Intravenous (IV) therapy involves infusing liquid (i.e., blood or medication) directly into a vein. Unfortunately, the fluid in IV bags can become contaminated with bacteria that can adversely affect a patient’s health. If you or someone close to you has been injured or harmed by IV fluid contamination, you may be able to recover damages through a medical malpractice claim. At Arfaa Law Group, our seasoned Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers can examine the circumstances of your injury and determine who was at fault.
In recent years, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has investigated a number of instances of IV bag and fluid contamination. If IV bags are not properly sterilized and stored correctly, they can be a breeding ground for bacterial growth. When such contaminated fluids enter a patient’s bloodstream through an IV, the patient may suffer negative health consequences, including but not limited to:
- Fever;
- Flu-like illness;
- Tachycardia;
- Respiratory problems;
- Sepsis;
- Septic shock;
- Endocarditis; or
- Death.
Illnesses or infections acquired through IVs can be more debilitating and serious than the original condition for which the plaintiff sought treatment. IV fluid contamination can be a result of negligent practices as well as faulty manufacturing of the IV bags. When negligent practices are the cause of IV contamination, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim against the at-fault party.
Malpractice occurs when a health care professional’s conduct falls below the accepted standard of care in the medical community and causes an injury or death to the patient. To establish medical malpractice, a victim must establish that the medical professional owed the victim a duty of care, the medical professional breached the duty of care owed to the victim by failing to prevent IV fluid contamination, and the medical professional’s breach was a direct cause of the victim’s harm.
Victims of IV fluid contamination may be able to recover damages if medical malpractice is established. These damages typically include medical bills, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and lost income. The exact amount of damages will vary from case to case, depending on the specific facts of that situation.
If your IV fluid contamination was caused because of a defect in manufacturing, you may be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer. These personal injury claims are complex, and a skilled lawyer can help you determine whether the circumstances of your case meet the requirements of such a claim.
At Arfaa Law Group, our reputable Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys have represented many families in medical negligence cases and can help you as well. IVs are a cornerstone of modern medicine, and many people, at some point, will require an IV. This is why it is of utmost importance that IV fluid be safe for patients. Our firm can investigate the facts of your case and help you seek the compensation you deserve for your harm. For a free consultation, feel free to call 410-889-1850 or contact us online.
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