When the government wants to engage in projects such as new road construction, parks, or even commercial developments, it often needs to claim numerous residential and/or commercial properties to do so. The government does have the power to take your property under eminent domain,¹ however, the Fifth Amendment² also provides landowners with certain rights and protections. The skilled eminent domain attorneys at the Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess work to stand up for these rights and provide the highest quality of representation throughout the eminent domain process.

We fight for just compensation for you

Though it is difficult to completely halt an eminent domain claim, the law does require that the government provide “just compensation” for your land and losses. Such compensation can cover:

• Fair market value of your property
• Value of improvements to the land, fixtures, and equipment
• Relocation costs
• If a portion of land was claimed, damages for lost value of the rest of the land
• Pre-condemnation damages
• Business losses for commercial properties

We have access to qualified property appraisers who understand how to value land in the context of eminent domain so that we can ensure you receive the full amount you deserve. Government offers of compensation are rarely adequate and we will negotiate on your behalf and advise you when to accept an offer.

Defending against eminent domain claims

Though stopping an eminent domain claim can be difficult, it is possible in certain cases if the government is overstepping the limits of its powers. For example, the Fifth Amendment requires that purpose of the taking be a public use. Though courts have expanded the definition of “public use,” you should not have to give up your land for a project that does not qualify as such. Additionally, the government cannot take your entire property if it only requires a small portion for its use. We can evaluate your case to see if you have any legal defense against the eminent domain action.

Contact our skilled Seattle and Tacoma eminent domain attorneys for assistance today

The skilled eminent domain attorneys at the Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess understand eminent domain laws and protect the rights of property owners in Seattle and Tacoma. Call our offices at 206-621-1110 (Seattle), 253-572-1000 (Tacoma), 360-742-3500 (Olympia), 971-416-0881 (Portland) to discuss your case today.

¹https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/eminent_domain

²https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/fifth_amendment