GWYNETH PALTROW VS. TERRY SANDERSON — WHEN SKIERS COLLIDE A Battle of He Said, She Said
When you read about celebrity court cases, you probably think of music contract disputes, messy divorces, and settlements with ridiculously high dollar amounts. But the trial between Gwyneth Paltrow and Terry Sanderson was unlike any other. It regarded a ski slope collision that occurred seven years ago. On Feb. 26, 2016, Paltrow and Sanderson were at the Deer Valley Resort in Utah. They both enjoyed the slopes until a tragic accident occurred. The collision caused Sanderson to suffer a concussion, a brain injury, and four broken limbs. In January 2019, Sanderson filed a $3.1 million lawsuit against Paltrow. In return, Paltrow countersued for $1 plus attorney fees. Sanderson argued that Paltrow collided with him from behind while she skied on a beginner’s slope with an instructor. He
also mentioned that his injuries prevented him from coping with life. Paltrow argued that Sanderson was the one who struck her from behind. When pictures of the collision appeared in court, it showed Paltrow
email between Sanderson and his children, he stated that he would be famous after the accident made the tabloids. So, how did the case end? After determining that Paltrow was the downhill skier, according to the images shown in court, they turned to the sport’s rules. According to the rules, the person further down the mountain (the downhill skier) has the right of way. This means that the person closest to the top of the mountain must yield.
on top of Sanderson — which could only happen if Paltrow was struck from behind.
Additionally, Paltrow’s lawyers argued that Sanderson sued Paltrow
to “exploit her celebrity and wealth.” Evidence strengthens this point because while Sanderson said he couldn’t cope with life, documents showed that he had taken multiple international
The jury found Paltrow not liable and awarded her $1 and legal fees. To Paltrow, this case was not about the money. She felt like her character and integrity had been threatened and she simply wanted
and domestic trips since the accident. Furthermore, in an
to prove the allegations were false.
Celebrate 54 Years of the Peachtree Road Race HOW I MADE THE PATRIOTIC RACE EVEN HARDER
It’s that time of year again! As Independence Day festivities came our way, so did the annual Peachtree Road Race. I’m sure you’ve heard me talk plenty about how much I treasure running this July 4th race with countless other runners, but I decided to do something a little bit different this year. Since I recently turned 40, I decided to run this year’s patriotic 10K race with a 40-pound weighted vest! You probably think I’m crazy (everyone has already told me!), but I wanted to challenge myself this year. I’ve been running this race every year since I was 14 years old, and I’ve been running this route for decades. I decided it was time I packed on the challenge and the weight! While it was undoubtedly a much-needed challenge, I’m not sure I’ll be increasing the weight in the years to come …
It did feel great to be back on the Peachtree Road Race route I know so well. Running with my community and being cheered on by my wife and kids will always be my favorite way to celebrate the Fourth of July. This year was the 54th Annual Peachtree Road Race, and I was thrilled to witness how the race gets bigger and better every year.
The first Peachtree Road Race was on July 4, 1970, when 110 runners completed the 6.2-mile race on the corner of Peachtree and Roswell Road. It was in the following year when the now-famous Peachtree T-shirts were first handed out to those who reached the finish line! Gone are the days of the historic race only featuring a few thousand runners. Now, nearly 60,000 athletes participate in the Peachtree Road Race, and over 100,000 people line the Atlanta streets to observe it. This race has certainly become one of the grandest summer events in Atlanta, and I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity and my good health to participate. If you didn’t get the chance to run or cheer on the race this year, I hope you can make it to the 55th Annual Peachtree Road Race next year. If you do, you’ll most definitely see me there!
You can always reach Kevin directly at 404.566.8964 or Kevin@PatrickTrialLaw.com. (If you ever need it, his cellphone is 404.409.3160.)
2 • KEVINPATRICK.LAW I 404.566.5880
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