“PICC” (or “PIC line”) is a form of intravenous (“IV”) access that can be used for a prolonged period of time (i.e., extended antibiotic therapy).  However, what most people don’t know is that these lines can also cause significant damage to nerves if not inserted and removed properly.

Warrenton and Fauquier County dog attack injury lawyer Doug Landau has recently been consulted in a case involving precisely this type of damage.  A Warrenton Virginia area client was attacked by dogs when he arrived at a residence to do repair work.  The trained attack dogs came at him without provocation, and he was bitten in his dominant hand.  The would became septic, and the injured worker was admitted to the Fauquier Hospital for treatment and IV antibiotic therapy.  The infection was treated, but when the PICC line was removed, he had tingling, weakness and pain in his upper extremity on the non-dominant side.    This has left the client with bouts of pain, loss of feeling at different points and an inability to get a full night’s restful sleep.  He also cannot make a tight grip or oppose fingers as he had been accustomed prior to the attack and he workers compensation insurance company is withholding benefits and authorization for further medical care.

Any person suffering similar symptoms should immediately contact a doctor.  They should also document all of their symptoms and communicate these to their doctor and other health care providers.  The longer a patient waits to address these symptoms the greater the risk of permanent injury.  If you or someone you know has been injured in an on the job accident or dog attack and would like our assistance, please e-mail us at ABRAMS LANDAU, Ltd., or call 703-796-9555 today.