Personal Injury

IV Infiltration and Complication Attorneys

Patients are given intravenous catheters (IVs) for many reasons. IVs deliver medications, nutrition, blood products, electrolytes, and other fluids. Generally, IVs are one of the safest medical treatments, but sometimes things can go wrong. IV infiltration is a common medical condition that can cause serious injuries and complications.

What Causes IV Infiltration?

IV infiltration occurs when medication or fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue. Common causes of IV infiltration include:

  • Inserting the IV catheter incorrectly
  • Choosing the incorrect catheter size
  • Improper placement
  • Leaving the catheter too long
  • Using the incorrect settings for the IV administration
  • Improperly securing the IV lines caused the catheter to move out of position
  • Failing to regularly check the IV for signs of infiltration
  • Choosing a vein that is too weak or small to support a constant flow of liquid

Improperly trained staff and understaffing can increase the risk of IV infiltration. Ignoring the patient’s complaints about pain and discomfort at the IV site can lead to severe complications. If a medical practitioner is negligent in causing IV infiltration, the patient may have a medical malpractice claim for damages.

Common Symptoms of IV Infiltration

There are several signs that indicate IV infiltration. If a medical provider is monitoring a patient, they should notice these signs and symptoms. Patients with IV infiltration may experience:

  • Severe discomfort or pain at the IV site
  • Tightness in the area where the IV was inserted
  • Swelling around the IV insertion site
  • Bruising or redness around the IV site
  • Skin that feels cool to the touch near the site of the insertion
  • A burning sensation near the intravenous catheter
  • Stopped or decreased fluid infusion rate
  • Wet dressings, clothing, or bed linens around the IV site
  • Blanching or clammy skin around the IV

If caught quickly, IV infiltration can be corrected. The body absorbs the fluid without causing damage. However, IV infiltration can cause complications and injuries if not treated timely.

What Are the Consequences and Complications of IV Infiltration?

The longer the fluid is allowed to seep into the area around the IV site, the more likely the patient will sustain injuries and complications. For example, some medications or fluids may irritate tissues. In severe cases, the fluid could cause blisters, burns, and necrotic tissue death. Extensive tissue death could lead to amputation of a limb.

Infections are also common complications of IV infiltration. Fluid buildup can cause breaks in the skin as it swells and becomes thinner. Bacteria entering the break can cause life-threatening infections.

Some patients may experience compartment syndrome. The pressure from the fluid leaking outside of the IV catheter can restrict blood flow. The patient may require surgery to relieve the pressure and avoid permanent impairment. Scarring and loss of function are also severe complications of IV infiltration.

IV infiltration can result in a delay in receiving medication. The patient’s condition may worsen, causing other complications that would not have occurred had they received timely treatment.

Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim for IV Infiltration

Some IV infiltration cases occur for reasons outside of a doctor’s or medical provider’s control. However, the patient may have a medical malpractice claim when IV infiltration occurs because of medical negligence or errors.

The elements of a medical malpractice claim are:

  • The medical provider had a legal duty of care based on the patient-medical provider relationship
  • The medical provider breached the duty of care through their acts or omissions
  • The breach of duty was the direct and proximate cause of the IV infiltration
  • The patient sustained injuries and damages because of the infiltration

If you were injured because of medical malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. However, medical malpractice cases for IV infiltration are complicated. You must have evidence of the negligence or malpractice, including testimony from a medical expert.

Get Help With a Medical Malpractice Claim for IV Infiltration

If you have questions about a medical malpractice claim for IV infiltration, contact the Chambersburg medical malpractice lawyers at Marzzacco Niven & Associates for a free consultation. We’ll review your case and explain your legal options to help you decide on the best course of action to protect your rights.

If you’ve been injured in a personal injury, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

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