Dangerous Judo class fractures back

A 43 year old woman fractured her back after dangerous judo throw during a beginners lesson.

Alice was a fit 43 year old woman who regularly enjoyed playing competitive sports and running marathons.

When her local sports centre advertised a self-defence course she had no hesitation in signing up both herself and her teenage daughter.

It was on week 4 of the 6 week novice course that the instructor taught the group complicated judo move, the O'Goshi a major hip throw.

After a short demonstration Alice was thrown by her partner but landed awkwardly. She was unable to move and had to be taken to hospital. She had in fact fractured a vertebra. Alice was kept in hospital on a back slab for 3 weeks. When she was discharged she had to wear a neck collar for nearly 6 months.

Alice was self-employed her lack of movement meant she was unable to work for over 8 months.

The specialist sports injury lawyers at a Bond Pearce investigated Alice's claim. They sought expert evidence from the British Self-Defence Governing Body who confirmed that such a complicated move should never have been taught to beginners, especially as the class was advertised as self-defence and not ever designed to be a judo class.

The sports injury team secured Alice £13,500 in compensation which included her loss of earnings.

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