Gwyneth Paltrow’s accuser “pretty much” lost his love of life after the actress allegedly crashed into the back of him in a skiing hit-and-run, a US court has been told.
Terry Sanderson, 76, is suing the Hollywood star for $300,000 (£244,000), claiming she was “out of control” and struck him, causing him to suffer a brain injury, four broken ribs and other serious injuries.
Jurors heard the incident seven years ago “completely changed his life”, with injuries likely to be “long-standing”.
Paltrow, 50, is accused of leaving the scene without saying a word after the collision at the Deer Valley Resort in Utah on 26 February 2016.
The Shakespeare in Love star denies Mr Sanderson’s claims and alleges it was he who crashed into her. She is counter-suing him for $1.
On the third day of proceedings in the Park City lawsuit, neuropsychologist Dr Alina Fong gave video evidence, saying when she first met Mr Sanderson in 2017, he presented “a myriad” of symptoms which indicated having suffered a concussion.
She said: “According to Terry’s report, these were quite significantly affecting his life. It was affecting his personal life, his relationships.
“It affected him on so many levels, especially for someone who was used to loving life… by the time he came to me that was pretty much gone.”
Her words echoed those of fellow neuropsychologist Dr Sam Goldstein, who on Wednesday said the 2016 incident caused an “acute rapid downturn” in Mr Sanderson’s behaviour and functioning that had not stemmed from pre-existing medical issues.
“Were it not for that particular accident, the life he was living (prior)… would be the life he would still be living,” Dr Goldstein said.
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Dr Fong challenged the opinions of other medical experts employed by Ms Paltrow’s defence, adding: “This has completely changed his life physically, emotionally, biologically – and he has been affected in all those domains.”
She said there was no evidence “whatsoever” that Mr Sanderson was “faking” his injuries and he had been “an ideal patient”.
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Day one’s evidence
Day two’s evidence
On ski slopes, Utah law gives the skier who is downhill the right of way, and a central question in the case is who was farther down the run when the collision happened.
Both Paltrow and Mr Sanderson claim they were further downhill when the other rammed into them, causing their skis to intertwine and the pair to tumble.
The case continues.
