Actress and Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow is heading to trial over a skiing accident that took place in 2016 at Deer Valley Resort in Utah. The Oscar-winning actress is being sued by Terry Sanderson, a retired optometrist, who claims Paltrow crashed into him, causing severe injuries and emotional distress. The trial is set to begin in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Paltrow is expected to take the stand, as reported by Newsweek.

According to Fox News, Sanderson is seeking more than $3.1 million in damages, alleging that Paltrow was skiing "out of control" when she collided with him, causing him to suffer a concussion, broken ribs, and other injuries. Sanderson claims the actress failed to stop and help him, and instead "skied away," leaving him injured on the mountain.

In response to the allegations, Paltrow has maintained that it was Sanderson who caused the collision, and she has counter-sued for a symbolic $1, accusing him of attempting to exploit her celebrity status for financial gain. The actress's legal team has also claimed that Sanderson's lawsuit is an attempt to "extort her with a frivolous claim," as reported by USA Today.

The trial is expected to last for several days, with Paltrow among the witnesses set to testify. In a pre-trial hearing, the actress's lawyer, Daniel B. Herbert, expressed confidence in their case, stating, "We have a very simple case here. Either Ms. Paltrow hit Dr. Sanderson, or she didn't. The evidence will show she did not."

Terry Sanderson's attorney, Robert B. Sykes, argued that Paltrow's version of events "defies credibility" and that his client's life had been "profoundly impacted" by the incident. Sykes was quoted in Newsweek as saying, "This case is about an out-of-control skier who crashed into a vulnerable skier on a beginner slope and caused a significant brain injury."

The case has drawn significant media attention due to Paltrow's high-profile status and the severity of the allegations. It highlights the potential dangers associated with skiing, as well as the responsibility of skiers to maintain control and avoid causing harm to others on the slopes.

As the trial unfolds, it will be up to the court to determine the validity of Sanderson's claims and whether Paltrow is liable for the alleged damages. Regardless of the outcome, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and responsibility while participating in winter sports.