Case Results
RAFAEL PINEDA V. CASEY INDUSTRIAL
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Description: The Largest Reported Workers’ Compensation Settlement in California History was settled by Michael Ian Rott, Esq., Managing Partner of Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP, on April 6, 2022 for $13,169,185.51 which through a structured settlement will generate $40,634.93 per month tax free for life, and also with an expected payout of $25,857,926.55.
This case involves an iron worker, who was riding a motorcycle on his way to work, when he was struck by a car at a high rate of speed. As a result of this collision, Mr. Pineda sustained a severe head trauma and spinal cord injuries. Mr. Pineda’s case was initially denied, due to the “Going and Coming Rule”, which is generally a complete bar to work comp benefits. Exhaustive research on exceptions to this rule, led to a victory at trial and to a post-trial appeal victory.
After 4-lawyers initially turned down this case as being unwinnable, I found an exception to this rule and went on to obtain 2-caregivers 24 hours/day, 7 days/week; a Wheelchair accessible van with motorized lift; Housing for 8 people in ADA housing; and a $35,000 dolphin mattress system before negotiating this historic settlement.
OBDULIO ORTIZ V. VARELA BROTHERS
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Description: A denied workers’ compensation case turned into $5,117,000.00, with an Expected payout of $9,000,000.00. Prior to substituting in as new counsel, Mr. Ortiz had been represented for 3 ½ years by another lawyer. During that time, he was receiving NO disability payments, which forced him to sell everything he owned; give up his apartment and independence to move into his sister’s garage.
Within 6-months of being hired, I obtained a Trial Decision which awarded Mr. Ortiz with 4-years of temporary disability back payments, which included increasing his disability rate by 50%; 100% permanent disability; 2-caregivers 24 hours/day, 7 days/week; a $2 Million Dollar medication; a $99,000.00 wheelchair accessible van with motorized lift; a $13,000 tempur-pedic mattress system; ADA housing; and a $15,000.00 massage chair.
JOEL RODRIGUEZ V. MORGAN DEVELOPMENT, INC.
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Description: A denied workers’ compensation case, involving a roofer, who fell from a roof onto his back, received a settlement of $5,000,000,00 after 2-Court hearings, and 3-depositions.
CESAR HERNANDEZ V. UNITED FLYER PRINTING
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Description: A passenger in a work van was struck from behind by another automobile resulted in severe spinal cord injuries. His prior attorney was able to settle the first part of his case at 100% permanent disability due to his wheelchair dependency but was unable to settle the entire case. After receiving a Trial Award which resulted in 24/7 home healthcare assistance; a wheelchair accessible van; and an electric tempur-pedic mattress system, I was able to settle his entire case for $4,200,000,000 “New Money” + a $115,000.00 van.
WALCZAK V. AHERN RENTALS, WAUSAU INSURANCE
OUTCOME: $5,834,763.00 Structured Settlement, Including up-front Cash.
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Date: Feb 26, 2008
Description: Employee Hit From Behind at a Construction Site, Losing the Use of His Legs. Settlement of Permanent Disability and Housing Allowance: $924,675.00. Settlement of Medical: $3,870,185.53 (expected payout). This included $985,000.00 up-front cash. NoteWorthy Results: Insurance Company Waived All Interest in $3,000,000.00 Personal Injury Recovery procured by counsel Kevin F. Quinn, Esq.
NATIONAL BEEF EMPLOYEE (TEAMSTER) RECEIVES NEARLY $3.7 MILLION DOLLAR SETTLEMENTOUTCOME: $3,677,535.31+
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Description: Denied Work Comp Claim turned into 100% Permanent Disability Stipulation with Request for Award valued at $585,866.72; along with $39,294.08 in retro-temporary disability payments (Part 1); and Future Medical Expense, Penalties, and Sanctions Buyout with a Total Expected Payout of $3,052,374.51 (Part 2).
TAMMY MARTINEZ V. GRIFELL ENTERPRISES/ LLC BARTHOLOMEWOUTCOME: $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.
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Date: Mar 23, 2016
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!
TAMMY MARTINEZ V. GRIFELL ENTERPRISES/ LLC BARTHOLOMEWOUTCOME: $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.
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Date: Mar 23, 2016
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!
TAMMY MARTINEZ V. GRIFELL ENTERPRISES/ LLC BARTHOLOMEWOUTCOME: $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.
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Date: Mar 23, 2016
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!
CAR SALESMAN (FORMER U.S. MARINE) V. QUALITY NISSAN OF TEMECULAOUTCOME: $3,500,000.00 “New Money” with Projected Structured Benefits of $4,812,421.84
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Date: Oct 08, 2015
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!
JOHNNY GIBSON V. ALL-STREET TOWING (PART 2)OUTCOME: $3,100,000.00
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Date: Mar 05, 2013
Description: Buyout of Future Medical and Case in Chief
TOW TRUCK DRIVER RECEIVES $3.1 MILLION DOLLAR SETTLEMENTOUTCOME: $3,100,000.00
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Description: Global Case Settlement: Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board Buyout of Future Medical and Case in Chief (Part 2) Note: These are actual settlement recoveries. Since every case is unique, Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP neither states, implies nor guarantees that the settlement results listed in this site are indicative of the outcome of your case.
WAITRESS V. CALIFORNIA INDEMNITY INSURANCE CO.OUTCOME: $3,076,358.00 Expected Payout of Structured Settlement with up-front cash.
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Description: Employee injured her knee on the job and while under anesthesia, lit up a congenital defect requiring a lung transplant.
RANDY LEAL V. NATIONAL BEEF (PART 2)OUTCOME: $3,052,374.51 Total Expected Payout
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Date: Jun 13, 2013
Description: Buyout of Future Medical Expenses, Penalties, and Sanctions’ Petitions.
BRUNO ARANJO V. JA SODEN FRAMINGOUTCOME: $3,000,000.00 “NEW MONEY”
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Date: Sep 10, 2017
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. The only one to benefit in that situation was his prior lawyer, who would get paid right away, but the injured worker’s weekly indemnity payments would be reduced by the attorney’s fee paid. Needless to say, Mr. Aranjo is extremely happy he switched lawyers.
WAITRESS RECEIVES $2.8 MILLION DOLLAR SETTLEMENT FOR WORK INJURY
OUTCOME: $2,841,716.57
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Description: Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board *$1,700,000.00 “New Money” + $756,179.00 in seed money and annual payments made to MSA Account + $385,537.57 credit for prior indemnity paid – waived.
RICARDO MARTINEZ V. ARIAS MECHANICAL (PART 1)OUTCOME: $1,752,992.43 + 24/7 Home Health Care + Wheelchair Accessible Van + Motorized Wheelchair + Home Modifications
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Date: Jan 23, 2017
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
TERESA SPERRY (UFCW, LOCAL 135 MEMBER) V. VONSOUTCOME: $1,700,000.00 “NEW MONEY”
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Date: Nov 01, 2014
Description: 1% wpi (permanent disability) claim caused by a foot fracture.
ALAND V. AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE; NATIONAL UNION FIRE INSURANCE COMPANYOUTCOME: $1,563,334.69 Expected Payout of Structured Settlement
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Description: ENT involved in a motor vehicle accident while in transit to an emergency room with the patient. ENT sustained injuries to head, neck, and back. Mr. Rott negotiated that the $207,720.92 permanent disability advances be waived by the insurance carrier.
JOHN HOPKINS V. NIGHTHAWK SECURITY SYST. (PART 1)OUTCOME: $1,448,202.38 + 24/7 Home Health Care
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Date: Nov 21, 2016
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 hours, 7 days a week Home Health Care. His prior lawyer of 7-years was trying to settle this case for $50,000.
TOW TRUCK DRIVER RECEIVES $1.35 MILLION PLUS MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR LIFEOUTCOME: $1,353,684.65 + Medical Treatment for Life
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Description: Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board Settlement of Permanent Disability Only & NOT the Underlying Claim (Part 1)
JOHNNY GIBSON V. ALL-STREET TOWING (PART 1)OUTCOME: $1,353,684.65 for Permanent Disability only (Medical Treatment Left Open)
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Date: Dec 09, 2009
Description: Tow Truck Driver lost his leg below the knee. At trial, State Compensation Insurance Fund agreed to a 100% permanent disability award, valued at $1,353,684.65. Mr. Gibson’s wife was also paid $60,000 for attendant care services.
JOHNNY GIBSON V. ALL-STREET TOWING (PART 1)OUTCOME: $1,353,684.65 for Permanent Disability only (Medical Treatment Left Open)
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Date: Dec 09, 2009
Description: Tow Truck Driver lost his leg below the knee. At trial, State Compensation Insurance Fund agreed to a 100% permanent disability award, valued at $1,353,684.65. Mr. Gibson’s wife was also paid $60,000 for attendant care services.
LAFRANCIS V. WESTWAYS STAFFING SERVICES, INC.OUTCOME: $1,200,000.00 (approx.)
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Date: Jul 01, 2011
Description: Nearly 3-years ago, my Firm and I took over this case, where Ms. LaFrancis’s prior counsel was urging her to sign a $50,000 Compromise & Release. 3-years later, we turned that offer into $1.2M cash (approx.) settlement.
(MINOR CHILD) V. SBC TELECOM, INC; PACIFIC BELL TELEPHONE COMPANYOUTCOME: $1,200,000.00 Settlement at Mediation
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Description: Employee Died of Heat Exhaustion on the Job. We were able to find an exception to the cap on death claims. Thereby increasing the settlement from $250,000 to $1.2 Million. Wow!
NURSE RECEIVES NEARLY $1.2 MILLION DOLLARS FOR A BACK INJURY CASEOUTCOME: $1,186,400.00
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Description: Nurse received settlement of nearly $1.2 million for a back injury on the job
SBC EMPLOYEE’S FAMILY RECEIVES $1.2 MILLION DOLLAR SETTLEMENT WORK INJURY DEATH CLAIM
OUTCOME: $1,200,000.00
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Description: Wrongful Death Action Resulting from Heat Exhaustion
PARAMEDIC RECEIVES $1.2 MILLION FOR WORK INJURYOUTCOME: $1,200,000.00
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Description: Compensation for work injury. Defendant’s issued advancements of $300,000.00 – waived
RAYMUNDO GAMBOA (LABORER) V. CLAUSS CONSTRUCTIONOUTCOME: $1,000,000.00 “New Money”
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Date: Dec 01, 2017
Description: Although laborer was not 100% permanently disabled, his settlement was based upon 100% permanent disability. The settlement included aggravation of diabetes, which was originally denied.
ELISARA KORIA (SECURITY GUARD) V. UNIVERSAL PROTECTION SERVICESOUTCOME: $1,000,000.00 “New Money”
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Date: Nov 29, 2017
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.
VONS PHARMACISTS OBTAIN NEARLY $1 MILLION DOLLARS IN CLASS ACTIONOUTCOME: $960,000.00
Description: Employees received compensation for Missed Meal & Rest Periods.
JERRY ALVAREZ V. STERICYCLEOUTCOME: “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!
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Date: Jan 23, 2018
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 steal 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 a + 3-months of 24/7 Home Care + 2-weeks of Skilled Nursing Care + an $83,000 Wheelchair Accessible Van + a $35,000 Mattress!
SALESMAN’S FAMILY RECEIVES NEARLY $800,000 IN WORK INJURY DEATH CLAIMOUTCOME: $792,190.36 Death Benefits (Resolved in California and Massachusetts, implementing MA Law)
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Description: New Money: $700,000.00 – Defendant issued advancements to $92,190.36 – waived
SALESMAN V. THE CIT GROUP; CHUBB SERVICES CORPOUTCOME: $792,190.36 in Death Benefits Utilizing Massachusetts Law
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Description: Employee was a passenger in a bicycle rickshaw when he was ejected and hit by an oncoming 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 waive $92,190.36 in permanent disability advances.
IRONWORKER RECEIVES NEARLY $600,000 FOR WORK DISABILITYOUTCOME: $578,243.10
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Description: Permanent Disability Settlement – denied case is turned into 100% Permanent Disability Stipulation with Request for Award valued at $563,243.10; along with $15,000.00 in reimbursements for mileage, prescriptions, and travel (Part 1)Permanent Disability Settlement
UPS DRIVER (TEAMSTER) RECEIVES $500,000 DOLLARS TO CLOSE OUT MEDICAL TREATMENT IN A 21% PERMANENT DISABILITY CASE
OUTCOME: $500,000
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Description: “New Money” Medical Treatment Settlement via Compromise & Release (Close out of Medicals Only – Permanent Disability previously settled)
HERNANDEZ V. BRIAN MILLER PAINTING CO.OUTCOME: $600,000.00 Settlement
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Date: May 18, 2015
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 counteroffer. I settled Mr. Hernandez’s case for $600,000!
RANDY LEAL V. NATIONAL BEEF (PART 1)OUTCOME: $585,866.72
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Date: May 19, 2010
Description: Denied Claim turned into a 100% Permanent Disability Stipulation with Request for Award; along with $39,294.08 in retro-temporary disability payments.
BAIR V. DEPT. OF CORRECTIONS; CALPERS; SCIFOUTCOME: Full Death Benefits of $290,000 for Both Dependent Children, Despite a PERS Exception to Receiving Any Benefits.
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Date: May 06, 2011
Description: 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 groundskeeper, 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”.
RJD CORRECTIONAL FACILITY WORKER’S CHILDREN WIN MAXIMUM DEATH BENEFITS OF $290,000 AFTER TRIAL & APPEALOUTCOME: $290,000 for Death Benefits
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Description: Correctional facility worker’s children received death benefits after trial and appeal.
ROOFER RECEIVES $130,000 IN RETRO-TEMPORARY DISABILITY BENEFITSOUTCOME: $130,000.00 Retro-Active Temporary Disability Payments
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Description: Settlement of Retroactive Temporary Disability and NOT the underlying claim
WIFE OF INJURED WORKER RECEIVES NEARLY $70,000 FOR CARING FOR HER HUSBANDOUTCOME: $68,354.00
Practice Area: Worker’s Compensation
Description: Settlement of Retroactive Attendant Care and NOT the underlying claim
Note: These are actual settlement recoveries. Since every case is unique, Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP neither states, implies nor guarantees that the settlement results listed in this site are indicative of the outcome of your case.