Sheridan, 48, filed her wrongful termination and battery suit in 2010, claiming her contract was canceled after she complained about being hit by Cherry. Her character, Edie Britt, was killed off the ABC drama in 2009.
In court documents, Cherry says he "...lightly tapped her (Sheridan's) head in giving her direction for a scene."
But Sheridan claims that "Marc Cherry hit her across the head while on the set of the 'Desperate Housewives' television show and then arranged to have her character killed off and her contract terminated because Ms. Sheridan complained to Touchstone Television about the attack."
Central to Cherry's case is his argument that writers had decided to kill off Sheridan's character several months before the incident for creative reasons.
"We believe strongly in the merits of the case and we're looking forward to an airing of the evidence and the sunshine to see what's going on here," said attorney Adam Levin, who is representing Cherry and Touchstone Television.
The judge in the case has dismissed several of the charges lodged against Cherry and Touchstone, including sexual harassment and assault. But she has allowed Sheridan to continue suing for wrongful termination and battery.
Both Sheridan and Cherry were present in court Tuesday. Once jury selection concludes, Sheridan is expected to take the witness stand.
Disney is the parent company of ABC7 and Touchstone Television Productions.
