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California Eminent Domain And Condemnation Lawyers: Maximizing Your Compensation

Facing condemnation of your home or business creates immediate stress and uncertainty. You’re up against government agencies with unlimited resources and legal teams working to minimize what they pay you. Without experienced representation, you risk accepting far less than your property is worth.

At The Horowitz Law Firm, APC, we level the playing field for residential and commercial property owners and displaced business owners throughout California. Our Sherman Oaks-based team has secured maximum compensation for countless eminent domain clients across the Los Angeles area and statewide. We aggressively assert your property rights and fight to ensure you receive every dollar the law allows.

How Does Eminent Domain Work?

Under the law of eminent domain, municipal, state or federal governmental bodies have the right to take private land for public use. The government can use the power of eminent domain for public projects such as:

However, eminent domain laws also give property owners the right to fair compensation and other remedies. Our Los Angeles eminent domain lawyers can protect your interests by negotiating with agencies and advising you of your rights throughout the condemnation process. Remember, you do not have to accept the first offer you receive in an eminent domain situation. You have the right to your own assessment to determine an accurate, fair market valuation.

What Are My Rights In An Eminent Domain Or Condemnation Case?

If your property is the subject of a condemnation, you are entitled to the following:

  • Loss of goodwill: If a business suffers a loss of profits or some other loss in a condemnation of business property, the business owner may be entitled to compensation for loss of or diminished business goodwill.
  • Severance damages: Sometimes, only a portion of a property may be condemned. If the remaining parcel has a diminished value as a result, the owner may be entitled to severance damages.
  • Relocation assistance: Under the California Relocation Assistance Act, you may be entitled to assistance from the public entity to relocate to another home or place of business.

California law also requires that the condemning government agency pay the property owner up to $5,000 for their own appraisal. If you have already paid for an assessment out of pocket, contact us to discuss whether we can seek reimbursement.

Why Trust The Horowitz Law Firm, APC, With Your Property?

When government agencies initiate condemnation proceedings, their first offer almost never reflects true fair market value. They count on property owners accepting lowball settlements without question. When you’re up against the government, with its immense power and near-infinite resources, you’re at a severe disadvantage without representation. Here’s why working with our firm changes that dynamic:

  • 40-plus years of collective eminent domain experience: Our team brings deep knowledge of eminent domain law and how it intersects with real estate, construction, zoning and land use. This comprehensive understanding helps us identify every avenue for maximizing your compensation.
  • We act on critical deadlines: Have you received notice of a Resolution of Necessity hearing? This represents a crucial legal deadline that can determine whether the government proceeds with taking your property. We represent you at these proceedings to protect your rights before it’s too late.
  • We fight for independent valuations: If the condemning agency’s offer seems too low, we help you obtain your own independent appraisal to determine accurate, fair market value. Then we negotiate aggressively on your behalf. Remember, the government pays up to $5,000 for your appraisal, and we make sure you get it.
  • True trial lawyers who go the distance: We don’t push clients toward quick settlements that shortchange them. We aggressively assert your rights throughout eminent domain litigation and represent you at all stages of legal proceedings. Beyond seeking just compensation for fair market value, we pursue all available compensation. This includes loss of goodwill, severance damages and relocation assistance. If the government refuses to offer what your property is worth, we take them to court.

Our goal is straightforward, to secure significantly more compensation than the government’s initial offer. We handle the legal complexities while you focus on your next steps.

Talk To A Los Angeles Condemnation Attorney About Your Rights

Facing a potential condemnation of your residential or business property? Assert your constitutional rights with The Horowitz Law Firm, APC. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation with a Los Angeles condemnation lawyer. We handle cases across the entire state of California. Call 818-528-5183 or send us an email to begin.