Responding to a Flame Burn
We’ve all had encounters with hot stoves, dropped cigarettes, or other causes of burn injuries. In fact, contact with flames or hot surfaces are some of the most common causes of this kind of accident. When these incidents occur, it is very important to know the correct way to respond. Improper response to a burn can make an injury much worse than it could have been.
If you have been injured by a defective product or negligent party, you may have grounds for pursuing compensation. To learn more, call the offices of Clearwater burn injury lawyers Tragos & Sartes, P.L. at 727-441-9030.
Evaluate the Injury
The first step is to evaluate the severity of the injury. You need to call 911 if:
- The burn is large (about two inches or longer in diameter)
- The burn is on a sensitive area like the hands, joints, face, or genitals
- The skin around the burn appears white, darkened, or charred
- You have any doubts about whether emergency care is needed
While you wait for help, clean the wound with a cool, damp cloth and keep it elevated.
Treatment for Minor Burns
If the burn is relatively mild and none of the above conditions apply, just follow these steps:
- Wash off the injury with cool (not cold) water or a compress
- Do not apply any ointment or butter, as this can make the injury worse
- Cover the wound with a clean bandage
- If necessary, treat the pain with an over-the-counter remedy
- As the burn heals, keep an eye out for any signs of infection (swelling, pus, lasting pain, etc)
If the injury was caused by a negligent party, you may want to document the incident in case you decide to file a Clearwater burn injury claim.
Contact Us
The Clearwater personal injury lawyers of Tragos & Sartes, P.L. provide useful advice and efficient legal representation. Contact us at 727-441-9030.
