The Moses Firm: Medical Malpractice Lawyers | January 26, 2026 | Medical Malpractice
Receiving IV treatment is an important part of numerous medical procedures. If the IV isn’t administered correctly, however, one of the risks patients could face is infiltration. An infiltrated IV is a dangerous medical issue that could cause everything from burns to nerve damage and, in the most serious cases, amputation.
What does the infiltration of IV medication look like, and how does it happen? Learn more about this problem and how it can impact a patient’s health.
What Is IV Infiltration?
IV infiltration occurs when intravenous medications or fluids leak from the vein in which they’ve been introduced. Instead of traveling through the bloodstream, these substances can enter surrounding tissues. Such a scenario calls for immediate medical action, beginning with the removal of the IV.
Infiltration typically occurs when the IV catheter moves out of the vein. If the vein is compromised in any way or is too fragile to withstand the infusion, IV infiltration can be extremely dangerous. In some cases, IV infiltration may result from medical malpractice.
Signs of Intravenous Infiltration
To be able to respond rapidly to this emergency, medical professionals must know how to spot the signs of an infiltrated IV. Here are some of the indications to watch for:
- Slowed infusion rate
- Swelling at the site of insertion
- Paleness around the insertion site
- Dampness or coolness of the skin
- Fluid leaking from the insertion site
Patients may also notice certain IV infiltration signs themselves, such as a feeling of tightness at the insertion site, along with pain or a burning sensation. It’s vital to call for help immediately if medical professionals haven’t noticed these issues.
Depending on the medications and substances you’re being given, you could face the risk of burns to the surrounding tissues, as well as nerve damage that can impact sensation and motor function while also causing severe pain. In the most serious cases, these types of damage can be so pronounced that they require the amputation of the affected part.
Can You File a Medical Malpractice Claim After an IV Infiltration Injury?
Not every IV infiltration is caused by medical malpractice, but many are preventable. When an injury occurs because proper care wasn’t taken, a medical malpractice claim may be an option.
To move forward with a claim, you must show that the care you received fell below accepted medical standards. This generally means demonstrating that another qualified medical professional would not have made the same mistake under similar circumstances. Medical expert testimony is usually required to establish this.
Because IV infiltration claims can be complex, working with an attorney is often essential. A lawyer can gather evidence, consult medical experts, and pursue fair compensation. In more serious cases, litigation may be necessary, and attempting to navigate that process without legal representation can put your claim at risk.
Time Limits for Filing a Claim in Georgia
It’s also essential to initiate your claim as soon as possible, as Georgia’s statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases gives you just two years from the time you discover the injury to begin the process. If you don’t file your claim within five years of the initial incident, you’ll lose your right to seek compensation.
The Moses Firm: Medical Malpractice Lawyers Can Help With Your Claim
If you’ve suffered an IV infiltration injury because of a medical professional’s negligent actions in Georgia, it’s critical to meet with an attorney at your earliest convenience. These cases are far from simple, and you’ll be dealing with complicated legal issues while healing from a serious injury.
By entrusting your case to a qualified attorney, you’ll receive dependable legal support and improve your chances of success. To learn more, contact The Moses Firm: Medical Malpractice Lawyers to schedule a consultation with an Atlanta medical malpractice lawyer.
For more information, contact 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.
The Moses Firm: Medical Malpractice Lawyers
3490 Piedmont Rd NE #1206,
Atlanta, GA 30305
(404) 721-1050
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