
Eminent Domain & Condemnation Attorneys - Wisconsin
Eminent domain in Wisconsin can be fraught with nuanced laws and unfair treatment toward landowners. Fortunately, there’s someone you can trust to hold condemners accountable. Sever Storey is your source for the knowledge and expertise required to ensure fairness for all regarding condemnation and eminent domain law.
According to Wisconsin state law, various government and private parties have the right to seize private land and use it for public projects (like the building of pipelines or highways). This right is known as eminent domain. When the parties take the land, the process is known as condemnation.
Though there are laws defining the limits of eminent domain, many condemners take advantage of these laws and do not give landowners the full benefits they deserve.
What Should Landowners Do After Receiving an Eminent Domain Notice in Wisconsin?
Receiving an eminent domain notice can quickly cause your world to come crashing down. You’re losing your land, and maybe even your business space or home. So, where do you go from here?
Follow these steps to ensure the best possible treatment in your eminent domain case:
1. Hire an eminent domain attorney in Wisconsin: An eminent domain attorney will be your go-to source for answers to questions regarding the condemnation process. They’ll act as a sounding board and advocate for your rights in the court of law.
2. Learn more about your rights as a landowner: Your condemner may seem to have all the power, but you have rights, too. Allow your attorney to educate you on these rights to move forward with the best results.
3. Allow your attorney to handle negotiations: Landowners who negotiate on their own are less likely to get the total compensation and benefits they deserve. Let your experienced condemnation attorney handle the job.
Eminent Domain Just Compensation in Wisconsin
Every landowner is entitled to “just compensation” in exchange for the taking of their land. According to state law, this amount should be equal to or greater than the market value of the land. However, this compensation is not always what it should be, and many landowners walk away with far less than they should. An eminent domain attorney in Wisconsin can help fight for fair compensation in the courts.
Eminent Domain Relocation Costs in Wisconsin
There’s no way around it—relocating a home or business can be extremely costly. Whether you’re shopping for a new retail space, investing in land, or buying a home, the law requires your condemner to help pay for these expenses. Hiring an attorney will ensure you receive the full amount you deserve.
What Are the Limits of Eminent Domain in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin law limits the power of condemners in the state, requiring that they must:
- Pay the landowner just compensation.
- Negotiate the offer with the landowner.
- Provide a copy of the appraisal and notice of eminent domain proceedings.
The timeline for eminent domain cases in Wisconsin can vary, depending on factors like whether or not the case requires litigation. Cases that involve litigation can often take up to 12 months or more, while cases that do not require it can be resolved within a few months.
Can Eminent Domain in Wisconsin Be Stopped?
Unfortunately, it is very rare for an attorney in Wisconsin to stop the eminent domain process completely unless the condemner has broken the law in some way, such as not using the land for a public purpose. Instead, a skilled attorney typically helps a landowner gain greater compensation and benefits in the courts.
How Sever Storey Can Help You
If you’re a landowner going through the nightmare of eminent domain and condemnation in Wisconsin, know that Sever Storey is by your side. We’ll use our years of experience to fight for justice and ensure you get the greatest possible compensation for your land. Contact our team of experienced condemnation attorneys today to help fight for justice with your eminent domain case in Wisconsin.