Terry Sanderson, a retired optometrist, had sued Paltrow, an Oscar-winning actress and entrepreneur, for injuries he claimed he suffered when the two struck more than seven years ago at the Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah.
The jury that took part in the trial found Paltrow not responsible and decided in her favor in her lawsuit against Sanderson on Thursday.
The eight-person jurors, according to Sam Imrie, swiftly agreed that Paltrow was not at blame, but they deliberated for about two and a half hours to go through the nine questions on the verdict form.
“It was really interesting to see that we were all on the same page,” Imrie told CNN‘s Alisyn Camerota on Friday.
During the hearing, Paltrow claimed that Sanderson skied into her back as she went skiing downward from him. Though the judges agreed Paltrow was not at fault, Imrie said it was difficult to blame Sanderson because “it seems like just an accident.”
Imrie said she believed Paltrow’s account. Imrie said expert witness Dr. Irving Scher “brought it home” for her when he testified Paltrow’s account of events “was the most likely.”
Paltrow did not meet with reporters following the decision, but instead issued a statement through her lawyers.
“I felt that acquiescing to a false claim compromised my integrity,” Paltrow said in her statement. “I am pleased with the outcome and I appreciate all of the hard work of Judge Holmberg and the jury, and thank them for their thoughtfulness in handling this case.”
Her attorney, Steve Owens, also released a statement.
“We are pleased with this unanimous outcome and appreciate the judge and jury’s thoughtful handling of the case,” he said. “Gwyneth has a history of advocating for what she believes in – this situation was no different and she will continue to stand up for what is right.”
“I wish you well,” she said, with Sanderson responding, “Thank you, dear.”