Complaint Review: The Law Offices of Rotstein and Shiffman - Daytona Beach Florida

 I was contacted by the Law Offices of Rotstein and Shiffman after filling out a simple workers comp questionnaire online after being injured at work, leaving my left eye practically useless. I had seen a doctor right away who diagnosed the injury as a corneal abrasion which I hoped would heal naturally but after 6 months, my sight hadn't even improved. They were not local attorneys but I was assured they handled cases all over Florida and had a very high success rate with 30 years experience. The rep who came to my home did an excellent job of selling their firm as more than competent so we decided to move forward with the case. After signing the papers, I immediately began having trouble getting in touch by phone with ANYONE in the office and when I did reach Mr. Rotstein, he didn't answer any of my questions, only became rude and annoyed, shouting at me through a speaker phone. They never sent me to see a specialist which I found strange after signing letters of commitment for this purpose or so I was told. I was told very long after the fact the readon was that workers comp had denied the claim entirely and that we were now suing the actual owner of the establishment. I may have never agreed to that if given the option but i wasn't even informed! I was sent to the wrong address twice for deposition which my lawyer did not attend either time. For mediation, I received a letter promising he would meet me there, which he did not. Big surprise! He told me after all depos and mediation were over that he thought we should go all the way to court. I trusted his advice but the day before the final hearing, he called me with an offer from opposing counsel. Would you believe it was the same offer he advised me to refuse one month into the entire process. Now 8 months later, he is saying I should definitely take it!!

After growing so tired of dealing with his arrogance and constant lack of communication, I relented. When I asked how long it would take to receive the settlement, he said "only about 3 weeks". At the 3 week mark, I called to ask how I would be receiving payment. His assistant, Christine, then told me that Mr. Rotstein always tells people that but it's usually more like at least 5 weeks! Already a bit irritated, I told her that on Mr. Rotsteins word, I had made a non refundable deposit on a vacation package for my family and that 5 weeks would put me past the due date for the balance which was obviously being paid from the settlement. I feel they botched the case from the beginning and that this firm is just a bunch of lazy creeps who prey on people in need of real help. Then they just lie to you if you can reach them at all. I also feel that they have a reputation for being slimy and other attorneys use it to their advantage. They cost me the $300 deposit in addition to the entire vacation my family looked forward to after a very trying year as it was a time sensitive limited offer. All after losing the use of my left eye into the bargain!!

Please do not fall for the lies they tell in the beginning. After my case was settled, Christine actually blamed me! She said that it was my fault for counting my chickens before they hatched!! MY FAULT!! I just wish I had done my homework because there have been many complaints about the Law Offices of Rotstein and Shiffman. And I won't hold my breath waiting for that check! I wish there was a way of forcing him to give up his fees as he is certainly not entitled to a penny for how ridiculously my case was handled.