But when a needle is placed incorrectly, a medication is injected into the wrong tissue, or an IV is mishandled, it can damage nearby nerves or soft tissue. In rare but devastating cases, that trauma can trigger Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) – a chronic pain condition that can permanently change a person’s life.

If you or a loved one developed severe, lasting pain after an injection, vaccination, blood draw, or IV, you may be wondering:

• Is this just a “bad reaction” that I have to live with?
• Could this be CRPS?
• Did a healthcare provider do something wrong and is this medical malpractice?

This article breaks down what patients need to know about needlestick injuries, CRPS, and potential medical malpractice claims, and how McEldrew Purtell can help.

What Is a Needlestick Injury in the Medical Malpractice Context?

When people hear “needlestick injury,” they often think about healthcare workers accidentally sticking themselves and being exposed to bloodborne pathogens.

In the medical malpractice context, we’re talking about something different. Injuries caused when a needle is improperly used on the patient, such as:

• An injection into the wrong anatomical location (for example, directly into or too close to a nerve)
• Medication injected into the wrong tissue layer (muscle vs. fat vs. nerve bundle)
• Medication delivered too quickly or at the wrong volume, causing pressure damage (compartment syndrome) or tissue burns
• Poorly placed IV lines or infiltrations that damage nerves or surrounding structures

These injuries can cause:

• Direct nerve damage
• Severe burning or electric shock–like pain
• Muscle weakness or loss of function
• In some cases, the onset of CRPS

Because these harms are usually preventable with proper technique and reasonable care, they can form the basis of a medical malpractice claim when a provider falls below the accepted standard.

What Is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that typically affects a hand, arm, foot, or leg after an injury. The pain lasts far longer and is much more intense than would be expected from the original injury.

Key features of CRPS may include:

• Severe, burning, or electric shock–like pain
• Pain disproportionate to the original injury
• Swelling and changes in skin color (red, purple, or blotchy)
• Temperature changes (the limb feels very hot or very cold)
• Changes in skin texture, hair, or nail growth
• Stiffness, weakness, or tremors in the affected limb

CRPS is broadly divided into:

• CRPS I – triggered by a noxious event without a clearly identified nerve injury
• CRPS II (causalgia) – associated with a known nerve injury, including nerve trauma from an injection or venipuncture (blood draw).

Although CRPS is uncommon, it is well-documented after intramuscular injections, venipuncture, and other needle-based procedures.

How a “Routine” Injection or Blood Draw Can Lead to CRPS

Most injections and blood draws are safe. But CRPS can develop when a needle-based procedure causes nerve injury or abnormal nerve response, for example:

1. Incorrect Needle Placement

If a needle is inserted into the wrong part of a muscle or too close to a major nerve (such as the sciatic nerve in the buttock or leg), it can cause:

• Direct nerve trauma
• Neuropathic pain
• Weakness or altered sensation
• Potential onset of CRPS in the affected limb

This risk can be higher when a provider:

• Uses an improper injection site for the patient’s body type
• Fails to account for muscle mass, fat distribution, or anatomic landmarks
• Does not follow established guidelines for safe injection technique

2. Volume or Delivery Errors

Even if the needle is in the right place, how the medication is delivered matters:

• Injecting too much medication into a confined space can cause compartment syndrome and tissue damage
• Injecting a medication too quickly or with a harmful pH can cause chemical burns and necrosis (tissue death)
• These injuries can trigger severe pain and, in some cases, CRPS.

3. IV and Venipuncture Complications

Venipuncture (drawing blood) and IV placement are some of the most common medical procedures, performed millions of times a day. Yet medical literature recognizes cases of CRPS developing after venipuncture or IV insertion.

Complications may include:

• Needle trauma to nerves near the vein
• Multiple failed attempts at insertion
• IV infiltration (fluid leaking into surrounding tissue)
• Improper management of swelling, pain, or nerve symptoms during and after the procedure

A growing number of lawsuits worldwide involve injection- or venipuncture-induced CRPS, reflecting increased recognition of this risk among both medical and legal professionals.

When Does a Needlestick Injury Become Medical Malpractice?

Not every bad outcome is malpractice. To bring a medical malpractice claim, an injured patient generally must prove:

1. Duty of care – The provider (doctor, nurse, technician) owed you a professional duty.
2. Breach of the standard of care – The provider failed to act as a reasonably careful, similarly trained professional would have acted in the same situation.
3. Causation – That failure caused your injury (for example, nerve damage or CRPS).
4. Damages – You suffered real harm: pain, disability, medical bills, lost income, etc.

In the context of needlestick injuries and CRPS, potential breaches might include:

• Using an incorrect or unsafe injection site
• Ignoring established guidelines for needle placement and technique
• Injecting the wrong medication, wrong dose, or wrong route
• Failing to respond promptly to acute pain, numbness, or weakness during or after the injection
• Failing to refer the patient for timely neurologic, pain management, or rehabilitative care

Because needlestick injuries and CRPS are often preventable when basic precautions are taken, a serious complication can be strong evidence that the standard of care was not followed.

Signs to Watch for After an Injection, Blood Draw, or IV

If you recently had a needle-based procedure and notice any of the following, especially in the arm or leg that was involved, take it seriously:

• Immediate or delayed burning, stabbing, or electric shock–like pain
• Pain that is far worse than you’d expect from a simple injection
• Swelling that doesn’t resolve, or that spreads up or down the limb
• Changes in color (red, purple, blue, blotchy) or temperature (very hot or very cold)
• Shiny, thin, or tight-looking skin over the affected area
• Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the hand, foot, or limb
• Difficulty using the limb for everyday activities (grasping, walking, standing)

Early recognition and treatment of CRPS can sometimes improve outcomes — but the condition can still be life-altering even with appropriate care.

What To Do If You Suspect CRPS After a Needlestick Injury

If you believe you may have CRPS or significant nerve damage after a needle procedure, consider taking these steps:

1. Seek Prompt Medical Evaluation

• Return to the provider or facility if symptoms start immediately after the procedure.
• Ask for a referral to a neurologist or pain specialist with CRPS experience.
• Keep a written list of all your symptoms, when they started, and how they’ve progressed.

2. Document Everything

• Write down dates, times, and locations of injections or blood draws.
• Note who performed the procedure (name and role) if you know it.
• Save all medical records, discharge instructions, and appointment summaries.
• Keep a daily pain and function journal to track how the condition affects your life.

3. Be Cautious About “It’s Just in Your Head” Explanations

Because CRPS can be misunderstood and difficult to diagnose, some patients are initially told that their pain is exaggerated or psychological. Medical literature recognizes CRPS as a legitimate, serious neurological and pain condition.

If you feel your concerns are being dismissed, seeking a second opinion is reasonable and often important.

4. Talk With a Medical Malpractice Attorney

Needlestick/CRPS cases are complex. Proving exactly what went wrong and how it caused your condition usually requires:

• Detailed review of medical records
• Expert testimony on proper injection or venipuncture technique
• Analysis of how your symptoms developed over time

An experienced malpractice attorney can help you understand whether you may have a viable claim and what your options are.

Potential Damages in a Needlestick-Induced CRPS Case

If a healthcare provider’s negligence caused or contributed to your CRPS, you may be entitled to seek compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses – Pain management, nerve blocks, medications, physical and occupational therapy
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity – Time off work, reduced hours, or inability to continue in your prior occupation
• Pain and suffering – Chronic pain, loss of mobility, and day-to-day limitations
• Loss of enjoyment of life – Inability to participate in hobbies, family activities, or normal routines
• In some cases, home modifications, assistive devices, or long-term care needs

Every case is different, and no attorney can guarantee a particular outcome. But a carefully investigated malpractice case can help secure resources you need to manage a lifelong condition.

How McEldrew Purtell Handles Needlestick and CRPS Medical Malpractice Cases

McEldrew Purtell focuses on catastrophic injury and wrongful death including complex medical malpractice matters such as needlestick-induced CRPS.

When we investigate these cases, our team:

• Obtains and reviews all relevant medical records – We look at injection notes, nursing records, medication orders, emergency department visits, and pain management records to understand exactly what happened and when.
• Analyzes technique and decision-making – We evaluate whether the injection site, needle size, dosing, and monitoring met accepted standards of care and whether warning signs were ignored.
• Works with medical and CRPS experts – Neurologists, pain specialists, and other experts help us connect the dots between the needle procedure, nerve injury, and CRPS diagnosis.
• Builds a clear narrative of preventable harm – We develop a timeline that explains how a “routine” procedure turned into a life-changing injury and what should have been done differently.
• Pursues full accountability – We seek compensation not just for medical expenses, but for the long-term pain, disability, and losses our clients and their families face.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I didn’t realize it might be malpractice until months later?

That’s common with CRPS. Many patients spend months or longer trying to get a diagnosis and treatment before anyone mentions malpractice.

There are strict deadlines (statutes of limitations) for bringing medical malpractice claims, and they vary by state and circumstance. Waiting too long can permanently bar your claim, so it’s important to speak to counsel as soon as you suspect negligence played a role.

Do I have to sue the individual nurse or phlebotomist?

In most medical malpractice cases, the claim is brought against the hospital, clinic, or practice, which is typically responsible for the acts of its employees and the systems, staffing, and training that contribute to patient safety. The specifics depend on how and where your injury occurred, which we can evaluate with you.

Talk to a Medical Malpractice Attorney About a Needlestick or CRPS Injury

If you or someone you love developed severe, lasting pain or CRPS after an injection, blood draw, IV, or other needle procedure, you’re not overreacting and you don’t have to navigate this alone.

McEldrew Purtell investigates serious medical malpractice cases, including needlestick-induced nerve injuries and CRPS, for patients and families whose lives have been turned upside down by a “routine” procedure gone wrong.

• Free, confidential consultation
• No fee unless we recover compensation for you
• Focus on catastrophic injury and wrongful death matters

Call (215) 545-8800 or contact McEldrew Purtell through our online form today to discuss a potential needlestick or CRPS malpractice case and learn how we can help you move forward.