On May 13, 2016, plaintiff David Flores, a photographer, was outside a lounge in Hollywood, trying to conduct a video interview with James Harden, a professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets. Flores claimed that while he was holding a camera and asking Harden a question, Harden struck him on the left hand. Flores claimed an injury to his left hand. Flores sued Harden, alleging that Harden’s actions constituted assault and battery. Harden denied assaulting Flores. Defense counsel disputed Flores’ allegations, and contended that Flores’ alleged injury was fabricated., Flores claimed he sustained a fracture to a finger on his left hand. He did not seek medical attention until four days later, on May 17, 2016, when he visited LAC+USC Medical Center, in Los Angeles. Flores claimed that his broken finger caused him pain and mental anguish and that his injury kept him from working for several weeks. He also claimed that he suffers a decreased range of motion to his finger and that he may be permanently disabled. However, he did not make a claim for future care or treatment. Flores sought recovery of damages for his past and future pain and suffering. (He dropped his claim of lost wages before trial.) Defense counsel contended that Flores changed his claim at different times about whether or not his left hand was his dominant hand. Counsel also argued that Flores fabricated his injury.