I had an eye injury happen at work that also got progressively worse as the day went on. I can sympathize with the person who was stung, because I was in shock about the accident to make a rational decision. And my boss also gave unhelpful advice that didn't move me to immediate action.

Your advice about living with the consequences was spot on, but oh man is it hard to forgive oneself for lacking the ability to make a decision while in crisis.