Michael Rott
Top rated Workers' Compensation attorney in San Diego, California
Hiden Rott & Oertle, LLP
Practice Areas: Workers' Compensation
Licensed in California since: 1993
Education: Thomas Jefferson School of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2023 - 2025 Call today:
619-369-3323
Free Consultation Hiden Rott & Oertle, LLP
2635 Camino del Rio SouthSuite 110
San Diego, CA 92108 Visit website
Details
Michael Rott is the managing partner at the law firm of Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP, located in San Diego, California. Serving clients throughout San Diego, El Centro and Palm Springs, California, the types of cases he takes on include workers’ compensation matters focusing on traumatic brain injury, severe spinal cord injuries, and injuries resulting in amputations. In January of 2022, Mr. Rott settled the largest workers' compensation settlement in California history, at $13.2 million dollars.
Mr. Rott has a reputation for having obtained numerous million-dollar and more than 40-multimillion-dollar settlements on behalf of his clients. He listens keenly to his clients, forms creative strategies and keeps them updated about the proceedings of their case. He serves as a zealous and tenacious advocate for his clients who are facing harassment and discrimination in the workplace or have sustained injuries at work.
With a major in psychology from The University of Arizona, Mr. Rott obtained his bachelor’s degree in 1987. He earned his Juris Doctor from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in California. He is licensed to practice in California and the District of Columbia and before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Actively affiliated with major professional associations, Mr. Rott has memberships in the San Diego County Bar Association, the California Applicants' Attorneys Association and the San Diego County Bar Association's Workers' Compensation Section as a Member At Large. As a Judge pro tempore, he has served in the San Diego Superior Court’s Small Claims Division and the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board’s San Diego Division.
Additionally, Mr. Rott serves as a civilian panelist attorney for the women and men of the Armed Forces at Camp Pendleton for general civil legal matters. He is also the author of the book The Employee's Workers' Compensation Handbook and regularly lectures on legal matters and labor issues.
Honored for his impeccable legal work, Mr. Rott has a “Superb” rating on Avvo and The Expert Network named him to its Distinguished Lawyer Designation, which comprises a list of only the top 3% of lawyers in the U.S.
*Referral Fees Paid
Practice areas
Workers' Compensation: Claimant- 100% Workers' Compensation: Claimant
First Admitted: 1993, California
Professional Webpage: https://www.hrollp.com/attorney/michael-i-rott/
Bar/Professional Activity:
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, 2005
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, 2005
- U.S. District Court Southern District of California, 1993
- San Diego County Bar Ethics Committee, Member
- California Applicants' Attorneys Association, Member, 2011 to Present
- San Diego County Bar Association, Member, 1993 to Present
- District of Columbia, 2002
- U.S. Supreme Court, 1997
- U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit, 1997
- State Bar of California, 1993
Verdicts/Settlements (Case Results):
- Linda R. v. CVS 6-year litigation resulted in 7-figure nondisclosure settlement., 2024
- Lori Christenson v. Del Mar Union School District. $2,825,295.04 + Van + Motorized Wheelchair + waiver of $65,000 permanent disability advancements (PDAs). Lori's first lawyer was trying to negotiate a $72,500 settlement. Her family declined this amount for obvious reasons and hired me., 2024
- Brandi Kellar v. CHP. 100% Permanent Total Disability Awarded and valued at $1,176,062.85 + ongoing future medical care., 2024
- Jack Bohm v. Baynes Roofing, Inc. Denied Case Settled for $2,500,000.00., 2023
- Paula P. Costas v. Transcendance Youth Arts Project. Case Settled for $2,500,000.00., 2023
- Juan Gonzalez v. Downing Construction Company. Case settlement $8,000,000.00 (approx). The expected payout on his structured annuity is $19,000,000.00. Through 4+ years of litigation, the defendant paid medical benefits of $2,325,000.00; advanced $1,903,983.83 which includes $1,000,000.00 for a house; $130,143.52 in temporary disability payments; and $50,000.00 in hotel rooms. , 2023
- Patricia Meza was struck in the back of the head by a co-worker. Case settlement of $3,115,000.00 expected payout., 2020
- Salesman v. The CIT Group. $792,190.36 in Death Benefits Utilizing Massachusetts Law instead of California Law. Employee was a passenger in a bicycle rickshaw, when he was ejected and hit by an on-coming vehicle. Based upon the number of dependents, the maximum payout in California was $250,000. However, since the employee was hired in Massachusetts, I was able to recover $792,190.36 implementing Massachusetts law. The insurance company agreed to waiving $92,190.36 in permanent disability advances., 2008
- Randy Leal v. National Beef (Part 1). $585,866.72 + Open Medical to include, 24/7 Home Care. Denied Claim turned into a 100% Permanent Disability Stipulation with Request for Award; along with $39,294.08 in retro-temporary disability payments., 2010
- Bair v. Dept. of Corrections; Calpers; State Compensation Insurance Fund. Case settled for Full Death Benefits of $290,000.00 for both dependent children, despite a PERS Exception to Receiving any Benefits. Full Death Benefits for 2-dependent children despite PERS exception, due to the widow's alleged election for special death benefits through CalPers. Prior to achieving this MAJOR Victory, after trial and 2-petitions for reconsideration, the decedent, a grounds keeper, died off the job, after allegedly taking sildenafil, which was prescribed for another individual and was pronounced dead several hours later. After successfully arguing that he was entitled to the same rebuttable presumption as a correctional officer, that his heart disease "arose out of an in the course of employment"., 2011
- Hernandez v. Brian Miller Painting Co. Case settlement of $600,000.00. This case involved a Painter, who had 3-prior lawyers. The first lawyer made an offer of $25,000; the second $106,000; and the third was recommending the insurance company's $80,000 counter offer. I settled Mr. Hernandez's case for $600,000! , 2015
- JA v. MVW General Contractors. Denied case turned into $4,800,000.00, after insurance company offer of $15,000 was rejected., 2016
- Ricardo Martinez v. Arias Mechanical (Part 2) Practice Area: Workers compensation Date: Jan 08, 2018 Outcome: $3,750,000.00 "NEW MONEY", with an Expected Payout of $5,001,621.56 Description: After settling his permanent disability at 100%, the case was then settled for $3,750,000.00 "NEW MONEY", with an Expected Payout of $5,001,621.56, 2018
- Jenny Manybeads, et al. v. United States of America, et al., 06/23/1994 - 10/11/1994
- (Minor Child) v. SBC Telecom, Inc.; Pacific Bell Telephone Company. Minor child's father died of Heat Exhaustion on the Job. I was able to apply an exception to the cap on death claims, which increased the settlement from $250,000 to $1,200,000.00., 2002
- Aland (EMT) v. American Medical Response; National Union Fire Insurance Company. The case settled for $1,563,334.69 Expected Payout of Structured Settlement, which included $207,720.92 permanent disability advances waived by the insurance carrier., 2004
- Walrath v. California Indemnity Insurance Co. Employee injured her knee on the job and while under anesthesia, lit up a congenital defect requiring a lung transplant. The settlement outcome was $3,076,358.00 Expected Payout of Structured Settlement with up-front cash., 2005
- Walczak v. Ahern Rentals, Wausau Insurance. Settlement outcome of $5,834,763.00 structured and included up-front cash. Worthy Results: Insurance Company Waived All Interest in $3,000,000.00 Personal Injury Recovery procured by counsel Kevin F. Quinn, Esq., 2008
- LaFrancis v. Westways Staffing Services, Inc. Nurse LaFrancis's prior counsel was recommending her to settle her case for $50,000. After 3-years of litigation, I settled this case for $1,200,000.00 (approx.), 2011
- Brandy Miller v. Apple One (Part 2). I settled her case for $2,477,679.66 after mediation with former Workers' Compensation Appeals Board Chief Judge, Steven Siemers., 2022
- Brandy Miller v. Apple One (Part 1). My former associate and I obtained a 100% permanent disability award valued at approximately $1,700,000.00, after 2-previous lawyers, Ms. Miller had for nearly 8-years were unable to do., 2018
- Pineda v. Casey Industrial (Part 1). I turned a denied case into $3,000,000,00 permanent disability, after 4-lawyers turned down this case due to the "Going and Coming" Rule, 2021
- JA Hopkins, a Laborer, sustained severe spinal cord injuries. After many hearings, and 4-defense lawyers, JA's case settled for $4,650,000, which was in addition to a wheelchair accessible van; motorized wheelchair; and home healthcare of 24/7., 2021
- JM v. Desert Crane Service. Expected Payout of $7,200,000.00 (approx.) + $13,000 Tempur-Pedic Bed System + Motorized Wheelchair. A 60-foot Acacia Tree fell on my client, which fractured his pelvis and caused a Traumatic Brain Injury. Despite being told by his trauma surgeon that the pain in his pelvis will eventually go away, my client was unable to walk. After reviewing a post-surgical MRI of his pelvis, I uncovered the reason why he could not walk. During his trauma surgery, the tip of a screw which was suppose to anchor into his bone, actually pierced through the bone into his pelvic floor nerves, creating excruciating pain and the inability to bear weight or walk., 2018
- Joel Rodriguez, a roofer, sustained a traumatic brain injury. After multiple hearings, and depositions, Joel's claim settled for $5,000,000 "New Money"., 2021
- Steven Svatko, an HVAC Technician, sustained a pulmonary injury. My associate and I settled Steve's case for $2,000,000 "New Money", in addition to a motorized wheelchair; and 24/7 home healthcare assistance., 2019
- Obdulio Ortiz, a fruit picker sustained a spinal cord injury. After multiple trials, his denied claim settled for $5,000,000.00 "New Money", making this one of the Largest settlements in UEBTF history. In addition to this settlement, Obdulio received home healthcare assistance from 2-caregivers 24/7; a wheelchair; a waiver of $117,974.14 in permanent disability advancements; retro-active temporary disability payments for 3 1/2 years (as his prior counsel had failed to prove up his claim, nor obtain for him any monetary benefits during his 3 1/2 years of representation); a motorized wheelchair; a $15,000 massage chair; a $13,000 mattress system; and $20,000 in lieu of ADA housing for 3-months., 2021
- Cesar Hernandez, a flyer distributor sustained a spinal cord injury. After multiple trials, I settled Cesar's case for $4,200,000 "New Money", which includes a waiver of $119,613.98 of permanent disability advancements; and payment of $115,000 for a wheelchair accessible van with motorized lift, for a total settlement value of $4,434,613.98, which makes this one of the Largest settlements in UEBTF history., 2021
- Sheridan Cucurillo, a property manager sustained a head injury. I settled her case for $3,250,000.00, 2022
- David Rodriguez, a welder, sustained crush injury. Several days after replacing his prior counsel, the workers' compensation carrier sent an offer for $38,000. Approximately 1-year later, I settled David's case for $3,450,000.00., 2022
- Pineda v. Casey Industrial (Part 2) $13.2 Million Dollar Settlement. This is the Largest Reported Workers’ Compensation Settlement in California History. This was originally a denied claim; and defendant was offering $10,000 dollars to resolve., 2022
- Jerry Alvarez v. Stericycle Practice Area: Workers' compensation Date: Jan 23, 2018 Outcome: "SKILLED NURSING CARE SETTLEMENT ONLY" -- $675,000.00 "New Money" with an Expected Yield of $829,864.00 + 3-months of 24/7 Home Care + 2-weeks of Skilled Nursing Care + an $83,000 Wheelchair Accessible Van + a $35,000 Mattress! Description: Before hiring me, Jerry's first attorney settled his permanent disability. His previous attorney then settled the home care component for $500,000. While this may sound like a lot of money, it was actually a bargain for the insurance company. Fortunately, I found a loophole in the previous settlement agreement and was able to "clean up the mess" caused by Jerry's first attorney. I was then able to get Jerry an additional $675,000.00 "New Money" with an Expected Yield of $829,864.00, so he could now afford the skilled nursing care he needs. Plus, I was able to obtain 3 + months of 24/7 Home Care (despite a previous settlement for home care of 6/7) + 2-weeks of Skilled Nursing Care + an $83,000 Wheelchair Accessible Van + a $35,000 Mattress, 2018
- Raymundo Gamboa v. Clauss Construction Practice Area: Workers' compensation Date: Dec 01, 2017 Outcome: $1,000,000.00 "New Money" Description: Although laborer was not 100% permanently disabled, his settlement was based upon 100% permanent disability. Settlement included aggravation of diabetes, which was originally denied, 2017
- Elisara Koria v. Universal Protection Services Practice Area: Workers' compensation Date: Nov 29, 2017 Outcome: $1,000,000.00 "New Money" Description: This 66-year-old security guard's claim was initially denied. The claims examiner also believed he did not require the use of a wheelchair. Negotiated $24,098.86 in permanent disability advancements to be waived, 2017
- Bruno Aranjo v. JA Soden Framing Practice Area: Workers' compensation Date: Sep 10, 2017 Outcome: $3,000,000.00 "NEW MONEY" Description: In less than 2-weeks, I was able to settle this case for $3,000,000.00 "NEW MONEY". His prior lawyer of nearly 2-years offered $1,000,000 + open medical. Had my client kept his medical open, his weekly indemnity payments would be reduced by the attorney's fee paid, which would have put him in a worse position, 2017
- Ricardo Martinez v. Arias Mechanical (PART 1) Practice Area: Workers' compensation Date: Jan 23, 2017 Outcome: $1,752,992.43 + Open Medical to include, 24/7 Home Health Care + Wheelchair Accessible Van + Motorized Wheelchair + Home Modifications Description: An injured HVAC employee lost part of his leg from a failed back surgery. After taking over this denied case from a lawyer in Orange County, who was trying to settle it for $25,000, I was able to force the insurance company to Stipulate this case at 100% permanent disability ($1,752,992.43); obtained a wheelchair accessible van (approx. $75,000); a motorized wheelchair; and home modifications (approx. $252,000); + Future Medical Care for Life, 2017
- John Hopkins v. Nighthawk Security Syst. (PART 1) Practice Area: Workers' compensation Date: Nov 21, 2016 Outcome: $1,448,202.38 + Open Medical to include, 24/7 Home Health Care Description: In 7-Weeks, I was able to Settle the Permanent Disability at 100% ($1,448,202.38) for this paraplegic security guard. I also arranged for my client to receive 24 hour, 7 days a week Home Health Care. HIs prior lawyer of 7-years was trying to settle this case for $50,000, 2016
- Tammy Martinez v. Grifell Enterprises/ LLC Bartholomew Practice Area: Workers' compensation Date: Mar 23, 2016 Outcome: $3,500,000.00 "New Money" + a Wheel Chair Accessible Van + a Motorized Wheel Chair + Home Modifications and Much More. Case Settled in Less than 11-months. Description: Failed back surgery which caused Tammy to lose her leg. Prior counsel was trying to settle her case for $50,000. I obtained 70 Times More than what her first lawyer was recommending, 2016
- Car Salesman (former U.S. Marine) v. Quality Nissan of Temecula Practice Area: Workers' compensation Date: Oct 08, 2015 Outcome: $3,500,000.00 "New Money" with an Expected Payout of $4,812,421.84 Description:2-prior lawyers and a case value of only $50,000 when I took over the case. Less than 4-months later, I settled this case for 70-times higher than his former lawyer, 2015
- Hernandez v. Brian Miller Painting Co. Practice Area: Workers' compensation Date: May 18, 2015 Outcome: $600,000.00 Settlement Description: This case involves a Painter, who had 3-prior lawyers. The first lawyer made an offer of $25,000; the second $106,000; and the third was recommending the insurance company's $80,000 counter offer. I settled Mr. Hernandez's case for $600,000, 2015
- Teresa Sperry v. Vons Practice Area: Workers' compensation Date: Nov 01, 2014 Outcome: $1,700,000.00 "NEW MONEY"Description:1% wpi (permanent disability) claim caused by a foot fracture, 2014
- Ironworker v. Cabrillo Hoist Practice Area: Workers' compensation Date: Jun 25, 2013 Outcome: $578,243.10 + Open Medical Description: Denied Case turned into a 100% Permanent Disability Stipulation with Request for Award, valued at $563,243.10 + $15,000 in reimbursements for mileage, prescriptions and travel, 2013
- Randy Leal v. National Beef (Part 2) Practice Area: Workers' compensation Date: Jun 13, 2013 Outcome: $3,052,374.51 Total Expected Payout Description: Buyout of Future Medical Expenses, Penalties, and Sanctions' Petitions, 2013
- Johnny Gibson v. All-Street Towing (Part 2) Practice Area: Workers' compensation Date: Mar 05, 2013 Outcome: $3,100,000.00 Description: Buyout of Future Medical and Case in Chief, 2013
Videos:
Representative Clients:
- Brandy Miller, 2022
- Juan Gonzalez, 2024
- Tammy Martinez v. Grifell Enterprises , 2016
- Sheridan Cucurillo, 2022
- Tony Busalacchi
- Peter Keller
- Tanya LaFrancis
- Sally Kasparian
- Alexis Garcia, who is the spouse and guardian ad litem for Rafael Pineda., 2022
Transactions:
- Represented Teamsters 542 in the purchase of an office building in El Centro, California.
Special Licenses/Certifications:
- State of California Department of Real Estate -- Brokers License, 2018
- District of Columbia (DC) Bar, 2002
Pro bono/Community Service:
- San Diego Riptide, General Counsel
- NFL, Legal Counsel
- Major League Baseball, Legal Counsel
- AF2 Arena Football Team
- Fight for Fifteen -- Legal Observer to act as a liaison between the police department and the protestors., 2017
- California Applicants' Attorneys Association (CAAA) Regulations Committee Member., 2022
- Mission Hills Heritage Board Member, 2022
- Fight for Fifteen -- Legal Observer to act as a liaison between the police department and the protestors., 2016
Honors/Awards:
- The only Workers' Compensation Lawyer selected to Super Lawyers in 2024., Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers, 2024
- I am honored to be the only San Diego Workers' Compensation Lawyer, who was selected to be a Super Lawyer in 2023. , Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers, 2023
- Awarded to Top 3% of Lawyers in the U.S., Distinguished Lawyer Designation, Expert Network, 2018
- Raised approximately $35,000 for union members of UFCW, Local 135's strike fund., Certificate of Honor, UFCW, Local 135, 2004
- Top Lawyers, Top Attorneys Semi-Finalist, Labor/Employment, 2011
- Top Attorney, Avvo, 2021
- Superb Rated Attorney, Avvo, 2018
- Superb Rated Attorney, Avvo, 2017
- Superb Rated Attorney, Avvo, 2016
- Superb Rated Attorney, Avvo, 2015
- Client's Choice Award, Avvo, 2015
Educational Background:
- University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, B.S., Major: Psychology - 1987
Scholarly Lectures/Writings:
- Injured? Here's Some Advice, The Guild Reporter -- Communications Workers of America
- I was the only Workers' Compensation lawyer that was requested to speak at this Conference., Speaker, Irlen Symposium, Irlen Institute, Healthcare, Workers' Compensation, 2024
- Workers' Compensation, Personal Injury & Immigration in the Construction Industry, San Diego Building & Construction Trades Council, 2013
- Workers' Compensation and Personal Injury, Communications Workers of America, Local 9509, 1997
- Workers' Compensation Overview, 725 District Lodge - International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers, 2001
- Workers' Compensation Benefits, Iron Workers, Local 229, 2002
- Mold in Elementary Schools, Kennedy and Sherman Elementary School Teachers, 2002
- Occupational Exposure to Mold, San Diego Education Association, 2003
- Workers' Compensation and Casino Employees, CWA, Local 9400, 2005 to Present
- Steps to Follow When Injured on the Job, CWA, Local 9510, 2007 to Present
- iPhone 3G Class Action Suit, ABC News/Technology, 2008 to Present
- Apple iPhone 3G, Gadget Lab, 2008 to Present
- Organized Labor & Workers Comp, Legal Talk Network, 2008 to Present
- Guidelines to Follow when Injured on the Job, Teamsters, Local 542, 2009 to Present
- The Essential Steps To Take When Injured On The Job, OPEIU, Local 30, 2010 to Present
- Pre-Designation of Physician, UFCW, Local 135, 2011 to Present
- Structured Settlements From a Union's Point of View, National Structured Settlements Trade Association Annual Meeting, 2011 to Present
- Workers' Compensation, California Teachers Association, Region 4 Meeting, 2011 to Present
- Blackout, NBC San Diego, 09/08/2011 to Present
- Ethics in the Courtroom, San Diego Lawyer Magazine, 1996
- Author, “The Employee’s Workers’ Compensation Handbook”, Communications Workers of America, Local 9509, 2003
- The Union Defender, Hiden, Rott & Oertle Legal Magazine, 2007
- Guest Speaker, Why is it so important to designate a doctor before you are injured at work?, UFCW, Local 135, 2018
- Covid in the workplace., Speaker, Workers' Compensation Benefits, SEIU, Labor Union, 2021
- Guest Speaker, What to do when you are injured on the job?, AFSCME, Local 127, 2017
- Guest Speaker, The necessary evident to support a workers' compensation claim, SEIU, Local 221, 2016
- Guest Speaker, Workers' Compensation Overview, CSEA, San Diego, 2017
- Guest Speaker, Workers' Compensation, Teamsters, Local 542, Teamsters, Local 542, 2015
- Laborers, Local 89, Guest Speaker, Workers' Compensation Training, 2014
- Guest Speaker, Workers' Compensation Training, CSEA, San Diego, CSEA, San Diego, 2014
- Guest Speaker, Workers' Compensation Training, AFSCME, Local 127, AFSCME, Local 127, 2014
- Guest Speaker, Workers' Compensation Training, Teamsters, Local 542, Teamsters, Local 542, 2016
Other Outstanding Achievements:
- Judge Pro Tempore Workers' Compensation Appeals Board-San Diego Division, 2014
- Top 500 Firms in the Asia Pacific Legal 500, 1999
Industry Groups:
- AFL-CIO
- Building Trades
- City Employees
- Classified Employees
- Construction
- County Employees
- CSEA
- Iron Workers
- Labor
- OPEIU
- SEIU
- Teachers
- Teamsters
- UFCW
Office location for Michael Rott
2635 Camino del Rio South
Suite 110
San Diego, CA 92108
Phone: 619-369-3323
Selections
3 Years Super Lawyers
- Super Lawyers: 2023 - 2025
Additional sources of information about Michael Rott
See legal Q & A provided by Michael Rott
Q: How Soon Should I Contact A Lawyer After A Work Injury In California?
A: It’s important to contact an attorney as early as possible after a work-related injury. Once you report the injury and get the necessary medical …Q: What Proof Do I Need For A Workers’ Comp Case In California?
A: A lot of people are unclear as to their course of action after a work injury. They don’t know what their responsibilities are or what proof they … See all answers by Michael Rott
