Baltimore IV Infiltration Lawyer
Many people are familiar with IVs, but they have not heard of IV infiltration. The majority of people admitted into the hospital will require intravenous (IV) therapy at some point. Some doctors’ offices and other outpatient facilities may also use IVs. IV therapy is used to insert medication, blood, saline, and other liquids directly into a patient’s vein.
When an IV is used, a healthcare professional inserts a needle into the vein first. A catheter is then placed over the needle and the needle is removed. While this is a relatively simple procedure, things can go wrong, and IV infiltration is one of them. A Baltimore IV infiltration lawyer can help those who have been hurt claim the damages they deserve in a medical malpractice claim.
How Does IV Infiltration Occur?
IV infiltration occurs when the needle pierces the vein or when the IV is not inserted properly. IV infiltration can also occur if the IV becomes dislodged when the patient moves, such as placing the IV too closely to the wrist. IV infiltration occurs when the substance in the IV does not go into the vein but instead, leeches into the surrounding tissue. IV infiltration can have many negative effects. Some of the most common include:
- Ulceration, skin blistering, and burns
- A burning, swelling, redness, and discomfit around the IV
- Serious scarring in the area where the medication makes contact with the skin
- Permanent nerve damage
In serious cases, a patient could experience a diminished use or impairment of the extremity where the IV was placed. In the most extreme of cases, the affected limb may require amputation.
Common Causes of IV Infiltration
It is extremely common for IVs to be used in medical settings. Inserting and using IVs is very routine, but doing it properly does require some knowledge and training. When a mistake is made, it can result in serious complications. Some of the main causes of IV infiltration are as follows:
- Use of incorrect or oversized catheter
- Improper insertion of the IV
- Failure to properly monitor the IV and patient after insertion
- Repeated attempts to insert the IV, resulting in damage to the vein or the tissue surrounding it
- Failure to monitor for symptoms that the vein ruptured
- Using an IV flow rate that is too high
- Friction or pressure from movement that causes the catheter to move, resulting in erosion of the vein
- Damaged or defective IV catheters
The majority of IV infiltration cases are the result of negligent medical staff. When any type of negligence results in injury, a Baltimore IV infiltration lawyer can help patients obtain the financial compensation they need.
Call Our IV Infiltration Lawyer in Baltimore Today
If you have suffered an injury due to an improperly placed IV, our Baltimore IV infiltration lawyer at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman, LLC can help you claim the fair compensation you deserve. Call us today at 410-998-3600 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation to speak to one of our skilled attorneys and to learn more about how we can help.
