If a dog lunges for a person’s neck in an attack, the person could suffer a crushed or fractured larynx—a potentially life-threatening condition. The larynx, also known as the voice box, is located at the top of the neck on top of the windpipe. It can become crushed or fractured when a direct impact—such as a vicious dog attack—causes the voice box to break.
A fractured larynx can allow air to escape into the neck and chest, resulting in serious respiratory distress and death if the person does not receive immediate medical treatment. Symptoms of a fractured larynx include:
- Problems speaking or making sounds
- Hoarseness
- Labored breathing or respiratory distress
- Pain when swallowing or coughing or other neck pain
- Bruises on the neck or swelling
- Coughing up blood
Four Treatment Options for a Fractured Larynx
How a fractured larynx is treated will depend on the extent of the damage. A person could need the following treatments:
- Class one injuries. For minor injuries and respiratory issues, the victim’s treatment would be bed rest with his head elevated and humidified air, and voice rest. He would be under observation to ensure he did not need further treatment.
- Class two injuries. A person suffering class two injuries would experience moderate injuries, including some degree of respiratory problems and minor muscular injuries. The person would be treated with a tracheostomy—a surgical procedure to create an opening through the neck into the windpipe—to assist with breathing, and a laryngoscopy, which is a camera inserted to inspect the larynx.
- Class three and four injuries. These injuries include severely compromised airway, significant swelling, cartilage exposure, muscular tears, and vocal cord immobility. In addition to the treatments for class two injuries, a person would need surgical repair and—in the most severe cases—a stent to keep the larynx and trachea open.
Regardless of the level of injury, once the airway is healed, the person may need speech and swallowing evaluation and speech therapy.
If you or a family member suffered a fracture or other injury to your larynx, you are facing expensive and painful medical treatments. You could need an extended recovery period to rest your voice and to recover your ability to speak. However, you may be entitled to compensation from the dog owner and his insurance company for your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Fill out our online form to schedule a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your potential recovery.