If you received a notice that the government wants to purchase your property
under the power of eminent domain, you should not hesitate to hire an
eminent domain attorney as soon as possible. Oftentimes, property owners
might feel that they lack options or believe that the purchase offer seems
far and are concerned about seeming greedy. The fact is, however, that
the government does not always act in the best interests of the property
owner when taking property, so you need to take an active role in protecting
your interests and rights by seeking the legal assistance necessary to
effectively navigate this situation.
Know Your Rights
In order to take private property, government agencies must meet certain
criteria, including proof that the portion of property they wish to take
is necessary for public use. For example, a government agency might be
able to take property to install new electric or water lines, or to build
new public property like a school. An eminent domain attorney will be
able to help you understand if the reason why the government is taking
your property truly serves a public need and if all of the property is
necessary to meet that need.
Obtaining Fair Compensation
Generally, when the government attempts to take one’s property under
the power of eminent domain, they will offer to pay the lowest possible
amount. An experienced eminent domain attorney will be able to help you
obtain the compensation you deserve, which should include:
- Fair value for the property
- Compensation for any damages sustained if a portion of the property is
taken and negatively impacts the rest of the property
- Compensation for improvements and fixtures to the property
- Relocation expenses
To determine the true value of your property, experts such as environmentalists
and surveyors might be needed to properly evaluate it.
Eminent Domain Attorneys in California
At Allen, Semelsberger & Kaelin LLP, our San Diego team of eminent
domain attorneys have the experience, insight, skill to guide you through
even the most complicated eminent domain matters. Throughout the years,
our attorneys have been selected for numerous awards and have successfully
achieved great results for our clients. Do not hesitate to reach out to us!
Call our firm at (888) 998-2031 to schedule a free case evaluation with
a knowledgeable member of our team.