On March 29, 2010, plaintiff Leonid Fleyshman, a 59-year-old disabled man, was driving on Laurel Canyon in West Los Angeles, with his younger brother, plaintiff Igor Fleyshman, who was also disabled, as a front-seat passenger. While traveling on Laurel Canyon, they were side-swiped by a vehicle operated by Jennifer Newell. The Fleyshmans each claimed neck and back . Igor and Leonid Fleyshman sued Newell. They alleged the defendant was negligent in the operation of her vehicle. The Fleyshmans claimed that Newell attempted an unsafe lane-change, causing the side-swipe collision. Newell admitted liability, and the matter proceeded to a trial on damages., Igor and Leonid Fleyshman each treated with a chiropractor one day after the accident. They were referred to an orthopedist for diagnostic tests, and were diagnosed with soft-tissue strains and sprains to their spine. The plaintiffs were then referred to a pain management specialist and they each received epidural injections. The Fleyshmans claimed that they recovered from their after roughly four months of treatment, with no serious residual symptoms. Thus, they asked the jury for $48,000 in total damages, with each of them asking for $9,000 in past medical costs and $15,000 for their pain and suffering. Defense counsel contended that neither of the plaintiffs suffered a serious injury from the accident, as the impact was minimal and there was no mechanism for injury.