Massachusetts Eminent Domain Attorneys

We pledge to provide a free case review for any individual or business facing Massachusetts eminent domain or condemnation.

Eminent Domain & Condemnation Attorneys – Massachusetts

At Sever Walker Padgitt, our mission is to hold condemners, whether they be state, federal, local, utility, or any other entity vested with the power of eminent domain in Massachusetts, accountable to the landowners whose land they are acquiring. Our entire firm is built around serving you, the landowner who is facing eminent domain or condemnation.

Expert Eminent Domain Lawyers Serving:

  • Boston
  • Worcester
  • Springfield
  • Cambridge

No matter the size of the property or where you’re located in Massachusetts, Sever Walker Padgitt wants to help you make the most of a bad situation.

When the government is taking your land, you may be unsure of what the future holds or where to turn for support. Don’t go through this confusing time alone—allow the experienced team at Sever Walker Padgitt to help you every step of the way. Eminent domain in Massachusetts can be overwhelming, but we’ll ensure you get the compensation and fair treatment you deserve.

What Is Eminent Domain Law In Massachusetts?

Eminent domain is a term referring to the condemnor’s right to take private land and use it for a public project. Eminent domain is most often exercised by state departments of transportation for roads or energy companies for utility projects. Counties and municipalities can also exercise eminent domain if they have been properly vested with that authority.

Ultimately, if the entity is vested with eminent domain authority, and they follow the law in exercising this authority, they will be able to take your property when the acquisition is for a “public use.” Over the past few years, this has become a significant issue for many land and business owners across Massachusetts. There is considerable pressure to accept unreasonable offers and make quick decisions that primarily benefit the new development. Getting expert help is more important now than ever, and Sever Walker Padgitt has your back.

What Should Landowners Do After Receiving An Eminent Domain Notice In Massachusetts?

You’ve received your eminent domain offer in the mail—what now? Before you do anything you’ll regret, hire a Massachusetts eminent domain attorney  to stand by your side throughout the whole process.

Many landowners accept eminent domain offers of compensation without a full understanding of the stakes and often receive far less compensation than they deserve. This is rarely in the best interest of the landowner. Investing in your future by talking to an experienced eminent domain lawyer can make a big difference in defending your rights.

A savvy landowner will perform his or her due diligence before accepting or rejecting an eminent domain offer. This includes a full evaluation of the nature of the taking, its impact on the property, and the compensable aspects under Massachusetts eminent domain law. A skilled Massachusetts eminent domain attorney should be able to handle this due diligence for you and fully analyze your pre-condemnation offer for any deficiencies and problems.

Get a free consultation from the eminent domain attorneys at Sever Walker Padgitt to find out how we can support you.

When you receive an eminent domain notice in Massachusetts, don’t wait!

  1. Hire an experienced attorney who specializes in eminent domain law.
  2. Work with your lawyer to understand your rights and how to defend them.
  3. Negotiate with the full power of the law behind you, rather than against you.

Case Results

State: Indiana (Marion County)

Case Type: Road projects

Initial Offer: $46,160

Sever Walker Padgitt Result:

$2,400,000

State: Indiana (Johnson County)

Case Type: Road projects

Initial Offer: $301,200

Sever Walker Padgitt Result:

$3,800,000

State: Indiana (Vigo County)

Case Type: Road projects

Initial Offer: $1,186,000

Sever Walker Padgitt Result:

$4,475,000

State: Indiana (Hamilton County)

Case Type: Road projects

Initial Offer: $79,200

Sever Walker Padgitt Result:

$3,000,000

State: Georgia (Union County)

Case Type: Road projects

Initial Offer: $454,250

Sever Walker Padgitt Result:

$1,500,000

State: Illinois, Sangamon County

Case Type: Road projects

Initial Offer: $125,600

Sever Walker Padgitt Result:

$1,191,950

View All Case Results

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Eminent Domain Just Compensation in Massachusetts?

If you’ve received an eminent domain offer from a condemnor, you may be wondering—how should I respond to this, and what can happen if I don’t respond appropriately? 

Before initiating an eminent domain lawsuit, the condemnor is required to offer compensation to the landowner. This offer is a condemnation prerequisite, and any failure to issue this offer is grounds for dismissal of a subsequent condemnation action.

Though this offer must be issued, it is not necessarily required to be “fair” or representative of what a landowner is entitled to. More often than not, the pre-condemnation offer fails to compensate the landowner adequately. For example, an offer for a partial taking of property may fail to include compensation for the damage that the taking is causing to the remnant. In this situation, the condemnor will have followed the law in issuing the offer, but the landowner is still left with an insufficient amount of compensation for the taking.

It is up to the landowner to challenge this offer and get the right amount of money, but it doesn’t need to be done alone. Get help from a Massachusetts eminent domain attorney to get the compensation you truly deserve.

In addition to compensation for the taking, in situations where an acquisition will displace a business or residence, the relocated entity is entitled to reestablishment costs necessary for relocation.

For residences, this can include moving expenses and, if necessary, a differential payment to ensure the resident can buy an available replacement home. For businesses, this can include a range of issues, such as relocating fixtures, reestablishing advertising, and finding a suitable new location. All of these items are compensable; however, condemnors are notorious for not properly considering the full extent of the expenses necessary for relocation. A Massachusetts eminent domain attorney should help you secure these funds.

Yes. Business owners need to partner with an experienced Massachusetts eminent domain attorney. Numerous facets of business relocation need to be considered to calculate your compensation for the future of your livelihood. 

Yes. In some cases, landowners facing eminent domain in Massachusetts can recover reasonable attorney fees when they seek assistance to defend their rights to fair compensation. It’s a valuable investment in your future.

When you feel hopeless about your eminent domain case, it’s important to keep in mind that there are limits to the government’s power. For instance, the government must:

  • Follow the Massachusetts pre-condemnation law and procedure.
  • Offer just compensation in exchange for taking the land.
  • Provide some justification for the offer that has been issued.
  • Solely use the property acquired for a “public use.”

The timeline for eminent domain cases in Massachusetts varies greatly, depending on the type of land being taken, the reasons for the seizure, and other factors. Most of the time, the eminent domain case is set to go to court within a year—but in some circumstances, the timeline could be longer.

Fortunately, most eminent domain cases are resolved through mediation before they go to court.

Learn More

It is very difficult to stop an eminent domain acquisition in any state, including Massachusetts. 

To stop a taking altogether, the landowner must demonstrate that the taking authority has not followed the law, in procedure or in substance, in attempting to acquire the property. Some examples of this include failing to issue a proper pre-condemnation offer or failing to identify a suitable “public use” for the acquisition.

If the condemnor has followed procedure and the taking is for a “public use,” as defined by state and federal law, the condemnor will be able to take the property. That isn’t the end of the fight, however. A landowner is still entitled to “just compensation” for the acquisition and is further entitled to his or her day in court to argue for this compensation. Unlike an attempt to stop the taking, this fight is fought on a much more even playing field.

Unfortunately, it is not in your best interest. In most cases, the government will ultimately be able to take your property without negotiations. It’s a much better option to talk to an experienced Massachusetts eminent domain lawyer  to ensure you receive all the compensation you’re entitled to.

Meet Our Team

Sever Walker Padgitt Team Photo

At Sever Walker Padgitt, we take pride in our expertise and dedication. With over 50 years of combined experience, our entire firm is built around serving you—the landowner who is facing eminent domain or condemnation.

Get to know the faces behind the firm and discover the depth of knowledge and commitment that drives us to achieve the best possible outcomes for you.

How Sever Walker Padgitt Can Help You

When you’re wondering how to proceed with your eminent domain case in Massachusetts, turn to the lawyers at Sever Walker Padgitt. We have the knowledge and experience to help you navigate this trying time. We’ve helped countless landowners like you get the full compensation they deserve in exchange for their land.

Regardless of where you are, Sever Walker Padgitt stands ready to help you with your eminent domain needs.

Contact Us

Let us share our expertise before you take this case on by yourself. We pledge to provide a free case review for any individual or business facing eminent domain or condemnation.

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