
Eminent Domain Attorneys & Lawyers in Pennsylvania
At Sever Storey, our mission is to hold condemners, whether they be state, federal, local, utility, or university, 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.
Don’t let the government take advantage of your situation—knowing your rights will help you get fair treatment, even if your land is taken from you. The team at Sever Storey is on your side and will help you understand the nuances of this complicated process. We have all the experience required to give you the representation you need in this stressful time.
What is Eminent Domain Law in Pennsylvania?
Eminent domain in Pennsylvania is when the government exercises its right to take public land away from an individual to use it for a public project, such as a highway, school, government building, or park. While the term “eminent domain” refers only to the government’s right to take the land, the act of seizing the land is known as condemnation.
If the government is trying to take your land, an eminent domain attorney in Pennsylvania can represent you in a court of law.
What Should Landowners Do After Receiving An Eminent Domain Notice in Pennsylvania?
Most landowners will always remember the moment they had their eminent domain notice delivered—as well as the helplessness, confusion, and worry about the future that comes along with it. This jarring situation can be scary, but fortunately, there are experts who can make the process less intimidating.
If you’re a landowner who has received an eminent domain notice in Pennsylvania, here’s how to proceed:
1. Contact an experienced eminent domain attorney in Pennsylvania
Before you do anything else, make sure you have someone with knowledge and experience on your side.
2. Learn about your rights
Though it may not seem like it at the moment, you absolutely have rights in this situation. Talk to your attorney to learn more about the power you can leverage to get fair treatment.
3. Go through the negotiation process (with the help of a lawyer):
Your lawyer will take the reins on all negotiations, ensuring you get just compensation and adequate relocation benefits, when applicable, and other terms of your agreement before you hand over your deed to the government.
4. Wait for settlement or mediation:
With the help of an attorney and appraiser, your eminent domain case can usually be resolved through settlement or mediation before it goes to trial.
Eminent Domain Just Compensation in Pennsylvania
When the government takes your land through the process of eminent domain, you are entitled to “just compensation.” This means the government’s monetary compensation for the land should be equal to or above market value.
Unfortunately, the government sometimes gives a lowball offer, but you have the right to negotiate this offer in court. Your eminent domain attorney in Pennsylvania will walk you through this process.
How Sever Storey Can Help You
Sever Storey is here to help protect your rights as a landowner in Pennsylvania. With locations all over the country, we’ve helped countless landowners like you get the fair treatment they deserve as they face off against the government.
You don’t have to go through eminent domain alone. Allow our experienced lawyers to handle your eminent domain and condemnation case, so you don’t leave money on the table. We’re here to fight for your rights.