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After Cervical Injury in 2018, Jack Greener Won Judicial Battle and Is Set to Receive Over US$ 56 Million in Damages
Jack Greener, a novice jiu-jitsu student, secured a multi-million dollar compensation through the courts. The case gained attention in the United States after a serious accident during training in 2018. Jack, now 30, became quadriplegic after suffering a cervical vertebra injury during a match with his instructor.
The incident occurred at the Del Mar Jiu Jitsu academy in San Diego, California. Jack, still a white belt, was training with black belt Francisco Iturralde, 33, known as “Sinistro.” During the training session, the instructor applied a technique that resulted in the severe injury.
The Moment of Injury
Recorded images showed Iturralde turning Jack forward and twisting his neck. The maneuver crushed the student’s cervical vertebrae, causing him to instantly lose movement in his arms and legs.
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Rener Gracie, grandson of Helio Gracie, was called as an expert witness. He explained that the instructor placed all his body weight on Jack’s neck, causing the immediate loss of motor functions.
Disagreements Within Jiu-Jitsu
The case generated differing opinions within the jiu-jitsu community. Royler Gracie, Rener’s uncle, argued that the incident was an accident. In an interview on a YouTube channel, he stated that there was no negligence on the part of the instructor or the academy, although he acknowledged that Jack deserved compensation for what happened.
Trial and Initial Decisions
After the accident, Jack was hospitalized for months and suffered several strokes due to medical complications. He decided to sue the academy, claiming that the instructor exceeded the normal risks of the practice.
Iturralde’s “dynamic and aggressive” style, highlighted in his own promotional materials, was also cited as a factor that may have increased the danger during training.
In San Diego, the jury decided to award Jack US$ 46 million, about R$ 257 million. The academy, disagreeing with the outcome, filed an appeal.
Confirmation of the Sentence and Increase in Damages
The California Supreme Court rejected the request to overturn the sentence. Before that, a state appeals panel had already upheld the decision in favor of Jack. With the application of post-judgment interest, the total amount of damages exceeded US$ 56 million, equivalent to R$ 313 million.
Victory for Injured Athletes
Jack’s attorney, Rahul Ravipudi, celebrated the verdict. He stated that the decision represents an important victory for injured athletes, making it clear that instructors and academies can be held accountable for exposing students to risks beyond the normal scope of the sport.
Appeal to the Federal Supreme Court
Lacking further options for appeal in the state sphere, the academy has now appealed to the Federal Supreme Court. The final decision is still pending analysis at this new legal level.
With information from Extra.
