Jujitsu instructor sued by man claiming he was injured during class demonstration

NEW ORLEANS – A New Orleans man claims he was injured by his jujitsu instructor during a class demonstration.

Donald Meadows filed suit on March 1 in Orleans Parish Civil District Court against Shawn Gayton, NOLA Xtreme Fitness and their insurer.

Meadows claims he was a student in a beginner's jujitsu class at NOLA Xtreme Fitness located on Canal Boulevard in New Orleans when Gayton used him to demonstrate fighting techniques to the class.

The plaintiff alleges he was not defending himself when actions by Gayton resulted in a tear to his ACL. The knee damage to Meadows allegedly required surgery and nearly a year of physical therapy.

The defendants are being accused of breaching the duty between a teacher and student, breaching the duty between a master and an apprentice, failing to prevent the act that caused the injury, using unnecessary and unanticipated force, negligent hiring and negligent supervision.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for pain and suffering, mental anguish, medical expenses, past loss income and loss of wage earning capacity.

Meadows is being represented by New Orleans-based attorney Michael J. Winsberg.

Case number 2012-2012-02056 has been assigned to Division I Judge Piper D. Griffin.