Burn injuries can be severe, even if they don’t look that way at first. Whether it occurred at work, at home, or elsewhere, what you do in the minutes, hours, and days that follow can significantly impact your entire recovery process, both medically and legally.
If someone else was responsible, you have a legal right to seek compensation. But that process isn’t much more straightforward. It depends on what you can prove and how well you document your case.
If you’re unsure about your next move, especially when it comes to legal action, talk to an experienced attorney for burn injury accidents. They can help you figure out if you have a case, guide you through the process, and make sure you’re not taken advantage of by insurance companies or employers.
Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately
The very first thing you should do after a burn is get medical attention. Don’t assume it’s not that bad because burns are tricky. Some may not appear severe on the surface, but underneath, there could be severe damage.
What feels like a minor injury might be a second or third-degree burn, and if it’s not appropriately treated right away, you risk infection, nerve damage, or worse. Go to the emergency room, an urgent care clinic, or call 911 if necessary.
Minor burn first aid includes, but is not limited to:
- Cooling the burn: Immediately run cool (not cold) water over the burn for 10-20 minutes. This helps reduce swelling and pain.
- Removing tight items: Take off any rings or clothing near the burn before swelling increases.
- Don’t break blisters: Blisters protect the wound and prevent infection. If a blister breaks, gently clean the area with mild soap and water.
- Apply lotion: Once the burn is cooled, apply a soothing lotion like aloe vera or a moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated and prevent dryness.
- Bandage the burn: Cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick bandage to protect it from infection and further irritation.
- Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen might help manage pain and discomfort.
- Watch for infection: Monitor the burn for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus.
- Consider a tetanus shot: If you haven’t had a tetanus shot in the last 10 years, consult your doctor.
Step 2: Capture the Scene
If you’re physically able or if someone else can help, take photos and videos of the area where the burn occurred. Focus on anything that shows what caused the injury: a faulty machine, a spill, exposed wires, a lack of safety signs, or any unsafe conditions.
Don’t just zoom in on the burn itself. Show the environment, equipment, lighting, and even the time of day if it helps paint the whole picture. The more detail, the better. If your injury occurred at work or in a public place, ask if there are security cameras that might have captured the incident.
Visual evidence is hard to argue with. It creates a timeline and helps clarify how and why the injury happened.
Step 3: Talk to Witnesses and Get Their Accounts Early
If anyone witnessed what happened or even just observed the conditions immediately before or after, please speak with them as soon as possible. Ask them to write down or record exactly what they saw while it’s still fresh in their memory. You’ll want their full names and at least one way to contact them later.
Even if they didn’t see the moment the burn occurred, they might still be able to describe key details that support your story.
For example, someone might confirm that a machine was sparking earlier in the day or that there was no warning signs posted. These statements can carry significant weight if you need to prove negligence or liability later.
Step 4: Start a Record of Everything
From your very first doctor’s visit, start keeping a complete and organized record of everything related to your burn. That includes:
- Every appointment, prescription, or treatment
- Notes from doctors or specialists
- Any time you had to take off work or school
- Any physical or emotional effects you’re dealing with
Also, keep receipts and documentation for all expenses related to the injury, including hospital bills, transportation, bandages, ointments, co-pays, and parking costs. These records help build a clear picture of how the injury has affected your life financially, physically, and emotionally.
Step 5: Keep and Protect Physical Evidence
Don’t throw anything away. That shirt you were wearing, those burned gloves, the damaged tool or item that caused the burn, all of that could be used as evidence. The same goes for medical records, insurance paperwork, emails with your employer, or any communication about the incident.
Put everything in one place and keep it safe. Even small items or details you think won’t matter could end up being important down the line, especially if you need to file a claim or lawsuit.
This article was written for WHN by Pamela Paige, a committed writer and precise editor with a strong focus on legal and healthcare subjects. She believes in the power of words to educate, inspire, and make a lasting impact. Her mission is to simplify complex legal and medical topics into clear, reader-friendly content that informs and empowers the general public. When she’s not writing, she enjoys diving into fiction, staying current with marketing trends, and exploring personal growth through self-help literature.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
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