Gwyneth Paltrow wins trial for 2016 ski collision: What we know about the case, testimony
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After being placed on trial in Utah for a 2016 ski crash, Gwyneth Paltrow can put her legal troubles behind her.
The eight-day trial, which began March 21, concluded Thursday with the jury finding Paltrow not at fault for the collision, referred to as a "hit and run."
The celebrity wellness influencer and "Shakespeare in Love" star was sued by Terry Sanderson in 2019, who claimed she seriously injured him during a crash on the beginner slopes at Deer Valley Resort in Park City on Feb. 26, 2016.
Sanderson said the crash seriously injured him and that Paltrow left him on the mountain without help. Paltrow alleged Sanderson plowed into her and then told her he was fine.
Here's everything to know about the case and what was said in court.
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Gwyneth Paltrow found not responsible for ski accident in jury verdict
On Thursday, a jury found Paltrow not responsible for the 2016 ski crash and was awarded $1 in symbolic damages for her counterclaim, in addition to her attorney fees. The actress previously vowed to donate any additional funds potentially awarded by the jury to a charitable organization.
Judge Kent Holmberg instructed the jurors to determine whether "Sanderson was harmed and if so, whether anyone is at fault for that harm. You must also decide whether Gwyneth Paltrow was harmed and if so, whether anyone is at fault for that harm."
Gwyneth Paltrow ski collision trial verdict: Actress found not responsible for ski accident
Who testified in Gwyneth Paltrow trial?
Those who testified in the trial included a radiologist, a neuropsychologist, one of Sanderson's daughters and Paltrow herself.
While on the stand Friday, Paltrow gave her account of the collision, saying Sanderson "categorically hit me on that ski slope." She also said that, while the crash was happening, she had an initial "quick thought" she might be getting sexually assaulted, saying she heard Sanderson groan and felt a man's weight pressing into her backside during the crash.
Sanderson's daughter Polly Grasham was questioned March 23 about missing GoPro camera footage and if her father sued Paltrow because she's famous. The GoPro footage has not been found or included as evidence for the trial.
Paltrow’s attorneys also questioned whether Grasham and neuropsychologist Dr. Alina Fong could say with certainty that Sanderson’s downturn wasn’t a result of aging or documented, pre-crash conditions. They also questioned Grasham about her father’s anger problems, divorces and estranged relationship with another of his daughters, who did not testify.
On March 22, radiologist Dr. Wendell Gibby testified that brain images suggest it's unlikely Sanderson crashed into Paltrow and that his head trauma was likely caused by a skier crashing into him.
Gwyneth Paltrow, Terry Sanderson's lawyers detail differing accounts in opening statements
In opening arguments on the trial's first day, both sides presented their clients as conservative skiers who were stunned when a skier above them crashed into them.
Paltrow's legal team, including attorney Steve Owens, told jurors that Sanderson was the one who crashed into her — a collision in which she sustained a "full body blow." Owens noted that members of Paltrow's group checked on Sanderson, who assured them he was fine — an interaction Sanderson doesn't deny but said in court filings he can't remember.
Sanderson's attorneys attempted to paint Paltrow as a negligent celebrity with little care for the injuries inflicted upon the 76-year-old military veteran.
Owens cautioned jurors not to let sympathy for Sanderson's medical ailments – a brain injury, four broken ribs and other serious injuries – skew their judgements. He questioned Sanderson's credibility, noting his age and documented pre-collision brain injuries. Owens also said Sanderson posted a "very happy, smiling picture" of himself online, riding a toboggan post-crash.
Gwyneth Paltrow appears in courtduring first day of Utah ski collision trial
Gwyneth Paltrow testifies she wasn't engaging in 'risky behavior' day of ski crash
During her testimony Friday, Paltrow said she "was not engaging in any risky behavior" the day she alleged Sanderson crashed into her from behind on a beginner ski slope.
Sanderson's lawyer Kristin Vanorman pressed Paltrow to provide a moment-by-moment account of the incident, during which the actress recalled that Sanderson's skis came forward in between her skis during the collision. She also confirmed she yelled an expletive at Sanderson following the crash, adding she felt "upset" at the time.
Paltrow also denied the account provided by Greg Ramone, a ski friend of Sanderson who previously testified he saw Paltrow hit Sanderson in the crash.
“I don’t believe he saw what he thinks he saw," Paltrow said of Ramone's testimony. "He said he was 40 feet away and color blind. I don’t know how he can be positive about what he saw."
Gwyneth Paltrow testifies Terry Sanderson'categorically hit me' in ski collision trial
Previous:Gwyneth Paltrow denies causing Utah ski crash
Why was Gwyneth Paltrow in court?
Paltrow faced a lawsuit from Sanderson, who sought $300,000 and claimed the accident was a result of negligence that left him with physical injuries and emotional distress. Sanderson initially sought $3.1 million in a first lawsuit, which was dropped.
Sanderson claimed the Goop founder left him injured on the mountain and didn't send help. He also alleged a Deer Valley ski instructor filed a false incident report saying Paltrow didn't cause the crash.
Sanderson told reporters in Salt Lake City when he filed the lawsuit in January 2019 that he waited to file the lawsuit for nearly three years because he had problems with attorneys and could not function properly because of the concussion.
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What has Paltrow said about the ski crash?
Paltrow alleged in a counterclaim that the retired optometrist plowed into her from behind.
Paltrow said she was shaken by the collision and quit skiing with her family for the day. In her counterclaim, she said Sanderson apologized to her and said he was fine. She had previously denied blame for the crash in a statement but had not yet offered a full version of the events.
Contributing: Edward Segarra and Charles Trepany, USA TODAY; The Associated Press
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