Straight answers about longshore, Jones Act, workers' comp, truck and car accident, and slip, trip and fall claims. Have a different question? Call (510) 856-4421.
Daniel Weltin represents injured longshore and harbor workers, Jones Act seamen, California workers' comp clients, people hurt in truck, bus and car crashes, and people hurt in slip, trip and fall accidents. He is licensed in California, Hawaii and Texas.
Call (510) 856-4421 or send the short form and tell us what happened. You will speak with Daniel Weltin about your options. The consultation is free, in English or Spanish.
Injury and maritime cases are handled on a contingency fee: no attorney fee unless we recover money for you. The terms are in a written agreement before we start. In workers' comp and Longshore cases, attorney fees must be approved by the judge or the Department of Labor.
It depends on your medical recovery and on whether the insurance company pays fairly. Some cases resolve in months; cases that go to trial can take a year or more. After reviewing your case, we will give you a realistic timeline and keep you updated.
No. In California, injured workers can receive workers' compensation benefits regardless of immigration status. Se habla español: you can talk to us in Spanish from the first call.
Yes. Under the Longshore Act (33 U.S.C. § 907(b)), you have the right to choose your own treating doctor. Changing doctors later usually needs approval, so your first choice matters. Call us before you pick.
Longshore: written notice to your employer within 30 days and a claim within one year (33 U.S.C. §§ 912, 913). Jones Act and maritime injury claims: generally three years. California workers' comp: report within 30 days. California injury lawsuits: generally two years, but only six months to file a claim against a city, county or transit agency. Texas: generally two years.
Often, yes. If a vessel owner, trucking company, equipment maker or property owner caused your injury, you may have a separate claim for full damages, including pain and suffering, in addition to workers' comp or Longshore benefits.
It is illegal under the Longshore Act (33 U.S.C. § 948a) and California law (Labor Code § 132a) to fire or punish a worker for filing a claim. If it happens to you, you may have an additional claim.
Get medical care, report the crash, take photos and get witness names. Do not give a recorded statement to the other side's insurance company. If a bus or other public agency vehicle was involved, a government claim is usually due within six months, so call us as soon as you can.
Free and confidential review. Daniel Weltin will call you back, in English or Spanish.
