A civil jury in Park City, Utah has ruled that Gwyneth Paltrow was not at fault in a skiing accident that occurred at Deer Valley Resort with retired optometrist Terry Sanderson. The jury found Sanderson responsible for the incident and awarded Paltrow $1 in damages, the amount she had requested in her counterclaim.
The incident was not in dispute, but there were two opposing narratives during the eight-day civil trial. Paltrow thanked the judge and jury for their work and touched Sanderson’s shoulder as she left court, wishing him well.
Sanderson accused Paltrow of negligence, claiming that she slammed into him on the slopes, leaving him with broken ribs and brain injuries. Paltrow countered by saying that Sanderson struck her. The defense presented medical evidence suggesting that Sanderson’s health had been in decline before the collision.
Jurors were tasked with deciding which version of events to believe and whether Paltrow had acted negligently during the collision. The lawsuit was originally seeking $3 million but now seeks more than $300,000 in damages. Paltrow countersued for $1 and attorney fees.
The case hinged on skiing rules and etiquette, which gives the downhill skier the right of way and places the responsibility on the uphill skier to avoid anyone on their way down. Attorneys for both sides presented evidence and testimony regarding this issue.
Throughout the trial, there were memorable moments, such as Paltrow lamenting the loss of “half a day of skiing” and attempting to provide treats for the bailiffs, which the judge did not allow.
Sanderson’s attorneys attempted to cast Paltrow as an entitled celebrity who was fleeing responsibility, while Paltrow’s attorneys painted Sanderson as someone chasing fame and trying to extract money from a successful entrepreneur.
In the end, the jury deliberated for just over two hours before siding with Paltrow. Sanderson seemed unfazed by the outcome, speaking to reporters outside the courtroom about things that had boosted his mood during the trial.
Gwyneth Paltrow has a history of advocating for what she believes in, and this situation is no different. She will continue to stand up for what is right, according to her attorney.
