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Santa Barbara Premises Liability Attorneys

Are You in Need of a Premises Liability Attorney in Santa Barbara?

Premises liability accidents can catch you totally off guard. You may be shopping at a store, at a concert, walking through a parking lot, or visiting a friend’s apartment when disaster suddenly strikes.

If you were injured on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions, you may be entitled to compensation. At NordstrandBlack PC, we help people in Santa Barbara hold negligent property owners accountable. Our legal team has decades of experience handling complex personal injury cases, and we are ready to stand up for your rights.

Why Choose Us Over Other Premises Liability Lawyers in Santa Barbara?

Premises liability cases often involve serious injuries and complex legal questions about duty, control, and responsibility. Our attorneys Renée Nordstrand-Black and Doug Black at NordstrandBlack PC have the experience and local knowledge to manage these challenges and fight for maximum compensation.

Here’s why so many clients in the Santa Barbara area trust NordstrandBlack PC:

Over 40 years of combined legal experience in personal injury law, focused on results in high-impact cases
Deborah Talmage Attorney of the Year Award, recognizing outstanding advocacy and commitment to justice
AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer-reviewed recognition for legal ability and ethics
10.0 Superb rating on Avvo, based on experience and client satisfaction
Rated Premium by Lawyer.com, for consistent excellence in client service
Track record of substantial recoveries, including six- and seven-figure settlements
Deep understanding of Santa Barbara courts, local codes, and property laws
Free consultations, with no upfront costs to discuss your case

Get Answers Today

Call (805) 962-2022 for a no-cost consultation to learn more about your case.

Premises Liability Case Results

$500,000 Settlement - Premises Liability – Fall at a Big-Box Store. A box fell on a child in a shopping cart, causing short-term injuries. Parent suffered emotional distress and spouse suffered loss of consortium.
Confidential Settlement - Premises Liability - Fall at a Big-Box Store
$438,500.00 Global Settlement - Premises Liability - Injured in Hospital
$317,000.00 Settlement - Premises Liability - Injured While Exiting Store
$295,000.00 Settlement - Premises Liability - Grocery Store Trip and Fall
$225,000.00 Settlement - Premises Liability - Fall in Parking Lot
$181,250.00 Settlement - Premises Liability - Fall in Big-Box Store
$135,000.00 Settlement - Premises Liability - Injured on Sidewalk
$120,000.00 Settlement - Premises Liability - Wheelchair Struck on Sidewalk
$105,000.00 Mediation Settlement - Premises Liability
$40,000.00 Settlement - Premises Liability - Skateboard Hit Uneven Cement

^{∗ Selected cases listed. Every case is different. Past case results are not a guarantee, and similar results may not be obtained in your case. View more case results here.}

Do You Have a Legitimate Santa Barbara Premises Liability Case?

Premises liability claims arise when a property owner fails to maintain reasonably safe conditions, and someone is injured as a result. You may have a legitimate case if:

You were legally on the property (not trespassing)
A dangerous condition existed that the owner knew or should have known about
The property owner failed to fix, warn about, or cordon off the hazard
That failure directly caused your injury

Common examples include slipping on a wet grocery store floor, being bitten by an unrestrained dog, or falling into an unmarked hole at a construction site. A premises liability attorney can help you determine whether negligence played a role in your injury.

What Is the Legal Process for a Premises Liability Case?

At NordstrandBlack PC, we guide clients through each stage of the legal process until your case is resolved.

Initial Consultation: We listen to your story, review available evidence, and explain your legal options.
Investigation: We gather supporting materials like photos, surveillance footage, incident reports, witness statements, maintenance logs, and prior complaints.
Establishing Liability: We determine whether the property owner or manager breached their duty of care and if that breach led directly to your injury.
Filing the Claim: We file a claim with the at-fault party's insurance provider or initiate a lawsuit if necessary.
Negotiation: We use the evidence collected to pursue full compensation through skilled negotiation.
Litigation: If the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take the case to trial.

Throughout this process, we communicate regularly with our clients, providing updates and guidance at every step.

What Types of Negligence Cause Premises Liability Injuries?

Property owners are expected to keep their premises reasonably safe. When they fail to do so, their negligence can lead to avoidable injuries. Examples include:

Failing to clean spills or remove tripping hazards
Not repairing broken stairs, handrails, or lighting
Ignoring complaints from tenants or visitors about unsafe conditions
Neglecting to warn guests about known hazards, such as ongoing repairs
Allowing unsafe conditions to persist, such as exposed wiring, sharp objects, or structural defects
Failing to restrict access to areas under construction or maintenance

In many cases, these injuries could have been prevented with simple maintenance or a warning sign. When a property owner fails to act, they may be held responsible.

Reasons to See a Santa Barbara Premises Liability Lawyer Right Away

Premises liability cases require swift action to preserve evidence and protect your legal rights. Here’s why it’s important to contact a Santa Barbara injury lawyer immediately:

Surveillance footage, maintenance logs, and witness statements can be lost or destroyed.
You may face short legal deadlines, especially if a government entity is involved.
Insurance companies often try to settle quickly, for far less than your case is worth.
You need help calculating damages, including long-term medical care and lost income.
A skilled attorney can prevent avoidable errors that could harm your claim or delay compensation.

The Statute of Limitations in California

In California, the statute of limitations for most premises liability claims is two years from the date of the injury. However, if your claim involves a government property, such as a public sidewalk, school, or park, you may have as little as six months to file a government claim.

Every case is different and there are exceptions. That’s why we strongly encourage you to speak with a qualified attorney about your claim as soon as possible.

Damages Available for Premises Liability Injuries

A successful premises liability claim may entitle you to compensation for:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Future medical care, surgeries, and rehabilitation
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Permanent disability or disfigurement

At NordstrandBlack PC, we work with medical and financial experts to understand the full impact of your injury and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Injured on Someone Else’s Property in Santa Barbara?

Call (805) 962-2022 now to find out if you have a premises liability claim.

Who Is Liable for Premises Liability Injuries?

The primary party held liable in most cases is the property owner or manager responsible for maintaining the premises. However, liability can extend to:

Landlords, especially in common areas of rental properties
Business owners, if unsafe conditions exist in stores, restaurants, or offices
Maintenance companies or contractors, if their work creates hazards
Government entities, if the incident occurred on public property

We investigate all parties involved to identify the appropriate defendants and pursue your claim effectively.

How Property Owner Negligence Causes Injuries

Negligence occurs when a property owner fails to address a dangerous condition that they knew about, or conditions they should have known about. That negligence may involve ignoring repeated complaints, delaying maintenance, or failing to conduct safety inspections.

Examples include:

Letting handrails remain broken for weeks
Failing to fix cracked pavement in walkways
Not replacing burnt-out stairwell lighting
Ignoring evidence of a dog’s aggressive behavior
Failing to comply with safety regulations in pools or playgrounds

If the injury could have been prevented through reasonable care, the property owner may be legally responsible.

Slips and Falls

Slip and fall accidents are among the most common premises liability claims. Causes may include wet floors, loose rugs, uneven sidewalks, poor lighting, or debris in walkways. Injuries can range from minor bruises to broken hips, concussions, or spinal damage. Falls are particularly dangerous for older adults and can result in lifelong complications.

Animal Attacks

Dog bites cause lasting physical and psychological harm, especially in children. A property owner may be held liable for resulting injuries when they allow a dangerous dog or other animal to roam freely, or if they fail warn others of the animal’s behavior.

Swimming Pool Accidents

Pool owners must comply with strict safety regulations, including fencing, self-closing and self-latching gates, and proper supervision. If a child gains unsupervised access to a pool or someone is injured due to faulty design or slippery surfaces, the property owner may be responsible.

Playground Accidents

Poorly maintained playgrounds, broken equipment, or unsafe surfaces can lead to serious childhood injuries. Property owners, whether schools, parks, or childcare centers, have a duty to regularly inspect and maintain play areas.

Workplace Accidents

When employees or visitors are injured on a construction site or any other commercial property due to unsafe conditions, a premises liability claim may be filed alongside or instead of a workers’ compensation claim. Examples include poorly lit stairways, slippery entryways, or hazardous storage areas.

Dangerous Road Design

Roads, sidewalks, or intersections may be designed or maintained in ways that put pedestrians or drivers at risk. Lack of signage, poor drainage, or obstructed visibility may form the basis for a claim against a government agency or contractor.

What Clients Are Saying About Us

Exceptional Expertise and Service-Chris (5-Star Avvo Review)

Ms. Nordstrand provided thorough legal advice and counseling. She was prompt in her response to all questions and requests and her representation in court was extremely professional. Her legal knowledge is exceptional and allowed our case to be decided swiftly and in our favor. I would highly recommend Ms. Nordstrand to anyone looking for top-notch legal representation.

Great Lawyer! -Anonymous (5-Star Avvo Review)

Renee was excellent! She is very organized and finished my case with the exact outcome that I wanted. I would recommend her to anyone for any case. awesome job!

Speak With a Santa Barbara Premises Liability Attorney Today

If you were injured because a property owner failed to keep their premises safe, you have the right to pursue compensation. NordstrandBlack PC is committed to helping you recover the full amount you deserve. Our legal team offers free consultations and handles all premises liability cases on a contingency fee basis—you do not pay unless we win.

Call (805) 962-2022 today to schedule your free case evaluation and take the first step toward justice and recovery.

Other Cities We Serve

Premises Liability FAQs

What is considered a premises liability case in California?

A premises liability case arises when someone is injured due to unsafe or hazardous conditions on another person’s property. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe premises for guests, customers, and tenants.

Do I have a case if I slipped and fell at a business in Santa Barbara?

You may have a case if the fall was caused by a dangerous condition the property owner knew about or should have known about, and they failed to fix it or warn you about. Common examples include wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting.

What if I was partially at fault for my injury?

California follows a comparative negligence rule. Even if you were partially responsible, you can still recover compensation. However, your damages may be reduced based on your share of fault.

Can I sue a property owner if I was bitten by a dog on their property?

Yes. California has strict liability for dog owners, even if the dog has not demonstrated aggressive behavior in the past.

What kinds of injuries are common in premises liability claims?

Premises liability injuries include broken bones, concussions, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, dog bites, lacerations, and joint injuries such as torn ligaments from falls.

How long do I have to file a premises liability claim in California?

Most claims must be filed within two years from the date of injury. However, if the injury occurred on public property, you may have only six months to file a claim with the appropriate government agency.

What if there were no warning signs about the danger?

Lack of signage or warnings can strengthen your case. Property owners are required to post signs or otherwise alert people to known hazards, such as wet floors, broken steps, or ongoing construction.

Can I sue if I was injured on rental property?

Yes. Landlords have a duty to maintain safe conditions in common areas and sometimes within rental units. If they failed to repair a known hazard or violated building codes, they may be held liable.

Do I need an attorney for a premises liability claim?

Yes. These cases can be complex and involve insurance companies that try to minimize payouts. An experienced attorney can help preserve evidence, prove liability, and pursue full compensation.

Why choose NordstrandBlack PC for a premises liability case?

With over 40 years of combined personal injury experience, local knowledge of Santa Barbara courts, and a track record of successful results, NordstrandBlack PC is trusted to handle serious premises liability claims with care and precision.

Meet Our Santa Barbara Personal Injury Lawyers

Renée J. Nordstrand-Black

Renée J. Nordstrand-Black is the founding attorney of NordstrandBlack PC and a leading voice in personal injury law in Santa Barbara. For more than 30 years, she has represented individuals and families who have suffered serious injuries due to the negligence of others. Her work spans a wide range of complex cases, including motor vehicle accidents, unsafe premises, defective products, animal attacks, and wrongful death.

Renée is a persuasive and strategic trial attorney who prepares every case as though it will go to court. A certified negotiator, she has secured millions of dollars in compensation for her clients through both settlement and litigation. Her thorough, client-centered approach ensures that every detail is considered and that each case is pursued with the goal of achieving the best possible outcome.

Renée’s passion for justice was shaped by her own experience as an injury victim. A traumatic skiing accident in high school gave her firsthand insight into the physical pain, emotional distress, and financial burden that injured people often face. That experience, along with the influence of her hardworking parents, inspired her commitment to helping others through the legal system.

Doug Black

Doug Black is an accomplished attorney at NordstrandBlack PC who brings a rare combination of legal skill and real-world experience to his personal injury practice. Before becoming an attorney, Doug spent over 30 years running a successful masonry and general contracting business in Santa Barbara. That background gives him a unique understanding of property safety, structural issues, and liability.

Doug earned his law degree with honors from Taft Law School while managing his construction business full-time. His legal practice focuses on serious injury cases, including premises liability, construction-related accidents, and cases involving unsafe property conditions.

Clients trust Doug for his attention to detail, deep knowledge of how accidents happen, and his ability to explain complex issues in straightforward terms. Whether he’s negotiating a settlement or preparing for trial, Doug Black is a tenacious and compassionate advocate focused on helping clients recover and move forward.

∗When it comes to statute of limitations laws in California, there are frequently exceptions that may apply. Every case is unique, and that is why we strongly encourage you to speak with a qualified attorney about your claim as soon as possible.