I was in a somewhat similar situation in 2007. The new contract company kept delaying my start date after I arrived in town, then after two months said there was no work for me. I had an offer letter with a specific start date, and although there was no end date, multiple phone conversations had indicated at least 6 months work.
I retained a lawyer on contingency who specialized in employee situations. He wrote a letter to their corporate attorney, who actually agreed that I got screwed.
Two weeks later, the company offered me two months back per diem (I had stayed in town while they strung me along), plus 4 months work at a different location, which I accepted. Everything worked out fine with the company after that.
My lawyer said it was so easy, he only took 25% instead of the 35% he was entitled to take.
Bottom line--it can't hurt to see a specialist in this arena.