Gwyneth Paltrow ski collision trial brings doctors to stand
PARK CITY, Utah -
The David-versus-Goliath contours of Gwyneth Paltrow's ski collision trial began to take shape on Wednesday morning when doctors of a man she collided with at a Utah ski resort in 2016 testified about the broken ribs and lasting brain damage he sustained in the crash.
"After his accident, he deteriorated abruptly. And many of the activities that he used to do, he stopped doing," a radiologist testified about Terry Sanderson, the 76-year-old suing Paltrow over the crash.
Dr. Wendell Gibby said brain images suggested it was unlikely that Sanderson crashed into Paltrow. The head trauma was likely caused by a skier crashing into Sanderson, and the lasting effects on Sanderson's overall health were consistent with the severity of the collision, Gibby said
"The rib fractures certainly corroborate that there was enough force to cause a head injury," Gibby said.
Another doctor and two family members are also expected to testify on Wednesday in a trial about a 2016 ski crash between Paltrow and Sanderson, who claims her recklessness left him with lasting injuries and brain damage. After a judge threw out Sanderson's earlier US$3.1 million lawsuit and ruled that he wasn't entitled to punitive damages, Sanderson amended his claims and now alleges damages of "more than US$300,000."
The amount of money sought pales in comparison to the typical legal costs of a multiyear lawsuit and expert witness-heavy trial. More than a dozen are expected to testify throughout the eight-day trial in Park City -- a posh ski town known for welcoming celebrities each year for the Sundance Film Festival.
In a counterclaim to Sanderson's amended lawsuit, Paltrow is seeking US$1 and attorney fees -- a familiar, symbolic action that highlights how reputation, not money, is often what's at stake for celebrities at trial like Paltrow. Taylor Swift similarly countersued a radio host for the same, symbolic amount in 2017.
Though the court is not publishing a witness list for the celebrity trial, attorneys said after Gibby, a neuropsychologist, and Sanderson's daughters Shae Herath and Polly Grasham would likely be called to testify Wednesday.
Sanderson's lawyers on Tuesday left the possibility open that they may call Paltrow to the stand depending on when others expected to testify arrive in Park City. Paltrow will likely testify Friday, and her children Moses and Apple are also expected to testify, her attorney said.
Both parties blame the other for the collision and claim they were crashed into from behind, relying on a little-known Utah law stipulating that whoever is downhill has the right of way when skiing and snowboarding.
Paltrow's attorneys have pled with Judge Kent Holmberg to grant special restrictions throughout the actor-turned-wellness tycoon's trial, including limiting photography both in the courtroom and in the public parking lot outside -- where a rope cordons off Paltrow's entrance and exit paths.
On the opening day of the trial, Paltrow used a blue notebook to shield her face from view when entering and exiting the courtroom. She and Sanderson appeared across the courtroom from each other, looking nonplussed to hear arguments that have become familiar over the seven years since they crashed.
The trial is expected to hinge on how the 10 jurors -- six women and four men -- interpret evidence from medical experts, and whether they see Sanderson's injuries as directly related to the accident or a normal progression of an aging man. The jurors are all residents of wealthy Summit County, where the median home last month sold for US$1.3 million, according to Redfin.
Paltrow's attorneys cautioned the jury on Tuesday not to be biased by feeling pity for Sanderson. They called his story "utter B.S." building off earlier claims from court filings and previous depositions where they accused him of suing to exploit the Oscar-winning star of "Shakespeare in Love's" wealth and celebrity.
Sanderson's attorneys have attempted to paint her as a negligent celebrity with little care for the injuries inflicted upon the 76-year-old military veteran. They called Sanderson's ex-girlfriend and a ski companion who was nearby during the crash to testify on Tuesday. Karlene Davidson said the crash had "changed" Sanderson and contributed to the demise of their romance. Craig Ramon testified that Paltrow hit Sanderson. Despite that, he said afterward that one of her family's ski instructors came up to him and said "Your buddy just took out Gwyneth Paltrow."
The trial underway in Park City has begun with Sanderson's team's witnesses. Paltrow's attorneys have said that her witnesses, including her two children, will speak later.
----
Associated Press writer Anna Furman contributed reporting from Los Angeles.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Halifax-area wildfire still out of control, 'many' structures destroyed
Officials say a wildfire that began in the Upper Tantallon, N.S., area Sunday afternoon is ongoing and still not under control.
WATCH
WATCH | Dashcam video shows out-of-control Nova Scotia wildfire
Dashcam footage shows the extent of the Tantallon wildfire as it raged in Hammonds Plains, N.S.
Provinces must seek anti-smoking measures in Big Tobacco settlement: health groups
Three national health organizations want Canada's premiers to push for initiatives to reduce smoking during settlement negotiations with major tobacco companies, years after provinces sued to recoup health-care costs.
Election day: Alberta voters go to the polls, expected nail-biter between UCP, NDP
It’s election day in Alberta in what polls suggest could be a nail-biter finish between the province's two dominant parties.
Russia issues arrest warrant for Lindsey Graham over Ukraine comments
Russia's Interior Ministry on Monday issued an arrest warrant for U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham following his comments related to the fighting in Ukraine.
Here are some travel tips from a former flight attendant, pilot
Upcoming summer vacations could mean trips to the airport. These tips from a former flight attendant could make the process go smoother.
The art of apology and 13 words you shouldn't say after 'sorry'
Authors discuss their new book, 'Sorry, Sorry, Sorry: The Case for Good Apologies,' which aims to demystify the process of delivering honest apologies.
A Southwest pilot had to crawl into the cockpit window after the flight deck door was locked
It's never fun to be locked out – whether it's from your house, your car, or a commercial airliner.
Canadian companies adopt 'stay interviews' as workers rethink careers, needs
The discussions, which some companies call 'stay interviews,' are designed to collect feedback from employees and are aimed at learning what the company can do to retain valued team members and keep them happy.
Canada
-
Halifax-area wildfire still out of control, 'many' structures destroyed
Officials say a wildfire that began in the Upper Tantallon, N.S., area Sunday afternoon is ongoing and still not under control.
-
Election day: Alberta voters go to the polls, expected nail-biter between UCP, NDP
It’s election day in Alberta in what polls suggest could be a nail-biter finish between the province's two dominant parties.
-
Engaged couple shot dead fleeing landlord after house dispute near Hamilton, Ont., police say
A 'truly innocent' engaged couple was shot dead while attempting to flee their attacker outside their home after a landlord-tenant dispute escalated on Saturday night, according to police.
-
Farmers in Atlantic Canada battling 'abnormally dry' conditions, fearing continued drought
Farmers in Atlantic Canada are growing increasingly worried about drought, as many regions on the east coast have been classified as drier than usual for this time of year, with little rain in the forecast.
-
3-year-old boy dies after drowning in backyard pool west of Toronto
Police are investigating the death of a three-year-old boy who was pulled from a backyard pool in Oakville on Saturday.
-
Ballot battlegrounds: Edmonton-area ridings to watch this Alberta election
With advance voting open in Alberta and election day looming on May 29, CTV News Edmonton has compiled a list of ridings to watch in the capital region.
World
-
Russia issues arrest warrant for Lindsey Graham over Ukraine comments
Russia's Interior Ministry on Monday issued an arrest warrant for U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham following his comments related to the fighting in Ukraine.
-
Bola Tinubu sworn in as Nigeria's president amid hopes, skepticism
Bola Tinubu became Nigeria's president on Monday during a period of unprecedented challenges for Africa's most populous country, leaving some citizens hopeful for a better life and others skeptical that his government would perform better than the one he succeeded.
-
Belarus' Lukashenko says there can be 'nuclear weapons for everyone'
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said that if any other country wanted to join a Russia-Belarus union there could be 'nuclear weapons for everyone.'
-
Spanish prime minister calls early general election after battering in regional vote
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday called an early general election for July 23 in a surprise move after his Socialist party took a serious battering in local and regional elections.
-
South America's presidents gather in Brazil for first regional summit in 9 years
South America's leaders will gather in Brazil's capital on Tuesday as part of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's attempt to reinvigorate regional integration efforts that have previously floundered amid the continent's political swings and polarization.
-
India's northeast remains on edge after ethnic clashes as home minister plans visit
Shootings and arson continued Monday in India's northeastern state of Manipur, where clashes between security forces and tribal insurgents the previous day killed five people, media reports said.
Politics
-
Humanity at risk: AI pioneer urges federal government to regulate faster
One of the so-called godfathers of artificial intelligence says governments need to move faster on regulations to protect against the dangers of the rapidly advancing technology, before it poses a larger threat to humanity.
-
Is it time for a cabinet shuffle? Political strategists weigh in
With just four weeks left until the House of Commons breaks for the summer, the weekly panel of political strategists on CTV's Question Period says it's likely time for the prime minister to shuffle his cabinet.
-
Provinces must seek anti-smoking measures in Big Tobacco settlement: health groups
Three national health organizations want Canada's premiers to push for initiatives to reduce smoking during settlement negotiations with major tobacco companies, years after provinces sued to recoup health-care costs.
Health
-
Provinces must seek anti-smoking measures in Big Tobacco settlement: health groups
Three national health organizations want Canada's premiers to push for initiatives to reduce smoking during settlement negotiations with major tobacco companies, years after provinces sued to recoup health-care costs.
-
Running through middle age can keep brain healthy and neurons wired: study
Exercising as you age can help maintain memory and fight cognitive decline, according to a new study.
-
Prediabetes: The younger you are, the higher the risk of dementia
People who develop prediabetes when they’re younger are likely to have a higher risk for dementia in later life, a new U.S. study has found.
Sci-Tech
-
North Korea notifies neighbouring Japan it plans to launch satellite in coming days
North Korea on Monday notified neighbouring Japan that it plans to launch a satellite in coming days, which may be an attempt to put Pyongyang's first military reconnaissance satellite into orbit.
-
Space race: China plans to land astronauts on moon before 2030
China plans to land astronauts on the moon before 2030, in what would be another advance in what's increasingly seen as a new space race pitting the Asian autocracy against the United States and its democratic allies.
-
Scientists identify polar cyclone swirling on mysterious Uranus
It is a world wrapped in mystery - the seventh planet from the sun, Uranus, seen up close just once nearly four decades ago by a passing NASA probe and still warily guarding its secrets.
Entertainment
-
OBITUARY
OBITUARY | Quebec actor Michel Cote has died
Quebec actor Michel Cote, who captivated audiences with his roles in the theatre piece 'Broue' and films such as 'Cruising Bar' and C.R.A.Z.Y.,' has died at 72.
-
George Maharis, star of TV's 'Route 66' in the 1960s, dies at 94
George Maharis, a stage-trained actor with rough-hewn good looks who became an icon to American youth in the 1960s as he cruised the country in a Corvette convertible in the hit television series 'Route 66,' has died.
-
Texas passes sexual conduct bill drag show artists fear will prompt crackdown
Texas would expand what is considered an illegal public performance of sexual conduct, under a bill approved late Sunday by state lawmakers that drag artists fear will be used to criminalize their shows.
Business
-
Turkish lira hits record low, stocks gain after Erdogan secures re-election
Turkiye's lira hit fresh record lows against the dollar on Monday, though stocks rallied, after President Tayyip Erdogan secured victory in Sunday's presidential election, extending his increasingly authoritarian rule into a third decade.
-
Stock market today: Asian markets mostly higher after Biden-McCarthy deal on U.S. debt
Asian shares are mostly higher after President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy reached a final agreement on a deal to raise the U.S. national debt ceiling, though the measure requires approval by Congress.
-
U.S. debt ceiling agreement gets thumbs up from business groups, jeers from some on political right
The reviews are starting to come in as details emerge about the debt ceiling agreement reached by President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Lifestyle
-
Halle Bailey's star role in 'Little Mermaid' is an inspiration for young Black girls. Here's why
Animated movies are often a child’s first exposure to media and film. And the representation of people of color in media influences how they feel about race as they mature, a study by the non-profit Common Sense has found.
-
'We have an influence': How some Canadians are inspiring others to focus on the environment
From actions in their local communities to mass demonstrations, here's how Canadians from all walks of life are inspiring others to take part in helping the environment.
-
The art of apology and 13 words you shouldn't say after 'sorry'
Authors discuss their new book, 'Sorry, Sorry, Sorry: The Case for Good Apologies,' which aims to demystify the process of delivering honest apologies.
Sports
-
Blais scores twice, Canada beats Germany 5-2 to win gold at men's hockey worlds
Sammy Blais scored twice as Canada beat Germany 5-2 to capture gold at the men's world hockey championship on Sunday.
-
Canada's Shapovalov advances, Auger-Aliassime ousted at French Open
Denis Shapovalov advanced to the second round, while fellow Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime earned an early exit at the French Open on Monday.
-
Ukraine's Kostyuk booed at French Open after no handshake with Belarus' Sabalenka because of war
Marta Kostyuk, who is from Ukraine, avoided so much as any eye contact with Aryna Sabalenka, who is from Belarus, after the match, instead walking directly over to acknowledge the chair umpire. Sabalenka walked toward the net as if expecting some sort of exchange.
Autos
-
Alonso feels he's far from catching F1 leader Verstappen despite his own remarkable form
Fernando Alonso has five podiums in six races in a remarkable season for Aston Martin, yet still feels he's no closer to catching Red Bull's Max Verstappen. The two-time Formula One champions now head to a race with special significance for both of them.
-
Verstappen wins Monaco GP to extend F1 championship lead; Alonso 2nd ahead of Ocon
Formula One champion Max Verstappen's lights-to-flag victory at the Monaco Grand gave the Red Bull driver his fourth victory of the season and a record 39th overall for the team as he extended his championship lead to 39 points over teammate Sergio Perez on Sunday.
-
Company refuses to recall millions of airbag inflators after deaths in Canada and U.S.
A Tennessee company is refusing demands from U.S. regulators to recall millions of vehicles due to airbag inflators that can explode and shoot shrapnel into drivers. While cases are rare, there has been at least one death in Canada, where officials lack the authority to demand a similarly sweeping recall.
