What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability refers to a property owner's legal responsibility for injuries that occur due to unsafe or hazardous conditions on their property. California law requires property owners in Santa Barbara — whether they own homes, businesses, or public spaces — to take reasonable steps to ensure their property is safe for visitors.

When they neglect this duty, injured individuals have the right to pursue compensation for their losses.

To succeed in a premises liability claim, you must prove:

  • Duty of Care: The property owner owed you a duty to maintain a reasonably safe environment.
  • Breach of Duty: They failed to fix dangerous conditions or warn visitors about them.
  • Causation: Their negligence directly caused your injuries.
  • Damages: You suffered actual losses, such as medical expenses, lost income, or pain and suffering.

At Bamieh & De Smeth, PLC, we are committed to protecting the rights of injury victims across Santa Barbara. Our experienced premises liability lawyers are here to guide you through the legal process and help you hold negligent property owners accountable.

Common Types of Premises Liability Cases We Handle in Santa Barbara

Premises liability can involve a wide range of accidents and unsafe situations, including:

  • Slip and Fall Accidents: Wet floors, cracked sidewalks, poorly lit stairways, and other hazards often cause serious falls.
  • Inadequate Security: Property owners must take reasonable security measures to protect guests from foreseeable criminal acts like assault or robbery.
  • Dog Bites: California’s strict liability law holds dog owners accountable for injuries their pets cause, even if the dog has never shown aggression before.
  • Swimming Pool Accidents: Owners of residential and commercial pools must follow strict safety standards to prevent drownings and other injuries.
  • Negligent Property Maintenance: Broken handrails, faulty wiring, and other hazards can lead to devastating accidents when owners fail to maintain their property properly.

Every premises liability case is unique. Our Santa Barbara attorneys will thoroughly investigate your accident, identify all responsible parties, and aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve.

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Why Holding Property Owners Accountable Matters

Filing a premises liability claim does more than seek compensation for your injuries — it helps make Santa Barbara a safer place. By holding negligent property owners accountable, you encourage better maintenance standards and help prevent future accidents.

Compensation in a premises liability case may include:

  • Medical bills (current and future)
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Property damage

Don’t let a property owner’s negligence leave you burdened with expenses you shouldn’t have to bear.

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I cannot recommend Ron Bamieh and Anzac Jacobs highly enough.

I was wrongly accused of a misdemeanor charge. From the very beginning, Ron approached my case with incredible patience, empathy, and professionalism. He took the time to listen, understand my concerns, and explain every step of the legal process in a way that was clear and reass...

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Danielle De Smith handled our case against a school district in Ventura County with exceptional skill and professionalism. I initially approached the situation as a fiercely protective mother, ready to fight, but Danielle’s grace, expertise, and strategic approach proved fa...

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We worked with Atty Jacobs to help us with an issue with our loved one and things could have been so much worse if we hadn’t of had his expertise and compassion. When you’re in a situation when you need help with a loved one, not only are you desperate but you’r...

Bamieh & Smith were awesome and would definitely recommend.

Mr. Anzac Jacob's was one of the best Lawyer I could've been blessed with. Top to bottom , Professional, honest, caring, and he has a great heart. He did his best for me. He never made me feel like he did not care about my situation, without Mr. Jacobs and Mr. Bamieh, I think I w...

I would recommend hiring Bamieh & De Smeth.

They are very transparent and up front with you regarding your matter. Never having any experience with the matter I hired them for, they explained everything that was happening, would be happening or could happen. Meghan Sherry took on our matter and made us free welcome and nev...

First time I met Ron he welcomed me with open arms.

His sincerity and willing to help me was shown immediately. Ron stood by my side, showed up for me and checked in on my emotional well being every step of the way. Not only is he a great lawyer but a genuine person who sees good in others and wants to help good people.
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Professional, honest, and confident

From my initial conversation with Ron and his team, I was put at ease by their professionalism, honesty and confidence. He clearly described the process and what I could expect in the following months. He was thorough in his preparation and in court, he was calm and calculat...

Grateful for exceptional legal support with a better-than-expected outcome

I am so grateful to my neighbor who recommended this law firm. After being in a terrible accident where I was hit by a car on my bicycle, I wasn’t sure about contacting a lawyer, but after months and months of pain and frustration I decided to give them a call. I’m so...

I highly recommend this law office.

From the moment I stepped in for my first consultation, I felt welcomed and reassured. The team is professional, compassionate, and truly listens to their clients. I left that first meeting with a sense of relief, knowing I was in capable and trustworthy hands. Thank you for your...

Amazing firm.

Ron is straight to the point and will give his honest opinion on the case. Very knowledgeable team that will do their best. I am personally impressed on how they handled my case. They gave me light at the end of a tunnel that seemed endless.

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Why Choose Bamieh & De Smeth, PLC?

Choosing the right legal team can make all the difference. At Bamieh & De Smeth, PLC, we offer:

  • Personalized Attention: Every client is important to us. We take the time to understand your unique situation.
  • Proven Results: We have successfully represented injury victims throughout Santa Barbara County and know how to build strong, winning cases.
  • Compassionate Representation: We recognize the physical and emotional toll accidents take and are here to support you every step of the way.
  • No Upfront Fees: You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

With decades of combined legal experience and a deep commitment to the Santa Barbara community, our team is ready to stand up for your rights.

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Our Experienced Legal Team

See All Staff

Founding Attorney, Partner Ron S. Bamieh

Danielle De Smeth

Managing Attorney, Partner Danielle De Smeth

Jennifer Yates

Attorney & Partner Jennifer Yates

Jason D. Frantz

Attorney Jason D. Frantz

Anzac Jacobs

Attorney Anzac Jacobs

Thelma Corsa

Attorney Thelma Corsa

Meghan Sherry

Attorney Meghan Sherry

Charlotte Krem

Attorney Charlotte Krem

Call Our Santa Barbara Premises Liability Lawyers Today

If you or someone you love has been injured due to a dangerous property condition in Santa Barbara, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Bamieh & De Smeth, PLC for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call (805) 643-5555 today — and remember, you owe nothing unless we win your case. Your path to justice starts here.

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