Gwyneth Paltrow found not at fault in 2016 ski collision

A jury has unanimously found the actress did not cause the ski collision with the retired optometrist who had claimed she left him with brain damage.

US actress Gwyneth Paltrow sits in court during an objection by her attorney at her trial. She successfully defeated the lawsuit with a jury voting unanimously in her favour.

A jury found actress and businesswoman Gwyneth Paltrow not at fault in a skiing collision with a retired optometrist that occurred on a Utah ski slope in 2016, in a civil trial that concluded Thursday.

Terry Sanderson, 76 years old, sued Ms. Paltrow in 2019, alleging she rammed into him while they were both skiing at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah. Mr. Sanderson has said Ms. Paltrow left him with a brain injury, four broken ribs and other serious afflictions.

Ms. Paltrow, an Academy Award-winning actress and founder of the lifestyle brand Goop, countersued him. She alleged Mr. Sanderson was responsible for the collision, which knocked her down from behind as he came down the ski slope. Ms. Paltrow was on a ski vacation with her two children and her then-boyfriend, now husband, Brad Falchuk, and his two children.

Mr. Sanderson’s legal team asked the jury during closing arguments Thursday to consider awarding him nearly $3.3 million in damages. Ms. Paltrow asked for $1.

Robert Sykes, a lawyer for Mr. Sanderson, told the jury he thought Ms. Paltrow believed she was the victim.

“She’s not a liar,” Mr. Sykes said. “But the problem is a sincere belief doesn’t make it so.” Stephen Owens, a lawyer for Ms. Paltrow, said it would have been easier for his client to write a check and settle with Mr. Sanderson. But Mr. Sanderson is at fault and doesn’t deserve any award for damages, he said.

“He hit her. He hurt her. And he wants $3 million for it,” Mr. Owens said. “That’s not fair.”

Retired optometrist Terry Sanderson attempted to sue Gwyneth Paltrow for $300,000, claiming she recklessly crashed into him during a run at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah in 2016.

The jury heard testimony from expert witnesses, family members, Mr. Sanderson and Ms. Paltrow during the trial in Third District Court in Park City.

During his testimony, Mr. Sanderson said that he heard a “bloodcurdling scream” before an out-of-control Ms. Paltrow barreled into his back, laying him out and causing him to suffer a concussion. A friend of Mr. Sanderson, the only person who has testified to witnessing the collision, also said he saw Ms. Paltrow plow into him.

After the accident, Mr. Sanderson said his concentration and communication declined. Some of his family members also testified that his personality changed after the incident, transforming from a social and active person to someone who didn’t go out as much and struggled to control his frustration and agitation.

“My interaction with my family has been more difficult,” Mr. Sanderson said. “Something is wrong in my essence and what I bring to the table with them, and communication is not as smooth. It’s been more difficult, no question, and they’ve told me they notice some changes.” Mr. Sanderson’s lawyers called expert witnesses who testified that he suffered brain damage due to the collision with Ms. Paltrow. Other expert witnesses called by the plaintiff also said his rib injuries could only be caused if Ms. Paltrow rammed into him and fell on top of him.

The actress’s lawyers called their own expert witnesses, who said Mr. Sanderson’s neurological symptoms predated the accident and weren’t the result of the 2016 collision. Other expert witnesses for the defense also said Ms. Paltrow didn’t have to fall on top of Mr. Sanderson in order for him to break his ribs.

During her testimony, Ms. Paltrow said she didn’t engage in risky behavior. She testified that she was coming down the slope when she felt two skis slide between hers before she fell over with Mr. Sanderson on the ground.

“Mr. Sanderson categorically hit me on the slope and that is the truth,” Ms. Paltrow said.

A lawyer for Mr. Sanderson, questioning Ms. Paltrow about her countersuit, asked her about how Mr. Sanderson deterred her from enjoying the rest of an expensive vacation.

“Well, I lost half a day of skiing,” Ms. Paltrow said.