Actress Gwyneth Paltrow and Terry Sanderson are in the middle of a trial stemming from a skiing accident in 2016 at Deer Valley Resort in Utah.
Terry Sanderson, who is 76, says that the Hollywood actress was preoccupied and caused the crash. Sanderson is suing Paltrow for allegedly causing the accident, resulting in lasting injuries and brain damage. Sanderson initially desired $3.1m for hit and run, but the lawsuit was dismissed last May, Though now he is seeking $300,000 in damages.
Ms. Paltrow denied blame for the accident and alleged that Mr. Sanderson crashed into her. Despite being charged, the 50-year-old actress has maintained her innocence and even filed a countersuit seeking $1 in damages and compensation for her legal expenses.
The trial is in its second week and has attracted thousands of viewers via live stream. Paltrow and Sanderson have testified, along with family members.
Mr. Sanderson’s daughters, Polly Sanderson-Grasham and Shae Herath testified that their father changed significantly after the accident, becoming easily agitated and frustrated. During questioning by Ms. Paltrow’s lawyers on Friday, Ms. Herath revealed that her father had become very insecure and did not trust his brain anymore.
She also mentioned that her granddaughter did not want to be near him because he was verbally abusive. Ms. Herath added that her father was now an alternate version of himself. In an email with the subject line “I’m famous… At what cost?”, Mr. Sanderson had expressed his excitement at colliding with a celebrity.
Paltrow’s lawyers also highlighted an email sent by Sanderson on the day of the accident, which contained a link to GoPro footage of the accident and had the subject line “I’m famous…at what cost?” Paltrow’s team suggests this email implies that Sanderson was trying to exploit Paltrow’s fame to become famous.
Four doctors have testified as expert witnesses in the plaintiff’s case, including neuropsychologists Alina Fong and Sam Goldstein, who described Mr. Sanderson’s struggles with concussion symptoms and mood/personality changes. Neuroradiologist Wendell Gibby also reviewed Mr. Sanderson’s medical record and observed a loss in his ability to function at a high level.
After both parties gave closing arguments on Thursday, the jury will probably decide after that day or Friday.
