At Oliver & Co Solicitors, our specialist clinical negligence team recently secured £50,000 in compensation for a client who suffered a serious IV extravasation injury during a hospital admission.
Extravasation injuries occur when medication or fluids leak from a vein into the surrounding tissue instead of remaining within the bloodstream. In some cases, this can cause significant damage to the skin, muscles and underlying tissue, particularly where certain medications are involved.
Why Our Client Was Admitted to Hospital
Our client attended A&E after suffering a fall at home that left them unable to bear weight.
Because of their complex medical history, they required treatment through an intravenous (IV) drip, including antibiotics and medication to treat raised calcium levels.
Unfortunately, mistakes made during this treatment led to a serious avoidable injury.
What Went Wrong?
During our investigations, we identified several failings in the care our client received.
A cannula (a small tube placed into a vein) was inserted to administer intravenous medication. However, the medication used and the way it was administered did not follow the hospital’s own guidance.
Our investigations found that:
- The wrong calcium medication was administered.
- The medication chosen carried a greater risk of damaging surrounding tissue if it leaked outside the vein.
- It was given through a peripheral cannula when it should have been administered using a safer method.
- The infusion continued significantly longer than recommended.
- Early signs of tissue damage were not recognised or acted upon promptly.
- Appropriate treatment to limit the damage was not provided once the injury became apparent.
As a result, medication leaked into the surrounding tissue, causing an extravasation injury that led to severe blistering, skin damage and tissue loss.
The Injuries Sustained
As our client’s condition deteriorated, they developed extensive blistering and breakdown of the skin on their hand and forearm.
Following further assessment, they were transferred to a specialist burns unit, where they underwent:
- Surgical removal of damaged tissue (debridement)
- Skin graft surgery
- Treatment using a dermal substitute to aid healing
Although the injuries to the forearm healed well, the donor site on the hand took much longer to recover and required ongoing treatment and monitoring.
How We Helped
Our clinical negligence solicitors carried out a detailed investigation into the treatment our client received.
We obtained independent expert medical evidence and reviewed the hospital records to determine whether the care provided met the expected standard.
The evidence demonstrated that there had been avoidable failures in the administration and monitoring of the intravenous treatment, together with delays in recognising and treating the developing injury.
Following our investigations, the NHS Trust admitted that the care provided had fallen below an acceptable standard and accepted that these failings had caused our client’s injuries.
The Outcome
We successfully negotiated a settlement of £50,000 on behalf of our client.
While compensation cannot reverse the injuries they suffered, it recognises the pain, treatment and ongoing effects of the avoidable harm caused during their hospital care.
Have You Suffered an IV Extravasation Injury?
Not every complication during medical treatment is caused by negligence. However, if an avoidable mistake has resulted in additional injury or unnecessary suffering, you may be entitled to make a clinical negligence claim.
At Oliver & Co Solicitors, our experienced clinical negligence solicitors help clients who have suffered avoidable injuries following hospital treatment, including IV extravasation injuries, surgical errors, delayed diagnosis and medication mistakes.
We understand that bringing a claim can feel daunting, particularly after an already difficult medical experience. Our team will explain your options clearly, investigate what happened and support you throughout the claims process.
To speak to one of our specialist clinical negligence solicitors, contact Oliver & Co Solicitors today on 01244 312306 or email law@oliverandco.co.uk for a free, confidential discussion about your circumstances.
