Is it Possible to Make a Claim if an Extravasation Injury Occurs?
In some circumstances, a claim can be brought for medical negligence when extravasation injury occurs, but only if it can be shown the fluid or medication was administered negligently in the first place. This is because this type of injury can occur as a known complication of treatment without there being negligence on the part of the person administering that treatment. Extravasation injuries are rare.
When Could There be a Case for Clinical Negligence?
There may be a case if the doctor or person administering the medication or fluids does not adhere to the usual preventative measures that are in place to prevent this type of injury. Alternatively, upon an injury occurring, there may be a case if steps are not taken or are not taken quickly enough, to prevent further damage occurring.
How do I Know if the Extravasation Injury was Negligent?
The first step is to contact a Solicitor for a discussion as to whether you may have a claim for medical negligence. If you have a potential claim to pursue, as part of the investigation of your claim, your Solicitor will obtain full disclosure of your medical records. It will then be necessary to instruct an independent expert to advise on whether the medication or fluid was administered incorrectly and, if so, what injury has been caused to you as a result.
What Might my Claim be Worth if I Have One?
The damages recovered will depend on the medical evidence obtained to support the injury that has been proved to have arisen due to the negligent treatment. Early treatment can reduce the harm caused and in some cases delay can make matters much worse. Not one case is the same and the damages recovered in each case reflect this. Damages will be higher if the injury has resulted in serious damage to the tissues and treatment and/or surgery that would have been avoided had the negligence not occurred.
How Long do I Have to Pursue a Claim?
There is a 3-year time limit from the date of the incident, or the date you should reasonably have been aware of an injury due to the incident, to pursue a claim. You should consult a Solicitor without delay once you believe something has gone wrong with your treatment.
How Can Timms Help?
At Timms, our Clinical Negligence Team has experience of dealing with claims following extravasation injury and know the devastating consequences these injuries can have on our clients. You can contact us for an initial conversation at no cost on 01283 214231 or alternatively email us at legal@timms-law.com
