Ohio Eminent Domain Attorneys

It is our pledge that we will provide a free case review for any individual or business facing eminent domain or condemnation.

Eminent Domain & Condemnation Attorneys In Ohio

At Sever Storey, our mission is to hold condemners—whether they be state, federal, local, utility, or other—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.

If an Ohio government agency has contacted you with an offer to buy your land, you are facing an Ohio eminent domain law case. Similarly, a pipeline or electrical utility may be demanding to use your land without purchasing it from you, using an easement.

We’re here to support you throughout the process of eminent domain. Fill out the form or contact us today with any questions you may have regarding your condemnation case.

What Is Eminent Domain Law In Ohio?

According to eminent domain law in Ohio, the government has the right to take away private land to use for the public benefit. The term “eminent domain” refers to the power to acquire the property; the term “condemnation” refers to the process by which that power is exercised.

Eminent domain can generally be exercised by federal, state, and local governments, and in some instances, private companies, such as powerlines and pipelines, also have the power to take. Whoever is acquiring the land, the purpose of the acquisition must be for a “public use.”

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

If you’re a landowner who has received notice of eminent domain, you may feel overwhelmed, helpless, and at a loss. Where can you turn for support?

Since the party seizing your land has probably spent several years planning, it’s vital that you take action as quickly as possible. The faster you contact an eminent domain attorney in Ohio, the better chance you’ll have of getting just compensation and a more favorable outcome for your case.

You may not be able to stop the eminent domain process completely, but fortunately, there are a few things you can do to increase your compensation or benefits.

Hire An Eminent Domain Lawyer In Ohio

Most landowners don’t have a deep understanding of eminent domain law. And you don’t have to—just hire the right condemnation lawyer in Ohio, and you’ll have the best chance of getting a better outcome in your case. A condemnation lawyer will be able to walk you through the entire process and give advice as you navigate this often confusing and frustrating situation.

Learn About Your Rights As A Landowner

Though you may feel like the condemnor is all-powerful in this situation, you have rights too. As soon as you receive an eminent domain notice or compensation offer, your first step in ensuring success is to learn about what those rights are. A qualified, experienced eminent domain attorney should be able to educate you about what this process entails and what to expect.

Negotiate With The Help Of A Lawyer

You have the right to negotiate with the government throughout the eminent domain process—but it’s not wise to go at it alone. You’ll have a far better chance of winning the case with an experienced eminent domain lawyer by your side. If the government has given you an unfair offer or is not offering you sufficient relocation benefits, your lawyer will be able to fight for your interests.

Take A Breath

If you have followed steps 1-3, you have positioned yourself for success, and what was once an incredibly stressful situation should be alleviated. Allowing your attorney to go to work and get you what you deserve can likewise allow you to relax and focus on other matters.

Case Results

State: Ohio (Warren County)

Case Type: Pipeline takings

Initial Offer: $61,200

Sever Storey Walker Result:

$187,341

State: Ohio (Sandusky County)

Case Type: Pipeline takings

Initial Offer: $70,000

Sever Storey Walker Result:

$200,000

State: Ohio (Montgomery County)

Case Type: Other

Initial Offer: $854,000

Sever Storey Walker Result:

$1,285,000

State: Ohio (Lorain County)

Case Type: Road projects

Initial Offer: $296,000

Sever Storey Walker Result:

$575,000

State: Ohio (Clermont County)

Case Type: Pipeline takings

Initial Offer: $60,000

Sever Storey Walker Result:

$571,000

State: Ohio

Case Type: Other

Initial Offer: $111,500

Sever Storey Walker Result:

$302,000

View All Case Results

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Eminent Domain And Condemnation Mean In Ohio?

The terms “eminent domain” and “condemnation” are closely related. The first refers to the right of the government to take private property for public use, such as electrical lines or highways.

The term “condemnation”, although it may sound intimidating, simply refers to the process of the government exercising their right of eminent domain to acquire land. It does not connote that you are condemned under the law.

You should not be afraid of either term. The law requires that you be compensated fairly for your land. In fact, a jury of your peers may decide your case, and a skilled Ohio eminent domain attorney can prove that you deserve much more than the government’s initial offer.

Unfortunately, the government doesn’t always offer just compensation in exchange for the taking of land. But what is “just compensation?”

Compensation is considered “just” when it (1) represents the “fair market value” of the land to be acquired and, (2) if it is a partial taking, considers any negative effects of the acquisition on the entirety of the property. If you believe you have not been offered just compensation, your lawyer should be able to confirm whether or not this is the case. A qualified attorney should have extensive experience identifying insufficient or “bad” offers from condemning authorities and be able to tell you what the defects in the offer are.

As anyone who has ever moved knows, moving costs add up quickly. This is no different when the government forces you off your land, and you’re entitled to reimbursement, or prospective payment, that help cover these costs.

If condemnation forces you to find a new warehouse space or move your retail business, your lawyer can help you get increased relocation benefits before handing over your title to the condemnor.

There are a few limitations on the condemnor’s power in the case of eminent domain in Ohio. The condemnor must:

– Issue a pre-suit compensation offer supported by an appraisal
– Engage in pre-suit “negotiations”
– Acquire property only for a “public use”
– Provide just compensation

The timeline for your eminent domain case will vary depending on a variety of factors, including the complexity of the case, the number of interest holders on the property, and the difference in opinion on compensation between the parties. In Ohio, most eminent domain cases that reach litigation take 12-18 months to resolve. For cases that do not require litigation, because the courts are not involved, they can be resolved much quicker and usually get done between 3-6 months after the initial offer is issued by the condemnor.

Ohio eminent domain actions are difficult, but not impossible, to stop. Generally, the landowner has to demonstrate to a court that the putative condemnor has not followed proper condemnation procedure and/or seeks to acquire property for a non-public use in order to stop a taking. While it is difficult to stop a taking, with the right attorney, it is much less difficult to get the right amount of money for your property.

Meet Our Team

Sever Storey Walker Team

At Sever Storey Walker, we pride ourselves on the expertise and dedication of our team. 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 Storey Can Help You

The experienced eminent domain attorneys at Sever Storey are eager to help protect your rights. We’ve helped countless landowners across Ohio, and the rest of the U.S., get full compensation when their land was taken.

We’re here to defend your rights and ensure you get the best possible treatment in your situation. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Dublin, Ohio Office

Address

655 Metro Pl S
Suite #600-018
Dublin, OH 43017

Phone

(614) 360-2818 (Local)
(888) 318-3761 (Toll Free)
(317) 575-9943 (Fax)

Email

george@landownerattorneys.com

Contact Us

Before going alone against the State let us give you our opinion. It is our pledge that we will provide a free case review for any individual or business facing eminent domain or condemnation. Contact us now at 888-318-3761

* Disclaimer: Form submission doesn’t constitute a client-attorney relationship/contract.