The main trial is currently unfolding in a case brought by a retired ophthalmologist against actress and businesswoman Gwyneth Paltrow due to a skiing accident on a ski slope in Utan in 2016.
The doctor, Terry Sanderson, claims Gwyneth hit him on the slope, causing him to suffer broken ribs and brain damage. He is now grappling with the physical and mental consequences of the accident. Additionally, he claims that Gwyneth let himself disappear after the accident and didn’t care if he got hurt.
However, Gwyneth has denied any wrongdoing in the case and has filed her own counterclaim in the case, where she claims it was the doctor who caused the accident.
Sanderson is seeking more than $428 million in damages, and although Gwyneth sought $1 in nominal damages plus legal costs, she claimed the doctor decided to sue her after realizing she was famous and rich.
The lawyer was an asshole
Platrow’s lawyer yesterday apologized for being an asshole to a person who testified in the case. Lawyer Stephen Owens admitted to crossing the line when questioning Sanderson’s daughter, Polly, about the spies.
“I have to apologize for being a jerk earlier.” I was wrong to pit you against your father, your sister and your mother. I beg your pardon,” the lawyer said, referring to his questioning of the witness about allegations by his sister, Jenny, that their father was abusive and a liar. Jenny was originally scheduled to testify in court, but she canceled and sent a written statement saying that her father had not been good to her. He subjected her to emotional abuse and struggled to control her anger over time. She had not been in contact with her father for years.
The other sister, Polly, testified that her father was cheerful and outgoing before the accident. He would have been very positive and was also an experienced skier. Since she met him after the accident, he has completely changed. It was clear that something was wrong with him.
“Now he gets angry fast, he gets angry, angry. I had no memories of him being an angry man, but he has a pretty short streak these days.”
Polly said her father had the matter on his mind and wanted nothing more than an apology from Paltrow.
There is no indication that this is an exaggeration
Paltrow’s attorneys argued that Sanderson exaggerated his injuries.
Neurologist Alina Fong denied the allegations, saying she had diagnosed Sanderson with post-concussive syndrome (PCS) and that it could be traced back to the accident.
“It completely changed his life, physically, emotionally, biologically – and he felt the consequences in all of those areas.”
There was no evidence that Sanderson was faking the injury. He showed up to all the appointments made for her and made an effort in her treatment. She encouraged him to continue with his life as best he could, meanwhile traveling abroad, but pointed out to him that he should preferably not travel alone as he struggles with memory loss and d ‘other stuff. This was in response to an opening statement from Paltrow’s attorneys, who said it was strange that a man as injured as Sanderson would claim to travel so much.
Today Dr Richard Boehne gave evidence but said it would have been impossible for the doctor, Terry Sanderson, to have suffered the injuries he sustained unless the actress pushed him from behind. It wouldn’t be possible that the injuries happened while he rejected the actress.
Protest goodies
Several experts testified to Sanderson’s condition and it was stated in their testimony that his life has completely changed since the accident and he can no longer enjoy the same quality of life as before. For example, he cannot participate in wine tastings and volunteer as he used to.
The case also drew attention when Paltrow’s security team offered to bring candy bars to court staff to thank them for their work. Sanderson’s lawyers opposed this request on the grounds that they had not been informed in advance. The judge, Kent Holmberg, refused the invitation.
“Okay there is a protest so thank you, but no thank you.”
Paltrow’s lawyers have yet to present their witnesses and it is believed they will focus somewhat on Sanderson’s pre-crash health, but he began battling hearing loss and vision loss after an accident cerebrovascular.
Paltrow has yet to make his party statement, but the main proceedings will continue after the weekend.
