A majority of patients admitted to a hospital or medical facility receive some type of intravenous (IV) therapy. IVs are typically safe and allow for the administration of fluids for various illnesses and procedures. However, like any other medical treatment, IV use has its risks.
If you experienced complications from an IV while receiving healthcare services in St. Louis, MO, you may be entitled to compensation. Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers will evaluate what happened and determine your legal options.
Our St. Louis medical malpractice attorneys have over three decades of experience helping personal injury victims hold at-fault parties accountable. We’ve acquired over $70 million for injured people throughout Missouri – and we’ll do everything possible to secure a favorable outcome in your medical malpractice case.
Contact our St. Louis IV infiltration and complication attorneys at (314) 400-0000 today for a free consultation.
Table of Contents
How Can Our St. Louis Medical Malpractice Lawyers Help If You Were Injured By IV Infiltration?
When you receive medical treatment, you expect that your team of physicians, nurses, and therapists will help you recuperate and keep you safe. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. Healthcare professionals are frequently overworked and understaffed, leading to fatigue and medical errors.
However, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden caused by medical malpractice. The legal team at Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers will help you hold the negligent medical providers liable for the injuries you sustained due to the IV infiltration.
Our St. Louis IV infiltration lawyers will:
- Thoroughly review your medical records
- Investigate what led to the IV infiltration and who is financially responsible
- Examine any prior complaints of medical negligence or malpractice
- Consult leading experts – such as medical specialists – as necessary
- Identify and calculate your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and disability
- Negotiate with insurance companies, hospitals, and any other opposing parties for a fair settlement
- Litigate your case in court if we cannot settle for what you deserve
To learn how to pursue damages for medical malpractice in St. Louis, Missouri, contact our law firm for a free case evaluation.
What Is IV Infiltration?
Intravenous therapy (IV therapy or infusion therapy) is when a needle or catheter is used to administer medications, blood, and other fluids to patients. It is implemented for various purposes, such as treating dehydration, performing blood transfusions, or delivering medication that cannot be taken orally.
The administration of IV fluids is typically a safe procedure with little or no complications. However, as with any medical procedure or treatment, it has some risks.
IV infiltration is one of the most common complications that can result from the use of IVs. It occurs when IV fluids inadvertently escape from the vein and infiltrate the surrounding tissues.
This can cause a range of symptoms, such as pain, discomfort, burning, bruising, and swelling. IV infiltration is relatively easy to resolve if the patient is being continuously monitored. However, it can create severe consequences in rare cases, such as if the issue isn’t quickly detected or certain medications infiltrate surrounding soft tissues.
What Can Cause IV Infiltration?
While IV therapy is a standard procedure, medical professionals must adhere to a certain standard of care. That includes properly inserting the needle, ensuring that the patient receives the correct medication and dosage, and monitoring the patient for reactions and IV movement.
When a healthcare provider fails to uphold their duty of care, IV infiltration and other complications can result from their negligence.
Some common causes of IV infiltration include:
- Improper insertion or poor placement of an IV
- Movement or displacement of a catheter
- Clogged catheters or needles
- Failure to monitor the patient’s IV once it’s inserted
- Use of an oversized catheter or needle
- Setting the IV drip rate too high
Not all cases of IV infiltration result from medical negligence. For example, defective catheters and needles may lead to IV complications. In that case, you may be able to hold the manufacturer responsible for the defect by filing a product liability claim.
What Injuries and Long-Term Consequences Can Result from IV Infiltration?
If a nurse or medical professional notices IV infiltration relatively quickly, the patient may suffer mild pain and swelling. The provider can usually remove the IV and relocate it.
However, if the issue is left unnoticed and untreated for an extended period of time, the consequences may be more severe. Additionally, if the IV is administering medication, it may be toxic if it infiltrates certain tissues.
Some potential consequences and injuries stemming from IV infiltration include:
- Compressed or damaged nerves
- Burns and blisters
- Ulcers
- Edema
- Infection
- Tissue damage
- Paralysis
- Permanent scarring
- Necrosis, leading to amputation
- Compartment syndrome
Our St. Louis IV infiltration attorneys can help you fight for compensation if you suffered these or other consequences due to medical malpractice or a defective needle.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation With Our St. Louis IV Infiltration and Complication Lawyers
If you’ve sustained injuries and complications due to IV infiltration in St. Louis, MO, let our legal team take on your legal battle while you rest and recover. Our St. Louis personal injury lawyers will pursue a medical malpractice or product liability claim on your behalf and work toward a positive outcome.
Contact our law office today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case with a St. Louis IV complication attorney.