IV therapy is one of the most common medical procedures in healthcare facilities. A nurse or other medical provider inserts a needle into a blood vessel to deliver medications and fluids directly into the bloodstream. In some situations, IV (intravenous) therapy may also be done at home.
Most people tolerate IV therapy well. They do not experience any side effects or complications. However, IV therapy does have some risks and complications, including IV infiltration.
Signs of IV infiltration include wet bandages near the IV placement and liquid leaking from the IV location. A patient may also experience swelling, redness, and pain around the IV area. The skin may become taut or stretched as the liquid builds up around the IV location.
What Happens When a Patient Experiences IV Infiltration?
IV infiltration is a well-known complication of IV therapy. It occurs when the fluids being introduced to the body through a blood vessel seep into the surrounding tissues. In other words, instead of going into the vein, the liquid spills outside of the vein.
In addition to the complications from not receiving the medication or liquid needed for treatment, IV infiltration can result in other complications and injuries, including:
- Necrosis (death of the soft tissue)
- Skin ulceration and blistering
- Air embolism
- Infections
- Amputation of the affected area
- Permanent nerve damage
- Severe burns that require skin grafting
- Impaired or diminished use of the affected extremity
- Severe scarring and disfigurement
Immediate medical treatment is necessary to reduce the risk of permanent damage and life-threatening conditions. Generally, the IV must be removed and relocated. Doctors then treat the complication based on the type and severity of the injury.
What Causes IV Infiltration?
IV infiltration may happen even when a medical professional takes all reasonable care to ensure the IV is inserted correctly. However, medical negligence and human error are also causes of IV infiltration.
Examples of medical errors that could result in IV infiltration include:
- Failing to inspect the needle and catheter before use
- Improperly inserting a needle and/or catheter
- Setting an IV pump level too high
- Improperly placing an IV where there is a greater risk it will move or infiltrate because of the patient’s movements
- Repeatedly attempting to insert a needle or catheter into the exact location
- Failing to monitor the IV after it is inserted
- Using the incorrect size of needle or catheter
- Inadequate training and supervision of medical staff
In addition to medical errors, IV infiltration can result from using defective medical equipment, including defective catheters, needles, and IV machines. The manufacturer of the defective medical device could also be responsible for damages a patient suffers because of IV infiltration.
Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim for Damages Caused by IV Infiltration in South Carolina
If a medical provider was negligent in causing IV infiltration, you could be entitled to compensation for damages. Nurses, doctors, medical facilities, hospitals, and other healthcare providers could be liable for medical malpractice.
Before you can recover damages, you must prove:
- The medical provider owed you a legal duty of care
- They breached their duty by failing to meet the standard of care required for IV therapy
- The breach of duty proximately and directly caused the IV infiltration
- You incurred damages and sustained injuries because of the IV infiltration
If a defective product caused or contributed to the IV infiltration, you may also have a product liability claim against the manufacturer. Manufacturers can be held strictly liable if a defective medical device causes a patient to be injured.
Damages that you could receive in a medical malpractice or product liability claim related to IV infiltration include:
- Past, current, and future medical bills
- Physical pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Lost wages, benefits, and future earning capacity
- Diminished quality of life
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Impairments and disabilities
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Personal and/or nursing care
The amount you may receive for damages depends on the facts and circumstances involved in your case. Generally, the more harm caused by IV infiltration, the higher the damages will be in a medical malpractice claim.
The Time to File a Medical Malpractice Case is Limited
The South Carolina statute of limitations for most medical malpractice and product liability claims is three years from the injury date. However, some exceptions could change the statute of limitations.
Missing the filing deadline could result in your claim being dismissed by the court. It is crucial to seek prompt legal advice if you suspect medical malpractice, defective products, negligence, or other wrongdoing caused your injuries. A Columbia personal injury lawyer can assess your case and advise you of your legal options during a free consultation.
Contact The Medical Malpractice Attorneys at Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers Today
For more information, please contact the Columbia medical malpractice law firm of Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today at (803) 200-2000.
