IV errors are not uncommon in hospitals. Not all are serious, but many do lead to devastating consequences. If you were the victim of medical malpractice in Ohio, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Cleveland IV error lawyers from The Becker Law Firm may be able to help.
Medical negligence can be found with treating physicians, nurses or other medical personnel involved in your care. You will need to seek legal counsel in order to determine who potentially may be held liable for your injuries.
Call us today at 216-621-3000 or fill out a confidential online contact form for your free consultation!
Common Types of IV Errors
The majority of IV errors happen during the preparation or administration of medication. However, they can also occur as a result of negligence or defective equipment.
Some of the more common types of IV errors include:
- incorrect solution or medication used;
- improperly injecting medication;
- incompatible combination of drugs;
- administering medication at wrong time;
- misplacement of IV catheter;
- failure to identify or recognize patient allergies;
- defective valves and/or pumps (faulty equipment); and
- administering incorrect dosage of medicine.
Another serious type of IV error is when fluid leaks into the tissue surrounding the area where an IV has been injected. This is known as an extravasation injury.
If this type of injury isn’t diagnosed, or if there is a misdiagnosis, it could become life-threatening, even fatal. These types of negligence could lead to the filing of a claim for medical malpractice in Ohio.
Common Causes of IV Errors
Intravenous (IV) therapy is a critical component of medical treatment, but errors can occur during administration, potentially leading to adverse outcomes.
Some common causes of IV errors include:
- Rushed medical personnel: Sometimes IV errors occur when medical personnel work quickly. If a patient is in a dire medical situation, in a rush to insert an IV or administer medication through it, a mistake could be made.
- Not following procedures: Failure to follow proper procedures or steps that ensure the safety of a patient. Taking shortcuts can lead to a serious mistake.
- Staff shortage: Medical personnel who may not be qualified to insert an IV and administer medication may be used when there isn’t enough help. This is a serious form of medical negligence.
- Fatigue and Overwork: Health care workers under stress or fatigue may make errors in IV medication administration, such as incorrect calculations or lapses in double-checking procedures.
- Communication Failures: Poor handover or lack of clear instructions between medical staff can result in errors.
- Lack of Training or Experience: Inadequately trained staff may struggle with the technical aspects of IV therapy, leading to mistakes.
- Improper Use of IV Tubing: Kinks in the tubing, loose connections, or air bubbles can disrupt the flow and lead to errors.
- Infection Risk: Failure to maintain proper hygiene during IV insertion or care can lead to bloodstream infections, such as catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs).
- Inaccurate Documentation: Failure to properly document the type and volume of fluids or medications given can lead to repeat doses or incorrect drug administration.
- Patient Movement: If a patient moves suddenly or frequently, it can dislodge the catheter or alter the infusion flow rate.
Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim for IV Errors
By consulting with an Cleveland medical malpractice lawyer, you may learn if you have the right to file a claim for medical malpractice in Ohio. Whether you were injured in a large hospital such as The Cleveland Clinic, or a medical center such as EMH Elyria Medical Center, compensation may be available.
Compensation in a medical malpractice claim can address your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Damages may be recoverable for not only your financial losses, but also your physical and emotional suffering. A lawyer can evaluate your case to determine if you should proceed with filing a claim.
In addition, an Cleveland medical malpractice lawyer may be able to assist you with the complex paperwork and forms that will need to be completed. Or they may be able to help assemble the evidence that will be necessary in your case.
To arrange for a no-cost consultation, home or hospital visit, contact us today – 216-621-3000.
