About Michael

Practice Areas

Many attorneys turn their noses up at slip and fall cases, but over the past 20+ years I have successfully sued Wal-Mart, Food Lion, Weis Market, and many others. Give me a call, and we'll discuss your case. There is no cost to you unless we win.

35 years | 29 cases

35%

Car Accident 30%

Motor vehicle accidents, including tractor trailer accidents have made up a large part of my practice for the past 24 years. I have successfully settled and tried these types of cases...and that's the secret...you've got to be willing to go to trial. Give me a call, and we'll talk about your case. There is no cost to you unless we win.

35 years | 50 cases

30%

Motorcycle Accident 20%

The one sure thing I've learned over the years is that in a contest between a motorcycle and a car, the motorcyclist always comes out on the short end of the stick. Give me a call and we'll discuss your case with no cost to you unless we win.

35 years | 14 cases

20%

Animal and Dog Bites 15%

In West Virginia, if you are injured by a dog running at large, you may be able to recover your damages without even proving negligence. I've handled cases ranging from dog bite injuries to a farm worker being mauled by a bull. Call for a free consultation.

35 years | 15 cases

15%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

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Licenses

Licensed in Maryland for 23 years

State: Maryland

Acquired: 2003

Active

Licensed in West Virginia for 35 years

State: West Virginia

Acquired: 1991

Active

Licensed in Virginia for 34 years

State: Virginia

Acquired: 1991

Former Member

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2014

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Location

M Santa Barbara Law

518 West Stephen Street, Martinsburg, WV, 25401

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Michael S. Santa Barbara's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

4 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Trustworthiness

Posted by Walt | September 08, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Accident Injury; Virginia

I have known Michael for many years and consider him a brilliant attorney. In my opinion he is a deep thinker and sound strategist. He knows the system well and how best to look out for and protect his client's interests. His advice to me was sound and I trusted him on my case. The case was settl...ed with the defendants insurance company on amicable terms. His legal fees were very fair, contingent on the settlement amount, and paid at the time of our receipt of the settlement check. Michael did succeed in negotiating a significantly higher settlement agreement than the insurance wanted to offer. All in all, the case closed successfully and I was pleased with the result.

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Aaron Amore

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Experience

Rating: 4.5 (Concern)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2014.

Suspension issued in VA, 2014

updated on 11/05/2015

Suspended means an attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.

Work Experience

1991 - Present

Owner, M Santa Barbara Law

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Education

1990

University of Richmond, The T. C. Williams School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1986

University of Richmond

BA - Bachelor of Arts

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Languages

English

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Activity

Legal Answers

Q&A

I had a slip and fall on some grapes that was on the floor in Walmart grocery store Am I entitled to some compensation

30 Sep 2015

Q&A

I slipped down the steps on some water and shattered my leg can I sue my apartment complex

29 Sep 2015

Q&A

I was involved in auto accident. The other party is 100% at fault. I have neck/back pain and started therapy. Do I need a lawyer

19 Sep 2015

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