Gwyneth Paltrow Sued for $3.1 M Over 'Hit and Run' Ski Accident on Park City Slopes

By Lisa M. Schaffer, Esq. on February 01, 2019 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

Hopefully Gwyneth Paltrow got a season's pass with her attorney because she has just been hit with another lawsuit just six months after settling her Goop brand vaginal eggs case. This one, brought by Terry Sanderson, alleges that back in February of 2016, Paltrow skied into him at the swank Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah. They both fell, and she subsequently skied off with her instructor, without rendering aid or exchanging information.

The plaintiff claims Paltrow left him "stunned, lying in the snow, seriously injured," according to his lawsuit. Also named as defendants are Paltrow's ski instructor, the Deer Valley Resort Company, and two unnamed resort employees who were with Paltrow's group at the time of the collision.

Plaintiff Suffered Broken Ribs and Concussion

Sanderson claims that Paltrow was skiing with a Deer Park ski instructor, Eric Christiansen, when Paltrow hit him from behind, causing him to fall, break four ribs and suffer a "permanent traumatic brain injury" from a concussion which caused a "closed brain injury," which Sanderson compares to shaken baby syndrome. He is also suing for emotional distress and disfigurement. Sanderson further adds that Christiansen filed a false incident report, alleging Paltrow didn't cause the crash. Sanderson is seeking $3.1 million for pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and punitive damages. He may have a hard time prevailing she was at fault. According to Paltrow's camp, she was downhill and Sanderson skied into her.

More Questions Than Answers at This Point

At this point, it seems a little he-said-she said, like many accident lawsuits. What's unique to this claim, besides the defendant being Gwyneth Paltrow, is that Sanderson took almost three years to file the claim. Though that is within the statute of limitations, one has to wonder why. According to one source, Sanderson's set of facts are so weak and unsubstantiated that he had a hard time finding an attorney that would take it.

Another oddity is the $3.1 million figure. If Sen. Rand Paul was just awarded $580,000 for six broken ribs after being tackled by a neighbor over lawn maintenance issues, it's hard to see how this case is worth $3.1 million. The plaintiff is a retired optometrist, aged 69, which adds further questions as to the high monetary figure sought.

If you've been injured in a ski accident, contact a local personal injury attorney. There are specific rules and regulations regarding proper protocol on ski slopes, and ignorance is never an excuse in the eyes of the law. If you are interested in receiving compensation for your injuries, contact a lawyer today.

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