Any time you need intravenous therapy—or an IV—you may be at risk of suffering from a medication error.
IV errors are one of the most common types of medication mistakes, and the consequences of an IV error can be serious or even life-threatening. Injuries and illness are both unfortunate outcomes of this form of medical negligence, and if you’ve been the victim of an IV error then you need to know why so that you can get the recovery that you deserve.
Common Causes of IV Errors
Typically, an IV error occurs in the negligent preparation of the IV or the negligent administration of the IV. More specifically, IV errors include:
- Administering an improper combination of drugs.
- Administering the wrong drugs.
- Administering an incorrect dosage of drugs.
- Administering drugs at the wrong time.
- Administering drugs with faulty valves or pumps.
- Administering drugs with an incorrect solution.
- Failing to administer drugs through an IV.
Perhaps one of the most severe kinds of IV errors is what is known as an extravasation injury. In this type of injury, there is either a leakage of fluid or an accidental injection of fluid into the tissue that surrounds the IV injection site. When this type of IV error is not detected, consequences could be fatal. When there is a failure to treat an extravasation injury, medical negligence could be to blame.
While most IV errors happen in a hospital setting, they can also occur in other medical facilities. Since your life is at stake, healthcare professionals are held to a high standard when treating you, and because many IV errors are preventable and are a result of medical negligence, you may be able to hold the healthcare organization liable for your injuries if you’re hurt.
Damages You May Seek After Suffering an IV Error
You may be entitled to recover damages through a medical malpractice claim if you have been the victim of an IV error. Some of the types of damages that may be recovered through a medication error claim include compensation for:
- Loss of limb function.
- Cosmetic disfigurement.
- Psychological damage.
- Pain and suffering.
- Disability.
- Current and future medical expenses.
- Current and future lost wages.
To better understand your legal rights, you should consult with an experienced medication error lawyer. A lawyer will evaluate your case to determine if you should proceed with a claim and can help you each step of the way. If you’ve been injured in Kentucky, contact us today for a free evaluation of your case—just call us at 1-888-450-4456 or 502-210-8942.
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