Robert Hammers | September 10, 2026 | Medical Malpractice
There could be many reasons why you may need an IV. You may have to get medications at the hospital during an emergency, or you might have chosen to boost your nutrients by visiting an IV hydration clinic. No matter what the reason is for you getting an IV, you expect it to be done correctly. Unfortunately, mistakes can occur, leading to consequences such as an infiltrated IV.
If you have suffered injuries because of the infiltration of an IV site, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim to recover your losses. Learn more about how this issue can occur and what its consequences can be.
What Is an Infiltrated IV?
When it comes to an IV, infiltrated means that the fluids or medications have leaked out of the vein and seeped into surrounding tissues. IV infiltration can cause pain, swelling, nerve damage, and other complications. In severe cases, the pressure caused by leaked fluid can contribute to tissue damage or compartment syndrome.
Signs of Intravenous Infiltration
Recognizing IV infiltration early can help prevent the leaked fluid or medication from causing further damage to the surrounding tissue. Symptoms often develop around the IV insertion site and may become more noticeable as additional fluid leaks from the vein.
IV infiltration signs can include:
- Skin that feels cool to the touch
- Pain or burning in the area
- Puffiness or swelling at the site
- Pale or white skin near the insertion site
- Tightness of the skin
- Slowed infusion rate
If the provider or nurse doesn’t notice any of these signs or doesn’t pay attention to your concerns, then the consequences can be severe enough to cause life-altering injuries.
IV Infiltration Injuries
IV infiltration can cause serious injuries when fluid or medication leaks from a blood vessel into the surrounding tissue. The resulting pressure and exposure to certain medications can damage nerves, skin, muscles, and other tissue.
Potential injuries include:
- Nerve damage
- Numbness or loss of sensation
- Burns or burn-like skin injuries
- Severe scarring
- Tissue necrosis
- Amputation
- Compartment syndrome
The severity of these injuries can vary depending on the fluid or medication involved and the extent of the infiltration.
What Causes IV Infiltration?
IV infiltration can happen when an IV catheter punctures or moves outside the vein, allowing fluid or medication to enter the surrounding tissue. While infiltration can occur for different reasons, some cases result from preventable errors by healthcare providers.
IV infiltration can occur for several reasons, some of which may involve medical malpractice. Common causes include:
- Piercing through the blood vessel wall
- Improperly securing the IV line
- A clogged IV line
- IV displacement
If a healthcare provider’s failure to meet the applicable standard of care causes an IV infiltration injury, the patient may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim.
How Is IV Infiltration Treated?
Treatment for IV infiltration depends on the amount of fluid that leaked into the surrounding tissue and the severity of the injury. Once infiltration is identified, the infusion is typically stopped to prevent additional fluid from entering the tissue.
Treatment may include:
- Elevating the affected arm or leg
- Applying a warm or cold compress
- Monitoring swelling and other symptoms
- Managing pain
- Treating damaged skin or tissue
- Surgery for serious complications
Prompt treatment can help limit further injury. Severe cases involving complications such as tissue damage or compartment syndrome may require more extensive medical care.
Contact Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Today To Schedule a Free Consultation With an Atlanta Medical Malpractice Attorney
Filing a malpractice claim in Georgia is not easy, especially if you’re dealing with serious injuries like burns or nerve damage. Hiring an attorney is the right option. They will know how to gather the necessary evidence to prove that negligence or wrongful conduct occurred, and they will be able to accurately calculate the damages you are entitled to.
Perhaps the most important thing that an attorney can do, however, is handle the negotiations with insurers. By relying on their help, you have a chance to receive a fair settlement or award. For help, contact Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers today and schedule your free consultation with an Atlanta medical malpractice lawyer.
Reach out to Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers for help today. We proudly serve clients throughout Fulton County and the greater Atlanta metro area in Georgia, with offices in Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Lawrenceville, Smyrna, Roswell, and Mableton.
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Atlanta
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Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Smyrna
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