The Moses Firm | September 9, 2026 | Medical Malpractice
If you or a loved one needs ongoing intravenous treatments, your doctor may recommend a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line. A PICC line can make receiving IV treatments easier and faster, but it can also lead to catastrophic injuries if it is not placed correctly.
For those who regularly receive intravenous treatments, it’s important to understand the risks associated with misplaced PICC lines.
Understanding PICC Lines
A peripherally inserted central catheter is a long, thin tube that is placed into a vein in your arm. The tube travels up your arm, with the end resting in a large vein near your heart.
This catheter can be useful for people who regularly need intravenous nutrition, medication, or blood transfusions. It can also be used to draw blood samples without requiring repeated needle pricks.
A PICC line can stay in place for weeks or months, eliminating the need for a new IV needle each day. It also generally does not interfere significantly with your daily activities.
The Dangers of Misplaced PICC Lines
Misplaced PICC lines can have serious consequences.
Cardiovascular Risks
A misplaced PICC line can perforate a vein, causing damage to nearby tissues. It can also cause cardiac tamponade if the catheter perforates the heart wall, allowing fluid to build up in the pericardium and making it difficult for the heart to pump normally.
Arrhythmias are another potential complication. If the catheter tip travels too far into the right side of the heart, it can trigger an irregular heartbeat.
Infections and Tissue Damage
If medication from an infusion leaks into surrounding tissue, a complication known as IV infiltration, it can cause chemical burns and tissue damage. Even non-irritating fluids can cause significant swelling and pressure that restricts blood flow and damages surrounding tissue.
Skin can also break down, potentially leading to scarring or infection. In severe cases, complications from infiltration may cause extensive tissue damage that requires amputation.
Neurological and Systemic Risks
A misplaced PICC line can compress nearby nerves, potentially causing numbness, weakness, or, in severe cases, paralysis.
Accidental placement of a PICC line into an artery can also cause serious complications. Clots or medication that enter the arterial system may travel to the brain and potentially cause a stroke. Air embolisms are another possible danger.
Your Rights After a PICC Line Injury in Georgia
If you were injured because of a misplaced PICC line in Atlanta, you may be entitled to file a medical malpractice claim. To succeed, you generally must show that a healthcare provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care and that this failure caused your injuries and losses.
Medical malpractice claims in Georgia can be highly complex. Expert medical testimony may be necessary to establish the applicable standard of care and show how the provider failed to meet it.
An experienced attorney can help you pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses resulting from a PICC line injury.
Contact an Atlanta Medical Malpractice Attorney at The Moses Firm: Medical Malpractice Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A medical malpractice lawyer in Atlanta can gather evidence to document what happened, consult with medical experts, and determine the extent of your losses. They can also negotiate with insurance companies to pursue a fair settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can take your case to court.
With experienced legal assistance, you can hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue compensation for the harm you have suffered. To learn more about your legal options, contact an experienced medical malpractice lawyer at The Moses Firm: Medical Malpractice Lawyers today for a free consultation.
For more information, contact our law firm at The Moses Firm: Medical Malpractice Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with an Atlanta medical malpractice lawyer in Atlanta, GA, today.
We are proud to serve clients throughout Atlanta, Fulton County, and the surrounding communities in Georgia.
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