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The Baer Law Firm Investigates Another Stroke from Air Embolism During IV Infusion at Metro Atlanta Med Spa
Last year, The Baer Law Firm filed suit against a Newnan, Georgia hospital after a patient suffered a stroke while receiving a routine IV of fluids, allegedly due to an air embolism. Recently, The Baer Law Firm was retained to investigate another suspected case of stroke caused by an air embolism. In this case, our client was receiving IV fluids for non‑emergent hydration at a med‑spa south of Atlanta that specializes in IV hydration therapy.
The incident occurred during the administration of IV fluids when a pressure device was reportedly used to accelerate the infusion. As in our Newnan case, we are investigating whether the use of a pressure bag or similar device may have forced air from the IV bag or tubing into the bloodstream, resulting in an air embolism that traveled to the brain and caused a stroke.
Pressurizing IV bags to accelerate infusion is generally reserved for true emergencies, such as major trauma or hemorrhage, because of the high level of risk associated with the procedure. If the system is not completely purged of air and appropriate safeguards are not in place beforehand, administrators risk pushing air into a patient’s circulation.
The Baer Law Firm is examining whether the use of a pressure device for routine IV hydration at the med‑spa violated basic patient safety principles and contributed to what appears to be an entirely preventable, catastrophic outcome.
Attorney Bryan Baer has twenty (20) years of legal experience representing clients in serious and serious personal injury and medical malpractice cases. He has been first chair in more than a dozen twelve-person jury trials on both the plaintiff and defense sides. Recognized as a leader in his legal community, he is frequently asked to speak at legal seminars on trial topics ranging from “Best Practices in Voire Dire” to “Maximizing Damages at Trial” as well as insurance issues such as “Navigating the Insurance Landscape” and “Injury Demands & Negotiations.” Learn more here.