OREGON EMINENT DOMAIN ATTORNEYS

Eminent Domain & Condemnation Attorneys - Oregon

If you’re a landowner facing eminent domain of your commercial property, residence, farmland, or anything else, Sever Storey’s eminent domain attorneys in Oregon can help. We know how to handle any type of eminent domain case in Oregon, including state, federal, and local governments or utility companies. Don’t go through this difficult experience alone—make sure you have qualified counsel by your side.

What Is Eminent Domain Law in Oregon?

Eminent domain law in Oregon allows the government and other certain entities to take private property away from landowners for the purpose of public use. This means that anyone from the federal government to a utility company could seize your land and use it to build a road, pipeline, power line, or public space. In exchange for this land, the same entity must provide “just compensation” to the landowner.

What Should Landowners Do After Receiving An Eminent Domain Notice in Oregon?

Once that eminent domain notice shows up, it’s time to dive into action. Your condemnor may have been planning this for years, and you’ll need to act swiftly if you want the best chance of a favorable outcome. Here are some tips upon receiving an offer from a condemnor:

Get an eminent domain attorney: Your first move should be to hire an experienced Oregon eminent domain attorney, so you have an expert there to advise you as you negotiate with the condemnor.

Learn your rights: Eminent domain law grants you rights, too. Your lawyer can help you better understand those rights and get the treatment you’re entitled to.

Allow your lawyer to negotiate: Negotiations with the government or other entity can be complicated. Let your lawyer handle this portion of the process to increase your chances of greater compensation.

Eminent Domain Just Compensation in Oregon

Every landowner has the right to “just compensation” in Oregon, which means that the group taking away private land should provide fair monetary compensation in exchange for this property. As you can imagine, many condemnors do not offer nearly enough money to landowners, and unfortunately, few landowners challenge it. Ensure you get just compensation by hiring an experienced eminent domain attorney.

Eminent Domain Relocation Costs

If you’re dealing with eminent domain in Oregon and the acquisition is forcing the relocation of your business or home, you’re going to be spending a great deal of money to accomplish this move. These costs should be considered by your condemnor and compensated in the form of relocation benefits. Again, your lawyer can help you get the relocation benefits you deserve.

What Are The Limits of Eminent Domain in Oregon?

The government may seem like it has all the power in this situation, but there are limits to what they can do. Here are some of the restrictions of eminent domain in Oregon:

- The condemnor must notify the landowner of its intent to acquire the property by eminent domain.
- The condemnor is required to provide just compensation in exchange for the land.
- The condemnor must issue an offer prior to initiating the eminent domain process.

How Long Do Eminent Domain Cases Take in Oregon?

Eminent domain cases in Oregon can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more to resolve. The timeline depends on the type of case, the type of land being taken, and whether litigation is required. Cases that require litigation generally take longer to resolve.

Can Eminent Domain in Oregon Be Stopped?

Most of the time, eminent domain in Oregon cannot be stopped. This would require being able to prove that the condemnor has broken the law in some way (such as not providing eminent domain notice or not taking the land for a public use project).

More likely, an eminent domain attorney in Oregon will help the landowner get greater compensation, benefits, and favorable treatment.

How Sever Storey Can Help You

Eminent domain in Oregon can be overwhelming and all-consuming. But fortunately, you don’t have to go through this experience alone. Let the experienced team at Sever Storey help protect your rights and get you the treatment you deserve.