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Michael Ian Rott
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About Michael
Biography
GETTING THE HIGHEST SETTLEMENT RESULTS FOR CALIFORNIA'S INJURED WORKERS!
You deserve a lawyer, who is Smart. You deserve a lawyer, who knows when to be aggressive, when to go to trial, and when to work things out informally.
When looking for a lawyer to protect you and get the medical testing, treatment, benefits, and ultimately the Settlement you Deserve, you want to look at their results. This is the best indicator of how well they will represent you.
How many cases have they settled? How large have those settlements been? Have they settled more than 1-large case? How many brain injury cases have they handled? What were their outcomes? How many severe spinal cord injuries have they settled? What were their outcomes?
Attorneys build experience and knowledge the longer they are in business. However, do you want a lawyer, who has little experience; who makes promises, but has very little results to show? Of course not!
Here are My Results:
In April of 2022, I negotiated the Largest Settlement in California Work Comp History at $13.2 Million Dollars. According to "Insurance Business", as of 2023, I settled "the most notable multi-million dollar (Work Comp) cases" "in the US". #10%20highest%20workers%20com
I have also represented more than 40-traumatic brain injury and severe spinal cord injury clients and have settled each of their cases between $1 Million Dollars and $8 Million Dollars, as wells as hundreds of cases in excess of $100k, over the past 33-years. When hiring a Lawyer, look at their settlement results. Your Future Depends on it.
I am the managing partner at Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP (HRO) and have served as general counsel to the San Diego Riptide, a former AF2 Arena Football Team, as well as providing legal counsel to the Toronto Blue Jays and the former Montreal Expos regarding workers' compensation claims.
I represent clients throughout California for injuries on the job which cause Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs); Severe Spinal Cord Injuries (Paraplegia & Quadraplegia); and Amputations.
Through creativity, hard work and hiring the top experts in their fields, I have settled the Largest workers' compensation case, in addition to some of the largest workers' compensation cases in the State of California. What makes a number of these cases so unique, is that their previous attorneys were recommending 5-figure settlements, and I eventually turned them into 7-figure and 8-figure settlements.
I have had the priviledge to serve as class counsel in several Class Actions and served as an Executive Committee Member in a Multi-District Litigation Class Action against Apple, Inc. I was also interviewed by ABC News regarding this class action.
In 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, I was selected as a Super Lawyer in the specialty of Workers' Compensation by my peers.
In January of 2018, I received the Distinguished Lawyer Designation from the Expert Network, which is only given to the Top 3% of Lawyers in the U.S.
In September of 2012, l was interviewed by THE SUIT magazine on Class Actions.
In 2011, I was interviewed by NBC News regarding the September 8, 2011 Southwestern Blackout.
In 2011, my peers selected me as a Semi-Finalist for Top Attorneys (Labor/Employment), which was published by The Daily Transcript.
About the firm, Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP ("HRO") is a full service law firm representing Labor Unions and Union Members throughout California.
In 1999, HRO was honored by the Asia-Pacific Legal 500 as being named in its Legal 500 Series, as being one of the top law firms in San Diego for Labour and Employment.
In 2004, the Firm was awarded the Certificate of Honor from UFCW, Local 135 in recognition of leadership in the time of crisis, withstanding all odds and elements to fight and sacrifice for the highest standards of all working class people.
We are committed to providing the very best legal representation. We do this by knowing the law; developing a specific game plan for your case; knowing the top experts; keeping you informed about your case; by maintaining an excellent reputation with the Judges, who will decide your case; and by willing to take your case to the ends of the earth to deliver the benefits and results that you need, require and deserve.
If you are looking for a lawyer, who will deliver results and not just promises, call me.
According to "Insurance Business" as of 2023, I Negotiated the "Most Notable Multimillion-dollar" Work Comp Settlement in the U.S., at $13.2 Million Dollars. https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/guides/what-is-the-highest-workers-comp-settlement-in-the-us-448424.aspx#10%20highest%20workers%20com
Delivering the Highest Settlements for California’s Injured Workers! In 2022, I Negotiated the LARGEST Settlement in California Work Comp History, at $13.2 Million Dollars. I have also settled more than 40-7-Figure Brain Injury & Severe Spinal Cord Injury Settlements.
Delivering The Highest Settlement Results: In 2022, I Negotiated the LARGEST Settlement in California Work Comp History, at $13.2 Million Dollars. I have also settled more than 40-7-Figure Settlements Interviewing lawyers? Look at their Results! I will help get your life back on track!
Delivering the Highest Settlement Results: In 2022, I Negotiated the LARGEST Settlement in California Work Comp History, at $13.2 Million Dollars. I have also settled more than 40-7-Figure Settlements. Looking for a lawyer? Have you reviewed their results? Then decide.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Brain Injury
70%
32 years
Spinal Cord Injury
25%
32 years
Workers Compensation
5%
32 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Contingency
18%-20%
Pro bono
10 %
Retainer
Never
Awards
2025 2015 2012
...
+
1
2013 2012
Licenses
Licensed in District of Columbia for 23 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
Licensed in California for 32 years
State: California
Acquired: 1993
No misconduct found
Location
HIDEN, ROTT & OERTLE, LLP
Teamsters, Local 542 Building, 2298 Merrill Center Drive, Suite #2, El Centro, CA, 92243
hrollp.comHIDEN, ROTT & OERTLE, LLP
The Courtyard at Palm Springs, 777 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 200-124, Palm Springs, CA, 92262
hrollp.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Michael online.
Michael Ian Rott's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 38 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Juan | January 13, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best Attorney in California
I would highly recommend Mr. Michael Rott. He's trustworthy, honest, hard worker and a fighter, he never gives up. He's very professional and his dedication, work ethic, and positive attitude is second to none. He will fight for you and settle your case as soon as possible. Mr. Rott took over my cas...
Posted by Alexis | October 20, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Absolutely amazing!
I can’t begin to thank Michael and his amazing staff for everything they’ve done for our family. My husband suffered a horrific accident and after being turned down by multiple firms, Michael took our case. Our lives have completely changed for the better. He was always a phone call away whenever I n...
Posted by Charles | January 22, 2026 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The Worker Comp Lawyer to have.
I cannot thank Michael Rott enough for everything he did for me during my workers compensation case. When I was injured and overwhelmed, Michael stepped in anc immediately made me feel supported and protected. He truly listened to me, treated me with respect, and fought for me every step of the way. ...
Posted by Jack | October 4, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
$2.5 million
I originally hired the hack lawyers Beach Cities Legal. After six months of my claim being denied and complete lack of care I fired them and hired Mr Rott. Quickly my claim was accepted and I got the medical attention I needed. I had Mr Rotts cell phone number and he always answered my calls. He at...
Posted by Brandy | April 8, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Works hard for his clients!
My case was not a simple one. The attorneys I had worked with previously seemed content with the situation I was in, but I was not. I found Michael through a search on this website and I am grateful I did. Within a short time, I had treatment I had not been able to get in years and things began movin...
Michael Ian Rott's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. He works hard for his clients."
"I endorse Michael Rott. He is highly respected in the legal community and is blessed with a savvy legal acumen. For all your personal injury needs, he will be professional, courteous and aggressive."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. An incredible advocate respected by peers and clients alike."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is a smart, sincere, caring lawyer, and those are the qualities that inform my decision to recommend him to my clients. Add to those qualities his fine character, and what more can a client want?"
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Rott is a skilled and well respected member of the legal community. He is a zealous advocate for the rights and interests of his clients"
"I endorse this lawyer. A brilliant and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"Michael Rott is an experienced attorney whose participation and comments in Avvo show his commitment to serving clients as well as his level of experience. He is an excellent attorney that I recommend wholeheartedly."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Rott posts frequently on AVVO and because of this forum I am able to learn about different practices in out-of-state jurisdictions. Michael, through his lucid and eloquent posts, has demonstrated a mastery of civil law. I have many friends who live on the West Coast and if any were seeking an attorney in his field I would refer him without pause."
"I am proud to endorse this lawyer."
"I sincerely endorse attorney Rott! The answers of Mr. Rott are consistently accurate, analytic and customized to the needs of the Avvo asker. These are exactly the qualities that every client would be looking for in hiring an attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is a classmate from law school. In the nearly twenty years since, he has earned a reputation as a very bright, caring and conscientious advocate for his clients. I'm pleased to know and recommend him."
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Experience
Honors
2026
Super Lawyer in Workers' Compensation, SuperLawyers
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
Super Lawyer in Workers' Compensation for San Diego County, SuperLawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer in Workers' Compensation, SuperLawyers
2024
Recognizing Excellence in Workers' Compensation Law, Lawyers of Distinction
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Top Rated Lawyer, Avvo
2023
Super Lawyer in Workers' Compensation, SuperLawyers
2021
Top Attorney, Avvo
2018
Distinguished Lawyer Designation (Top 3% of Lawyers in the U.S.), The Expert Network
2018
Superb Rated Attorney, Avvo
2017
Superb Rated Attorney, Avvo
2016
Superb Rated Attorney, Avvo
2015
Superb Rated Attorney, Avvo
2015
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2014
Superb Rated Attorney, Avvo
2014
A+ Rating, Better Business Bureau
2014
Avvo Top Contributor Award Class Action, Avvo
2013
Superb Rated Attorney, Avvo
2013
Avvo Top Contributor Award Class Action, Avvo
2013
A+ Rating, Better Business Bureau of San Diego
2012
Superb Rated Attorney, Avvo
2012
San Diego Best Lawyers, San Diego Metro
2012
Avvo Clients' Choice Award, Avvo
2011
Semi-Finalist for Top Attorneys 2011 (Labor/Employment), The Daily Transcript
2004
Certificate of Honor, UFCW, Local 135
1999
Top 500, Asia Pacific Legal 500
Work Experience
1994 - Present
Managing Partner, Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP
1991 - 1992
Law Clerk, Gruber, Sachs & Donnet
1990 - 1991
Law Clerk, Lieb & Lieb
1989 - 1990
Law Clerk, Law Offices of Craig A. Candelore
Associations
2026 - Present
San Diego County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Information Service (LRIS)Vice Chair
2025 - Present
San Diego County Bar AssociationLawyer Information Referral Information Service Committee Member
2020 - Present
California Applicants' Attorneys Association--Regulations CommitteeCommittee Member
2005 - Present
United States District Court for the Central District of CaliforniaAdmitted to Practice
2005 - Present
United States District Court for the Eastern District of CaliforniaAdmitted to Practice
1997 - Present
United States Court of Appeals For the Ninth CircuitAdmitted to Practice
1997 - Present
U.S. Supreme CourtAdmitted to Practice
1993 - Present
United States District Court for the Southern District of CaliforniaAdmitted to Practice
State Bar of California
Member
California Applicants' Attorneys Association
Member
American Bar Association
Member
District of Columbia Bar
Member
San Diego County Bar Association
Member
2025 - 2025
Super LawyersSuper Lawyers in Workers' Compensation
2023 - 2024
San Diego County Bar AssociationMember At Large Work Comp Section
2011 - 2014
Workers' Compensation Appeals Board-San Diego DivisionJudge Pro Tempore
1998 - 2000
San Diego Superior Court-Small Claims DivisionJudge Pro Tempore
1997 - 1997
San Diego County Bar Ethics CommitteeEthics Hotline Director
1996 - 1997
San Diego County Bar Ethics CommitteeMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Leonard Simmons v. Coca Cola Bottling Company of Southern California
$1,000,000.00 Settlement
Charles Cooper v. UCSD
$3,200,000.00 Settlement
M. Gilmore v. The Home Depot
$1,300,000.00 New Money Settlement
A. S. v. Travelers Property Casualty Company of America
$4,060,000.00 Settlement
L. Rideout v. CVS
$1,537,360.00 Settlement
Laura Loucks v. Rite Aid Corporation
$2,000,000.00 Settlement
J. Gonzalez v. Downing Construction
$7,903,983.83 Settlement with an Expected Payout of $19,156,022.16
B. Kellar v. California Highway Patrol
$1,176,062.85 for 100% Permanent Total Disability + Ongoing Future Medical
L. Christenson v. Del Mar Union School District
$2,825,295.04 + Van and Motorized WC
P.P. Costas
$2,500,000.00 "New Money"
J. Bohm
$2,500,000.00 "New Money"
Rafael Pineda v. Casey Industrial (Part 2)
*$13,169,185.51 LARGEST REPORTED WORKERS' COMPENSATION SETTLEMENT IN CA*
Brandy Miller v. Apple One (Part 2)
Settlement of $2,477,679.66, after receiving 24/7 Home Care and a motorized wheelchair and Wheelchair accessible van.
Sheridan Cucurillo v. Capital Asset Management Group
$3,250,000.00 "New Money"
Joel Rodriguez v. Morgan Development, Inc.
Denied case results in $5,000,000.00 “New Money”
Obdulio Ortiz v. Varela Brothers
Denied Case turned into $5,117,000.00 Settlement + 2-Caregivers 24/7, a Van, Adjustable Bed and Much More
Rafael Pineda v. Casey Industrial (Part 1)
Denied Case turned into $3,000,000.00 Permanent Disability + Benefits After Proving Up Liability at Trial and Turning Down Insurance Company Offer of $10,000 (Part 1)
Cesar Hernandez v. United Flyer Printing
$4,200,000.00 “New Money” + $115,000 for a van
Patricio Meza
$3,115,000.00 Expected Payout
Brandy Miller v. Apple One (Part 1)
$1,700,000.00 Permanent Disability Stipulated Award (Part 1)
Jerry Alvarez v. Stericycle
"SKILLED NURSING CARE SETTLEMENT ONLY" $829,864.00 expected payout + 3-months of 24/7 Home Care + 2-weeks of Skilled Nursing Care + an $83,000 Wheelchair Accessible Van + a $35,000 Mattress!
Ricardo Martinez v. Arias Mechanical (Part 2)
Expected Payout of $5,001,621.56
Raymundo Gamboa (Laborer) v. Clauss Construction
$1,000,000.00 "New Money"
Elisara Koria (Security Guard) v. Universal Protection Services
$1,000,000.00 "New Money"
Bruno Aranjo v. JA Soden Framing
$3,000,000.00 "NEW MONEY"
Ricardo Martinez v. Arias Mechanical (PART 1)
$1,752,992.43 + Open Medical to include, 24/7 Home Health Care + Wheelchair Accessible Van + Motorized Wheelchair + Home Modifications
John Hopkins v. Nighthawk Security Syst. (PART 1)
$1,448,202.38 + Open Medical to include, 24/7 Home Health Care
JA v. MVW General Contractors
Denied Case Turned into $4,800,000.00
Tammy Martinez v. Grifell Enterprises/ LLC Bartholomew
$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.
Mike A. v. Quality Nissan of Temecula
$4,812,424.64 “Expected Payout” + Wheelchair Accessible Van
Hernandez v. Brian Miller Painting Co.
$600,000.00 Settlement
Teresa Sperry (UFCW, Local 135 Member) v. Vons
$1,700,000.00 "NEW MONEY"
Ironworker v. Cabrillo Hoist
$578,243.10 + Open Medical
Randy Leal v. National Beef (Part 2)
$3,052,374.51 Total Expected Payout
Johnny Gibson v. All-Street Towing (Part 2)
$3,100,000.00
LaFrancis v. Westways Staffing Services, Inc.
$1,200,000.00
Bair v. Dept. of Corrections; Calpers; SCIF
Full Death Benefits of $290,000 for Both Dependent Children, Despite a PERS Exception to Receiving Any Benefits.
Randy Leal v. National Beef (Part 1)
$585,866.72 + Open Medical to include, 24/7 Home Care
Johnny Gibson v. All-Street Towing (Part 1)
$1,353,684.65 + Open Medical
Walczak v. Ahern Rentals, Wausau Insurance
$5,834,763.00 Structured Settlement, Including up-front Cash.
JM v. Desert Crane Service
Expected Payout of $7,200,000.00 (approx.) + $13,000 Tempur-Pedic Bed System + Motorized Wheelchair
Salesman v. The CIT Group; CHUBB Services Corp
$792,190.36 in Death Benefits Utilizing Massachusetts Law
(Minor Child) v. SBC Telecom, Inc; Pacific Bell Telephone Company
$1,200,000.00 Settlement at Mediation
Aland (EMT) v. American Medical Response; National Union Fire Insurance Company
$1,563,334.69 Expected Payout of Structured Settlement
Waitress v. California Indemnity Insurance Co.
$3,076,358.00 Expected Payout of Structured Settlement with up-front cash.
Education
1992
Thomas Jefferson
JD - Juris Doctor
1987
University of Arizona
BS - Bachelor of Science
N/A
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Speaking Engagements
2024
UFCW, Local 135
Navigating Through the Workers' Compensation System
2024
Irlen International Conference
Expanding Your Client Base: Workers' Compensation with Michael Rott, Esq.
2024
CSEA's Workers' Comp/ADA Accommodations Training
Reasonable Accommodation After a Work Comp Injury
2023
Settling High Value Workers' Compensation Cases: A Dynamic Approach
Strategies and Takeaways for the Astute Practitioner
2021
AFSCME, Local 3299 (UCSD Employees)
The Nuts and Bolts of The Workers' Compensation System
2018
UFCW, Local 135
Predsignation of a Physician and Legal Trends in Workers' Compensation
2018
CSEA, San Diego
Medical Treatment
2017
CSEA, San Diego
Workers' Compensation Overview
2017
AFSCME, Local 127
What to Do when You have been Injured on the Job?
2016
Teamsters, Local 542
Workers' Compensation
2016
SEIU, Local 221
The Necessary Evidence to Support a Workers' Compensation Claim
2015
Teamsters, Local 542
Workers' Compensation
2014
Laborers, Local 89 Workers' Compensation Training
Workers' Compensation
2014
CSEA Workers' Compensation Training
Workers' Compensation
2014
AFSCME, Local 127 Workers' Compensation Presentation
Workers' Compensation
2013
UFCW, Local 135
The Nuts & Bolts of Workers' Compensation
2012
The Suit
Class Actions
2011
NBC San Diego
September 8, 2011 Blackout
2011
California Teachers Association, Region 4 Meeting
Workers' Compensation
2011
2011 National Structured Settlements Trade Association Annual Meeting
Structured Settlements From a Union's Point of View
2010
UFCW, Local 135
Pre-Designation of Physician
2010
OPEIU, Local 30
The Essential Steps To Take When Injured On The Job
2009
Teamsters, Local 542
Guidelines to Follow when Injured on the Job
2008
Legal Talk Network
Organized Labor & Workers Comp
2008
Gadget Lab
Apple iPhone 3G
2008
ABC News/Technology
iPhone 3G Class Action Suit
2007
CWA, Local 9510
Steps to Follow When Injured on the Job
2005
CWA, Local 9400
Workers' Compensation and Casino Employees
2003
San Diego Education Association
Occupational Exposure to Mold
2002
SD Union-Tribune Interview
Toxins at School Cause Illnesses
2002
Kennedy and Sherman Elementary School Teachers
Mold in Elementary Schools
2002
Iron Workers, Local 229
Workers' Compensation Benefits
2001
725 District Lodge - International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers
Workers' Compensation Overview
1997
Communications Workers of America, Local 9509
Workers' Compensation and Personal Injury
Publications
2024
HRO Distributed Handout
Summer Work Comp Handbook for CSEA San Diego Field Office Staff
2024
HRO Distributed Handout
Reasonable Accommodation Summer Handbook for CSEA San Diego Field Office Staff
2023
Insurance Business
What is the Highest Workers Comp Settlement in the US?
2018
UFCW, Local 135
Why is it So Important to Designate a Doctor Before you are Injured at Work?
2014
2013
For UFCW, Local 135 Members
An Overview of The Workers' Compensation System in California
2013
2009
San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council Labor Leader
Law Talk -- Welcome to the Labor Leader's First Legal Commentary "Law Talk"
2009
The San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council Labor Leader
Law Talk -- Injured and Facing A Job Layoff
2009
The San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council Labor Leader
Law Talk -- Heart Attack After Viagra?
2007
The Guild Reporter -- Communications Workers of America
Injured? Here's Some Advice
2007
Hiden, Rott & Oertle Legal Magazine
The Union Defender
2003
Authored for the Communications Workers of America, Local 9509
“The Employee’s Workers’ Compensation Handbook”
1996
San Diego Lawyer Magazine
Ethics in the Courtroom
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Michael earned significant contribution points in 2013.
Legal Answers
Q&A
Is a diabetic issue covered by workers comp?
01 Jan 2020
Q&A
Can I sue the dealer if while they were repairing my car it caught on fire?
08 Jun 2018
Q&A
Looking for And attorney that handled civil suit I get I think I don’t know
04 Jun 2018
Legal Guides
Video Legal Guide
How to File a Workers' Compensation Claim in California
29 Oct 2014
Legal Guide
GM Fuel-Gauge Recall
05 May 2014
Legal Guide
BMW RECALL: Do You Own a BMW 1 series; 3 series; 5 series; 5 series GT; 6 series; X3; X5; X6 or Z4?
05 May 2014