Intravenous (IV) therapy is a standard medical procedure to deliver fluids, medications, and nutrients directly into a patient’s vein. While it is generally safe, complications can arise, one of the most concerning being IV infiltration. IV infiltration occurs when the fluid or medication leaks into the surrounding tissue instead of flowing into the vein. This error can cause pain, swelling, and potentially severe injuries.
But is IV infiltration malpractice?
This article explores the circumstances under which IV infiltration might be considered negligent and outlines the criteria for establishing malpractice under New Jersey law. If you find yourself in this situation, O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble, LLC is here to help you understand your legal rights and guide you through the process of pursuing a claim.
What Is IV Infiltration Malpractice?
IV infiltration happens when an IV catheter punctures or dislodges from the vein, causing the infused solution to enter the surrounding tissue. It can lead to various symptoms, including swelling at or near the IV site, discomfort or pain, cool or warm skin, redness or blanching, and reduced flow of IV fluid. In severe cases, infiltration can cause tissue damage, nerve injury, or necrosis.
Not every instance of IV infiltration is due to medical malpractice. For it to be considered malpractice, there must be evidence that the healthcare provider’s actions deviated from the standard of care expected in such situations. This deviation means that the provider either performed the procedure incorrectly or failed to monitor the IV site adequately, leading to infiltration and subsequent harm. Establishing IV infiltration malpractice requires showing that the provider’s negligence directly caused the injury and resulted in damages.
When Is IV Infiltration Malpractice?
Determining whether IV infiltration constitutes medical malpractice involves several factors.
1. Standard of Care
Healthcare providers must adhere to a standard of care, defined as the level of care that a reasonably competent healthcare professional would provide under similar circumstances. Failure to meet this standard may be considered negligence. In the context of IV therapy, this includes proper insertion techniques, regular monitoring of the IV site, and prompt action if infiltration is detected.
2. Deviation from Standard of Care
For an IV infiltration case to be considered malpractice, it must be shown that the healthcare provider deviated from the accepted standard of care. Examples of deviations include inserting the IV improperly, failing to secure the IV catheter adequately, not monitoring the IV site regularly, and ignoring signs of infiltration.
3. Causation
There must be a direct link between the healthcare provider’s negligence and the injury suffered. To be successful, you must prove that the improper insertion or lack of monitoring directly caused the IV infiltration and the resulting harm.
4. Damages
To pursue a malpractice claim, there must be actual damages from infiltration. Examples of these damages can include medical expenses for treating the infiltration, pain and suffering, and lost wages if the injury prevents you from working.
How Long Do I Have to Bring an IV Infiltration Medical Malpractice Claim?
New Jersey has a statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims. Generally, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. However, rare exceptions may apply. Therefore, it’s crucial to file your claim as soon as possible. Delaying your action could jeopardize your ability to hold the negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation you need for your recovery.
If you do not file your medical malpractice claim within the designated statute of limitations, you could lose your right to pursue compensation entirely. The court will likely dismiss your case, barring you from receiving any damages for your injuries. This failure to file can have significant consequences, primarily if you have incurred substantial medical bills, lost wages, or suffered long-term disability as a result of the IV infiltration.
Our seasoned lawyers at O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble, LLC have extensive experience in filing medical malpractice claims. We understand the deadline and the limited exceptions that may apply. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can work on preserving your claim.
Contact Our Medical Malpractice Attorneys Today for a Free Case Evaluation
IV infiltration can cause significant pain and injury. Understanding the standard of care, deviations from that standard, causation, and damages are critical to determining if you have a valid medical malpractice claim. If you believe your IV infiltration resulted from medical negligence, it is essential to seek legal advice immediately.
At O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble, LLC, we specialize in medical malpractice cases, including IV infiltration malpractice cases. Our experienced team has over 100 years of combined legal experience and has helped our clients recover millions of dollars.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you understand your legal rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.