Actress Gwyneth Paltrow is currently facing a lawsuit in Utah over a ski collision that occurred in 2016. Terry Sanderson, a retired optometrist, claims that Paltrow crashed into him while skiing at the Deer Valley Resort, leaving him with severe injuries. The trial is ongoing, and here’s everything you need to know about the case.
Background
On February 26, 2016, Paltrow and Sanderson collided on a beginner’s course known as the Bandana Run at the Deer Valley Resort in Utah. Sanderson claims that Paltrow was skiing out of control and crashed into him with a “full body hit,” leaving him with substantial injuries. Paltrow, on the other hand, claims that Sanderson crashed into her from behind, delivering a full “body blow.”
The Lawsuit
Sanderson filed a lawsuit against Paltrow seeking $3.1 million in damages. He claims that Paltrow was skiing recklessly and failed to avoid a collision, causing him to suffer multiple injuries, including a concussion, four broken ribs, and a collapsed lung. Paltrow, in turn, filed a counterclaim, arguing that Sanderson caused the collision and was guilty of exaggerating his injuries, while also looking to exploit her.
The Trial
The trial began in January 2023 and is expected to last over a week. Sanderson is seeking $300,000 in damages, arguing Paltrow was skiing out of control. Only one witness, a skiing instructor, is expected to testify for the trial, and his testimony may be crucial to determining who is at fault. In Utah, the skier who is lower down has the right of way, and it is the responsibility of the person behind to avoid a collision.
During the trial, Paltrow’s attorney stated that Paltrow’s husband and two children will take the stand. Sanderson’s ex-girlfriend and one bystander of the crash testified whereas Deer Valley ski instructor, the Deer Valley Resort Company LLC, and 2 other unnamed employees were dismissed from Sanderson’s lawsuit after their lawyer argued they were shielded from liability for skiing injuries given the inherent risks to the sport.
Paltrow changed the value of damages Sanderson is seeking in the lawsuit from $3.1 million to $300,000, whereas Paltrow filed a countersuit against Sanderson denying causing the collision and claiming that Sanderson was the one who crashed into her back.
Conclusion
The trial is ongoing, and it remains to be seen who will be found at fault for the collision. Ski accidents are not uncommon, and it is essential for skiers to take all necessary precautions to avoid collisions and stay safe on the slopes. The outcome of this trial could set a precedent for future ski collision cases, and it will be interesting to see how it unfolds.