QUESTIONS TO ASK AN EMINENT DOMAIN ATTORNEY

To help you make your decision, here are several specific questions you should ask the attorney during the initial interview.

  • What is your experience in handling eminent domain disputes?

  • Have you handled any cases similar to mine?

  • How many successful trial verdicts, appellate verdicts or settlements have you obtained on behalf of other property owners?

  • Do you devote all of your practice to the area of eminent domain and condemnation for landowners?

  • Have you represented clients in my part of the state?

  • Do you have any clients I can talk to as a reference?

  • If I hire your firm, who will work on my case?

  • Do you represent any condemning authorities, requiring you to take positions contrary to landowners’ best interests?

  • How much do you charge to represent a client?

  • What are your relationships with experts, such as eminent domain appraisers, environmentalists, civil engineers, land planners, etc.?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT EMINENT DOMAIN IN TEXAS

  • Under the U.S. Constitution and the Texas state Constitution, the government can seize private property for public use under eminent domain laws. The process by which this is done is called “condemnation.”

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  • Property owners must be paid “just” and “adequate” compensation when their land is taken in an eminent domain action. Unfortunately, the amount the condemning authority considers to be fair compensation may be a lot less than what the property owner is entitled to.

    The good news is a property owner does not have to accept the initial offer and can fight for fair compensation.

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  • Texas landowners often find out their land is being targeted for eminent domain when they receive a “right of entry” request from a condemning authority asking for access for surveyors onto their property. No law requires a private landowner to grant this access. However, refusing entry is not going to stop the eminent domain process from moving forward.

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION WITH A TEXAS EMINENT DOMAIN LAWYER

The Law Office of Matt Hurt offers prospective clients a free initial consultation. The land owner can speak with an attorney about their situation. This first meeting is a great opportunity for a landowner to determine if an attorney has the background and experience to bring about a successful resolution to your condemnation case.

If an entity with eminent domain authority wants to acquire your land, please contact us without delay.

What Questions Should I Ask an Eminent Domain Attorney in Texas?

Are you a Texas property owner who has received notice that your property is facing condemnation? You have options available to you to protect your rights. You may think the initial offer made for your land is a fair one. If you accept it, your case is closed. 

However, you may think they aren’t making a fair offer for your land. One of these reasons could be that you don’t like the terms the condemning authority has proposed. You can also have doubts as to whether the entity actually has eminent domain authority.  Texas law and the U.S. Constitution give you the right to take the case to court.

If you decide to take the condemning entity to court, it’s important to have your interests represented by an experienced eminent domain lawyer. You need one who is familiar with the condemnation process. Having the right questions to ask an eminent domain attorney can help you determine if it’s the right legal representation for you.