Yes. If you suffered nerve damage after an IV treatment and can prove that your healthcare provider failed to secure the device properly, you might be eligible for compensation.
The phrase “First, do no harm” is associated with the Hippocratic oath that medical practitioners adhere to when treating a patient. Unfortunately, whether by accident or malice, not all doctors comply with this principle. Medical malpractice can cause serious injuries and expensive life-long complications.
If you suffered nerve damage after an IV treatment, you might be able to pursue monetary compensation for your losses. A personal injury attorney can work closely with you to determine the best approach when seeking justice. In some cases, it may be appropriate to file a medical malpractice suit against negligent parties (which may include the hospital).
At Sadaka Law in Englewood, NJ, our medical malpractice attorneys will answer all your questions about nerve damage from IV treatments. Consider the following information, then get in touch with our experienced lawyers to seek compensation.
Can You Sue the Hospital for Nerve Damage from IV Malpractice?
If you are injured by an IV and you desire to file a lawsuit, you will want to file a medical malpractice suit against all responsible parties. In many cases, this will include the hospital at which you received the IV. However, it is best to contact a lawyer to determine whether or not the hospital should be included in your suit. Our lawyers at Sadaka Law can guide you through this process so you can receive proper compensation for your injuries.
Understanding the Nervous System
The nervous system is a vital part of your anatomy, enabling you to complete basic tasks and perceive sensations. After decades of research, neuroscientists have a good understanding of how this system functions and interacts with the rest of the human anatomy.
Your body utilizes three types of nerves: autonomic, motor, and sensory.
Autonomic nerves regulate the involuntary processes of your heart, blood pressure, and digestive system. Motor nerves pass electrical signals from your brain to your spine that enable you to move muscles. Lastly, sensory nerves allow your body to send alerts back to your brain that let you feel pain and pleasure.
Healthy individuals rarely need to think about their nervous systems. Only in cases of nerve damage will injured persons notice excessive pain or numbness. An accident or medical incident can cause a significant nerve injury that reduces your body’s day-to-day performance.
Complications Caused By Nerve Damage
Those who suffer from autonomic nerve damage may experience the following side effects and complications:
- Chest pain or inability to feel early warnings of heart attacks
- Persistent dizziness
- Dry mouth and eyes
- Incontinence
- Sexual dysfunction
Symptoms associated with injured motor and sensory nerves include:
- Mobility issues
- Paralysis
- Involuntary spasms
- Chronic pain
- Localized or general numbness throughout the body
- Feeling a burning sensation in one or multiple extremities
IV Infiltration Injuries
A medical professional may determine that intravenous (IV) treatment is necessary for certain procedures, or you might have visited a trendy “IV bar” for vitamin infusions.
Intravenous solutions help administer fluid, medicine, or other nutrients into the body after a serious injury. However, IV complications, such as IV infiltration, occur when health care providers (or those in IV hydration or infusion centers with questionable credentials to administer IVs) fail to secure the device properly.
IV infiltration is a serious medical concern that can lead to permanent nerve damage. Essentially, non-vesicant solutions leak out of the patient’s vein and into the surrounding soft tissue. When left untreated, the patient could experience serious harm, such as:
- Loss of motor function
- Muscle weakness
- Sharp pain near the IV site
- Swelling around the affected extremity
Soft tissue damage can create severe pain for injured patients long after the initial treatment. Although many IV infiltration cases occur due to substandard care, faulty equipment, human error, or accidents can also cause these severe injuries.
Pay close attention to the IV site on your body after your treatment. If you suspect that your medical complications began due to IV infiltration, speak to a law firm today.
Who Is Liable for Nerve Damage Caused by IV Infusions?
Some reports suggest that medical negligence costs nearly $60 billion a year in healthcare spending. It is no wonder that so many people seek compensation for nerve injuries caused by IV treatment. Still, it can be challenging to determine who is liable without help from an attorney.
In some cases, the fault may fall on one physician or nurse. However, in extreme cases of medical malpractice, several doctors or even the owners of the medical or commercial facility that authorized the treatment can be responsible for damages.
A personal injury attorney will need to complete a thorough investigation to determine which medical doctors contributed to the injury.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim for Nerve Damage Caused by IV Infiltration?
Not all IV infiltration injuries are the same. Suppose you underwent a medical procedure that required an IV for your right arm. If you sustained a minor injury, you might only need to pursue compensation for subsequent hospitalization costs or lost wages from time off work.
Conversely, suppose your IV infiltration injury caused severe complications that required amputation or long-term medical care. In this case, you may be able to seek a much larger judgment from the negligent party.
An attorney will help you calculate your losses so you can pursue an appropriate reimbursement.
What Kind of Compensation Can You Get?
Medical malpractice claims usually allow injured parties to pursue two types of compensation.
Those who sustain economic losses, such as medical expenses (long-term care, medication, and surgery), may want liable parties to cover all the costs. Collecting receipts, prescriptions, and doctor reports can make these damages easier to prove in court.
The second type of compensation includes non-economic losses like pain and suffering. Some patients with IV infiltration injuries require extensive psychological care for trauma. It’s a good idea to let a lawyer represent you when you seek restitution for these types of losses.
Pain and suffering can be somewhat more challenging to prove. Often, negligent medical providers will try to downplay the mental or emotional setbacks their patients experience from nerve damage.
How Do You Know If You Have Suffered Nerve Damage From an IV?
You might have nerve damage if you notice unusual motor control, sensory perception, or cognitive behavior changes after an IV treatment. Sometimes serious injuries do not have symptoms that manifest right away. It could take days or even months before you start noticing changes in your body.
Even if you don’t notice complications until months after your treatment, you can still pursue restitution. A licensed attorney will discuss your options so you’ll know what to expect.
Contact a different physician if you suspect that your existing medical facility has engaged in medical malpractice. Having a second opinion can rule out pre-existing conditions or other problems that may be occurring. A doctor can identify the source of your nerve damage and help you recover.
How Can Medical Professionals Treat Nerve Damage?
Licensed medical professionals will conduct a thorough examination to determine the extent of your nerve damage. Once you have a diagnosis, they can develop a treatment plan to address your symptoms. For mild to moderate cases, they may refer you for physical therapy.
Physical therapy is a minimally invasive way to restore balance, treat pain quickly, and offset some permanent nerve damage complications.
In more severe cases, a doctor may recommend surgery. Electrical stimulators can help with nerve regrowth and fortify the affected area against future damage. Still, this treatment may only be effective for some, depending on their health and age.
Some medical professionals may also prescribe amitriptyline, duloxetine, or pregabalin to treat depression and epilepsy.
How Long Does Nerve Damage From IV Infiltration Take to Heal?
When IV infiltration occurs, you may wonder if your medical complications are curable. With the proper care, soft tissue will heal over time, as will bruised or traumatized nerves. Some doctors suggest that nerve fibers usually grow about an inch per month.
If this information is correct, you may expect mild symptoms of nerve damage to disappear after two to six months. Still, depending on your medical history, a more significant nerve injury may take longer to heal.
Preventing Nerve Damage From IV Infiltration
Sometimes, you may be unable to avoid nerve damage caused by medical malpractice, especially involving an IV or IV catheter. Still, you can fortify your nervous system with healthy routines that reduce the risk of severe injuries.
Regular exercise helps your body release various neurotransmitters that reinforce brain function. Additionally, it facilitates soft tissue growth that may protect your body against serious IV infiltration damage.
Maintaining a healthy diet is another great way to keep your body safe. Consuming Omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins can reduce inflammation and stimulate nerve growth. Fresh berries are an excellent source of these nutrients.
Consider speaking to a medical professional to learn more about helpful eating habits.
Lastly, get plenty of sleep so your body has the energy to protect itself against nerve damage. Healthy adults get between seven to eight hours of sleep every night. Invest in darker curtains, white noise machines, or a new mattress to help you rest better at night.
How Can an Attorney Help?
As we mentioned above, an attorney can gather evidence, witness testimonies, and other useful resources on your behalf following an IV injury. Additionally, they can represent you when filing your claim or speaking to an insurance company. This way, you don’t incriminate yourself or downplay your condition accidentally.
Having an attorney in mind before an injury occurs is a smart decision. It can be exhausting to research the right law firm to handle your case if you manage pain from IV infiltration. Having a lawyer nearby allows you to focus on your recovery while they keep you on track with filing deadlines and appointments.
A personal injury lawyer can recommend the best course of action when pursuing compensation. In some cases, a lawsuit may not be necessary. Your attorney can meet with the responsible parties and negotiate a reasonable settlement to cover your losses.
Expect this process to last weeks or even months. Still, negotiations can break down at any point. Suppose responsible parties decide to take their chances in court. In that case, your lawyer will need to shift their focus toward convincing a judge or jury.
Often, hospitals and doctors have their own experienced attorneys that will defend them during medical malpractice lawsuits. You will need to hire an astute lawyer willing to fight from beginning to end.
Hiring a Lawyer After Medical Malpractice
Getting the help you need after an injury is essential for your financial and physical well-being. Partner with a law firm you can trust when seeking reimbursement for your damages. At Sadaka Law, we represent hundreds of clients in medical malpractice cases.
Our lawyers have years of experience managing personal injury lawsuits by offering ethical counseling. Let us review your medical malpractice claim so that you are confident about filing. Additionally, continue exploring our website to learn how to pursue compensation for vaccine-related injuries.
Contact us at Sadaka Law in Englewood, NJ, or New York, NY. Speak to a representative at 1(800) 810-3457 or (201) 266-5670.
