When someone suffers a burn injury, one of the first questions those around them will ask is if they need to call 911. Is it bad enough for a trip to the emergency room?
To be clear, you should always err on the side of caution. When in doubt, call 911. Even if it is a minor burn that could be treated at home, you’re better off heading to the hospital for treatment than putting off treatment for a serious burn. In many cases, the level of recovery depends on how fast the person gets to a doctor.
That said, here are four reasons you want to get to a hospital immediately following a burn:
- The person who suffered the burn is a senior citizen or an infant. People at both ends of the age spectrum are often fragile, and injuries can be far worse for them.
- The burn goes down through multiple skin layers. Superficial burns to just the outer layer heal far more easily than deep burns that pass through all layers.
- The burn is to the face, feet, hands or genitals. Scarring and improper healing can be much more problematic later in life when they occur in these areas.
- The skin is discolored. It may have patches of black, brown or white. It may appear charred or look leathery. These are all indicators of serious damage, no matter how the burned person says they feel.
Again, seek out medical help more often than not. Burns can heal, but prompt treatment is critical. Afterward, those who have suffered these injuries need to know if they have a right to financial compensation from those who caused or could have prevented the injury. If you or anyone you know has been injured, contact the Quinn Law Firm at 814-806-2518 for a free consultation.
