Can I claim compensation for a cannula being left in for too long?

We have been independently ranked as the top medical negligence solicitors in England and Wales*. For a free consultation with a member of our specialist team about making a cannula negligence claim, contact our helpline and we will respond immediately.

If a cannula is left in too long, serious complications for the patient can arise, and this may entitle them to make a claim for compensation, says specialist clinical negligence lawyer Oliver Thorne.

Cannulas are fine tubes that are inserted into a patient’s vein, usually in the back of their hand or arm, using a small, fine needle. Once the cannula is in place the needle is removed, leaving the tube inside the vein. The cannula will have at least one connector which enables medical staff to administer fluids and medication directly into the patient’s bloodstream.

The dangers of leaving a cannula in too long

Cannulas should be removed when the patient’s treatment ends, or earlier if it is not working properly. Where medical treatment continues beyond 3 days (72 hours) then the cannula should be replaced by a fresh one, though there are circumstances in which it would be medically acceptable to leave it in place a little longer.

Staff must monitor for any signs of complications while a cannula is in position and ensure that it is removed when required. Leaving a cannula in a patient’s vein for too long can result in infection, inflammation of the vein (a condition known as phlebitis), and tissue damage.

  • Infection:

    The longer a cannula is in place, the greater the risk of bacteria entering the patient’s bloodstream at the site of the insertion.

  • Inflammation:

    Phlebitis has a red, tender, cord-like appearance. It can also cause swelling and warmth around the cannula site.

  • Tissue damage:

    If a cannula is not properly inserted, fluids or medication can leak into surrounding tissues, causing irritation, inflammation, blistering, and in severe cases, tissue necrosis (cell death).

How we can help with claiming compensation if a cannula is left in too long

If you suffer any of these issues as a result of a failure by medical staff to monitor, remove, or replace a cannula, then our medical negligence solicitors are here to help you recover compensation.

We have been awarded Lexcel accreditation by the Law Society for excellence in client care and are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. We are experienced in dealing with cannula claims, and you can read about a successful claim we made involving a patient whose cannula was not removed before he was discharged from hospital. In that case, we recovered compensation totalling £60,000 for our client in an out of court settlement.

Our specialist medical malpractice solicitors offer a free consultation service, which you can access by phoning our dedicated helpline or by emailing us. Our expert lawyers will respond immediately, providing you with an assessment of the legal merits of your case and details of our highly popular, fully funded, No Win — No Fee scheme.

Call us on 0333 888 0412 or email brief details of your case to us in complete confidence at info@medicalaccidentlawyers.co.uk

 

*www.reviewsolicitors.co.uk September 2025.
Making a claim if a cannula is left in too long

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