Gwyneth Paltrow Prevails in $300K Ski Crash Lawsuit, Found Not at Fault

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow won a $300,000 negligence lawsuit filed by Utah man Terry Sanderson in 2019. Sanderson initially claimed that Paltrow had caused him a “permanent traumatic brain injury” after she collided with him from behind while skiing at the Deer Valley Resort in 2016. He filed a $3.1m lawsuit against Paltrow, the resort, and the ski instructor. 

The jury in the trial found Sanderson to be “100% at fault” for the crash, with the defendant taking to Instagram to declare the result “a victory for common sense.” The judge dismissed the claim against the resort and instructor, leaving Paltrow as the sole defendant. Paltrow then countersued for $1 and attorney fees.

The eight-year trial finally ended

The trial lasted eight days and featured numerous expert witnesses, including neurologists, doctors, and first responders. Sanderson accused Paltrow of skiing off after the accident, leaving him with a range of injuries, including four broken ribs, pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress. Paltrow’s lawyer, Stephen Owens, said that his client had spent the last two weeks as “a punching bag” and that the actress would continue to “stand up for what is right.”

After the jury had been dismissed for deliberation, a lawyer representing various media outlets argued that a still camera and video camera should be allowed to capture the plaintiff, defendant, and counsel’s reactions. The judge granted this motion.

Paltrow’s children, Apple and Moses, were supposed to testify on behalf of their mother but did not appear in court due to time constraints. Their depositions were read in court. Moses said in his deposition, “I did not see the actual collision.” Paltrow testified that she thought she was possibly being sexually assaulted when Sanderson crashed into her and that she was “extremely upset” after the collision.

Sanderson was at fault

Sanderson’s lawyer, Lawrence Buhler, said that his client’s persistent concussion symptoms were permanent and that the case was “not about celebrity” but “about a man’s life.” However, the jury ruled that Sanderson was 100% at fault for the accident. Paltrow released a statement online after the verdict was read in court, thanking Judge Kent Holmberg and the jury for their thoughtfulness in handling the case. As she left court, Paltrow touched Sanderson’s shoulder and said, “I wish you well,” Sanderson replied, “Thank you, dear.”

In a statement provided to Fox News Digital, Paltrow said, “I felt that acquiescing to a false claim compromised my integrity. I am pleased with the outcome, and I appreciate all of the hard work of Judge Holmberg and the jury and thank them for their thoughtfulness in handling this case.”