Has a hospital’s negligence with your IV treatment left you suffering from pain, swelling, or nerve damage? When medical professionals fail to properly monitor an intravenous line, the consequences can be devastating.
Many patients don’t realize that when a hospital leaves an IV in their arm too long or improperly places it, the resulting complications may constitute medical malpractice. These preventable injuries can lead to weeks of recovery, permanent damage, lost income, and substantial medical bills.
Our Baltimore IV infiltration lawyer can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Can you sue for IV infiltration in Maryland?
Yes, you can file a medical malpractice claim for IV infiltration in Maryland if these four legal elements are present:
- Duty of care – The hospital, doctor, or nurse owed you competent medical treatment
- Breach – They failed to meet the standard of care expected of medical professionals
- Causation – That failure directly caused your harm
- Damages – You experienced physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result
When you enter a hospital or medical facility for treatment, you expect proper care from healthcare providers. Unfortunately, IV infiltration occurs more often than most people realize, causing unnecessary suffering.
📌 At Frank Spector Law, we carefully evaluate whether your case meets Maryland’s criteria for a malpractice lawsuit and guide you through the legal process.
IV infiltration lawsuit: When is it medical malpractice?
IV infiltration occurs when intravenous fluid leaks into surrounding tissue instead of flowing properly into the patient’s vein. This happens due to improper placement or monitoring of the IV catheter.
Not all IV complications result in viable malpractice cases. However, when medical professionals fail to monitor IV sites, ignore patient complaints of pain, or delay response to clear signs of infiltration, they may be providing substandard care that breaches their duty.
According to the Maryland Health Care Commission, medical professionals must follow established protocols for IV insertion, monitoring, and maintenance to prevent complications that can lead to serious patient harm.
Examples of negligence in IV placement or monitoring
When a patient receives IV therapy, medical professionals have a responsibility to ensure proper placement and ongoing monitoring. Failure to do so can constitute negligence and form the basis for a medical malpractice claim.
- Not checking the IV site regularly during fluid or medication administration
- Leaving a catheter in beyond the recommended time limit of 72-96 hours
- Inserting IVs in joints or movement-prone areas like the inner elbow
- Ignoring patient reports of pain, burning, or tightness around the injection site
- Using improper flushing techniques or continuing infusion despite visible symptoms
These common failings in hospitals and nursing homes can support a malpractice claim when they result in preventable patient injuries.
Contact our firm for a free consultation and speak directly with Frank Spector about your case.
What damages can you recover in an IV infiltration lawsuit?
When you or a loved one suffers harm from IV infiltration, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. These damages reflect not only your financial losses but also the lasting emotional and physical toll of your injury.
Economic damages
- Medical bills – Wound care, infection treatment, reconstructive surgery, and ongoing rehabilitation
- Lost income – Missed wages during recovery and loss of future earning capacity due to disability
Non-economic damages
- Pain and suffering – Physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma
- Permanent injury or disfigurement – Long-term damage such as nerve impairment or visible scarring
- Reduced quality of life – Inability to enjoy hobbies, daily activities, or independence
Additional reading: nerve damage from iv
Potential settlement ranges for IV infiltration injuries
| Type of Damage | Common in IV Infiltration Cases | Average Settlement Range |
|---|---|---|
| Minor tissue damage | Temporary swelling, bruising, pain | $10,000 – $50,000 |
| Moderate complications | Infection, scarring, temporary nerve damage | $50,000 – $250,000 |
| Severe injuries | Compartment syndrome, permanent nerve damage, need for surgery | $250,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| Catastrophic outcomes | Amputation, permanent disability, disfigurement | $1,000,000 – $5,000,000+ |
Why legal representation matters in IV infiltration cases
When pursuing a medical malpractice claim for IV infiltration injuries, having our experienced legal representation significantly increases your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Our skilled medical malpractice lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case by:
- Reviewing medical charts, nursing logs, and medication administration records
- Retaining expert witnesses who can testify about the standard of care
- Interpreting technical medical documentation to identify deviations from protocols
- Navigating Maryland’s complex filing rules and damage caps for medical malpractice cases
⚖️ IV malpractice is often under-documented in medical records—our attorneys know how to uncover what went wrong and who should be held accountable.
Contact our team for a free case review—we can help you uncover the facts and build a strong case for your IV infiltration injuries.
What to do if you believe your IV was mishandled
If you suspect your IV therapy was improperly administered or monitored, taking prompt action can protect your health and legal rights.
- Take photos of the injury site, swelling, discoloration, and any other visible symptoms
- Contact our injury attorney immediately to secure records before they’re lost and for expert legal guidance
- Request all medical records: nursing notes, IV logs, medication administration records, and discharge instructions
- Ask whether the catheter tip was inspected after removal (this can provide evidence of a problem)
- Keep all follow-up appointment records or wound care instructions
Documentation is critical in these cases—don’t wait until the evidence disappears or the statute of limitations expires if you’re asking, “can you sue for nerve damage from an IV?” or wondering whether you have a claim because an IV was left in too long.
Don’t wait—contact our firm today to find out if you have a valid medical malpractice claim.
What happens if an IV is put in wrong?
Improper IV insertion can lead to several serious complications. When a needle or catheter penetrates tissue outside the vein or dislodges after initial placement, the patient may sustain significant harm.
Common consequences include swelling, burning sensations, tissue damage, and extravasation (leakage of potentially harmful medications). In severe cases, patients may develop compartment syndrome—a painful condition where pressure builds in muscle compartments, restricting blood flow and potentially leading to tissue death.
According to the University of Maryland Medical System, proper IV insertion techniques and regular monitoring are essential to prevent these complications.
⚖️ However, not every IV complication results in a viable malpractice claim. Minor issues that resolve without lasting harm may not meet the legal threshold for negligence. For a case to qualify, there must be clear evidence that the healthcare provider breached the standard of care and caused a preventable injury.
What is IV infiltration?
IV infiltration is a medical complication that occurs when intravenous fluid leaks into surrounding tissue instead of properly entering the bloodstream. This happens when an IV catheter becomes dislodged from the vein, punctures through the vein wall, or is improperly placed during insertion.
Medical professionals distinguish between infiltration and extravasation. Infiltration involves non-irritant fluids leaking into tissues, causing swelling and discomfort. Extravasation refers to the leakage of vesicant or irritant substances (like chemotherapy drugs or potassium solutions) that can cause tissue necrosis and more severe damage.
IV therapy is one of the most common clinical procedures in hospitals, with studies showing that approximately 60–90% of hospitalized patients receive a peripheral IV during their stay. This high usage underscores the need for proper insertion technique and continuous monitoring to prevent complications such as infiltration, infection, or nerve damage.
What are the dangers of an IV left in too long?
When medical professionals fail to follow protocols for timely IV catheter removal and replacement, patients face significant health risks. IVs are typically not meant to remain in place for more than 72-96 hours, depending on the type and location.
- Nerve compression or damage can cause long-term pain and limited function
- Tissue necrosis (death) requiring debridement or reconstructive surgery
- Infection at the insertion site may spread to the bloodstream
- Swelling or compartment syndrome causing decreased circulation
- The risk of amputation in severe cases where circulation is compromised
📌 If a hospital left an IV in your arm too long and you suffered complications, you may have grounds for a lawsuit against the negligent medical providers.
Common symptoms and complications of IV infiltration
Recognizing the signs of IV infiltration early can help prevent serious complications. Patients and caregivers should be vigilant for these symptoms during IV therapy.
- Swelling, coolness, or tight skin around the IV site
- Pain, burning, or tingling sensation beyond normal insertion discomfort
- Skin discoloration, blanching, or paleness around the insertion area
- Numbness or weakness in the affected limb, particularly the hand or fingers
- In severe cases: infection, tissue necrosis, or need for surgical intervention
💡 Many patients don’t realize these are signs of injury until significant damage has occurred, especially elderly patients or those with communication difficulties.
Hypothetical scenarios: When IV infiltration leads to lawsuits
Hypothetical Scenario 1
An elderly patient with dementia receives IV antibiotics for pneumonia. The nursing staff fails to check the IV site for 12 hours despite hospital protocol requiring checks every 2 hours.
When finally discovered, the patient’s right arm is severely swollen with early signs of tissue damage. Despite treatment, the patient develops a large scar and permanent nerve damage, significantly limiting arm mobility.
Hypothetical Scenario 2
A 35-year-old patient receives chemotherapy through an IV in her arm. Despite repeatedly informing the nurse about burning and pain at the IV site, her concerns are dismissed as normal discomfort. Hours later, when the IV is finally checked, significant extravasation has occurred.
The patient requires multiple surgeries and suffers permanent disfigurement due to tissue damage that could have been prevented with proper monitoring.
Speak with a Maryland IV infiltration malpractice lawyer today
IV infiltration injuries can cause serious, life-altering harm, and many patients don’t realize their suffering qualifies as medical malpractice until it’s too late. When hospitals and medical professionals fail to meet the standard of care for IV therapy, patients deserve compensation.
At Frank Spector Law, our experienced malpractice attorneys can investigate your medical records, work with expert witnesses, and fight for full compensation for your damages. With over 30 years of experience helping people injured through medical negligence, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries take.
Remember that Maryland’s statute of limitations restricts the time you have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. Delays in seeking legal representation may reduce or eliminate your right to pursue a claim and recover damages.
If you or a loved one has experienced complications from an IV in the arm, call Frank Spector today at 443-845-1456 or use our contact form for a free consultation. You’ll speak directly with Frank about your case.
FAQs
What if I didn't notice the symptoms right away?
Many patients don't immediately recognize IV infiltration symptoms, especially if they're medicated or have conditions affecting sensation. Maryland law generally starts the statute of limitations when you discovered or reasonably should have discovered the injury, though there are strict outer time limits regardless of discovery.
Can I sue if my elderly parent suffered IV complications in a hospital?
Yes, you may be able to pursue a claim on behalf of an elderly parent who experienced IV infiltration injuries. Family members often serve as advocates for vulnerable patients. If your loved one has suffered due to hospital negligence, our attorneys can help determine if you have a viable case.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Maryland?
In Maryland, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is generally five years from the date of the injury or three years from when the injury was discovered, whichever comes first. However, these timeframes can be affected by various factors, making prompt legal consultation essential.
Do I need an expert medical review to file?
Yes, Maryland law requires a certificate of merit from a qualified medical expert before proceeding with a medical malpractice lawsuit. This certificate must confirm that the healthcare provider deviated from the standard of care and that this deviation caused the injury. Our law firm handles this requirement as part of your case.