Sanderson also accused Deer Valley and its employees of engaging in a “cover up” by not providing complete information on reports and not following resort safety policies.
After his initial lawsuit seeking US$3.1 million was dropped, Sanderson amended the complaint and he is now seeking US$300,000. Paltrow — the Oscar-winning actress known for her roles in Shakespeare in Love and Marvel’s Iron Man movies — filed a counterclaim in response, seeking attorney fees and US$1 in damages.
Paltrow has countered that he was actually the culprit in the collision, is overstating his injuries, and trying to exploit her celebrity and wealth. In addition to her acting career, she is also the founder and CEO of the high-end wellness company, goop.
In court filings, her attorneys deny Sanderson’s claims and allege that he crashed into her — a collision in which she suffered a “full body blow”. Her counterclaim alleges that members of Paltrow’s group checked on Sanderson, who assured them he was fine. It casts doubt on his motive and claims of injury, noting that before the collision, he had 15 documented medical conditions.
“He demanded Ms Paltrow pay him millions. If she did not pay, she would face negative publicity resulting from his allegations,” her attorneys wrote in a 2019 court filing.
The trial in Park City is slated to last longer than a week.
