Suit: Martial arts activity in gym class led to student's knee injury

A Chicago teen is suing her former South Side school and teacher for an injury she claims she sustained while engaging in a martial arts activity during physical education class.

Michelle Robinson filed the lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court on Dec. 4 against Noble Network of Charter Schools, doing business as Johnson College Prep, and her former P.E.  teacher P. Obradovic.

According to the complaint, Robinson was injured in P.E. class at Johnson College Prep in Englewood on Dec. 4, 2012, when a student kicked her in the knee while practicing "sweep kicks" as Obradovic had instructed. Robinson claims the defendants failed to call emergency medical personnel after she fell to the ground, requiring her mother to come take her to the hospital.

Because of the incident, Robinson alleges she had to have surgery, use a wheelchair and crutches, undergo physical therapy and may need additional surgery and therapy. Robinson was a minor at the time of the incident, but turned 18 in December 2013, according to the suit.

Robinson seeks damages in excess of $50,000, plus court fees, and is represented by attorney Edward G. Zaknoen of Zaknoen & Zaknoen in Chicago.

Cook County Circuit Court case number: 2014L012616.

This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed at Cook County Circuit Court. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note that a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt and represents only one side of the story.