(Los Angeles) The lawyers of the man who is suing Gwyneth Paltrow for a civil ski accident claimed Thursday that the American actress pays nearly 3.3 million dollars in damages to their client.
Terry Sanderson, a 76-year-old retired optometrist, says the collision at an upscale Rocky Mountain resort in 2016 broke four ribs and caused lasting psychological damage.
During their final argument in a Utah court, Mr. Sanderson’s lawyers argued that their client should be compensated for the irreversible brain damage he suffered which is affecting his quality of life.
PHOTO POOL, VIA REUTERS
Terry Sanderson, a 76-year-old retired optometrist, says the collision with actress Gwyneth Paltrow at an upscale Rocky Mountain resort in 2016 broke four ribs and caused lasting psychological damage.
“These are the most precious years (of a life), when you can enjoy your retirement”, launched Lawrence Buhler, referring to the “golden age” of his client.
According to the lawyer, the jury should consider awarding his client $33 for each hour of the day from the accident until the death of Terry Sanderson, which he estimated could take place in 10 years.
The calculation comes down to a sum of “3,276,000 dollars for the 17 years that Terry must deal with this irreversible brain damage”.
The optometrist had launched his lawsuits against the actress, oscar winner of Shakespeare in Love in 2019.
Gwyneth Paltrow in exchange launched other lawsuits, claiming a symbolic dollar and reimbursement of her legal costs.
At the heart of the case, the question of which skier hit the other.
According to the complainant, Gwyneth Paltrow ran over him while skiing in a “dangerous” manner, before fleeing, leaving him unconscious.
The actress claims on the contrary that it was Terry Sanderson who hit her in the back. Her lawyer assures that she “was not going fast” and that she was scared when Mr. Sanderson appeared behind her.
“He hit her. He hurt her,” the actress’ attorney, Stephen Owens, said Thursday.
“And he asked her for $3 million afterwards, just for fun. It’s not fair,” he added.
The trial, which lasted more than a week, saw specific details about Mr. Sanderson’s health, including pre-existing conditions, exposed.
Some members of his family also testified to describe a man with a difficult character, even before the accident.
At the start of the case, Stephen Owens claimed that the optometrist was “obsessed” with the complaint and that the file was based on “false allegations”.