Raleigh Eminent Domain Lawyer

Now is the Time to Act!

A new law will likely cost NC landowners who have claims millions of dollars if they wait to file claims. Receiving a notice that the government is going to condemn your property can be alarming and stressful. You do not have to sit idly by and hope the government treats you fairly. Let us launch into action on your behalf.

When the government takes your property by condemnation, the eminent domain lawyers at Thorp Law in Raleigh aggressively level the playing field for landowners throughout the state. We can protect your property rights and help you learn more about your rights as a landowner.

What Does Eminent Domain Mean?

Eminent domain refers to the government’s power to take private property for a public purpose, also known as condemnation. When the government takes property through eminent domain, it has to pay the property owner "just compensation." This means the government has to pay you full market value for the property it takes.

Land Condemnation for Highways in North Carolina

Sprawling municipal government centers. New schools. More airport runways. Public works positively impact your community, and your life, unless they are slated to run through your property. If so, your land could be subject to seizure through a condemnation proceeding. While you may not be able to stop the condemnation, you can challenge the government’s low-ball offer—and get what you’re due.

When you purchased your home, you couldn’t foresee that it would one day become designated as the site of an interstate highway. If a new right of way is approved to run through your property, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) can seize it through eminent domain. In such a case, you can be forced to give up your home or other property. Let us stand with you to make it a fair fight. Our carefully vetted, expert land appraisers will assess the value of your property by establishing comparables, profitable usages, and other estimates.

The Raleigh eminent domain attorney at Thorp Law understand the emotional trauma of losing your property, and we’re here to help you recover the real value of your land. We relentlessly gather the necessary information—hiring trusted land appraisers, analyzing comparable cases of condemnation, and viewing your property against similar sales—to make a solid case for your land’s highest and best use. We crosscheck the facts and weave together a story that moves the jury to act in your favor. If the condemner is not willing to offer a fair settlement, we will storm the courthouse gates to fight for your rights.

Inverse Condemnation Claims

A public sewage pipe floods your home. A rerouted airport flight path has planes rattling your roof. Unreasonable government regulations render your property useless. When you invested in your property, you put your trust in its value. Maybe you made a home there, or otherwise nurtured your investment with care, attention, and financial savvy.

But the local government or the North Carolina Department of Transportation had other plans. These plans have disrupted your life—and they’re impacting and devaluing your investment. Don’t stand by helplessly. Let us fight for your full and fair compensation.

Common Eminent Domain FAQ

Who Can Take My Property?

Federal, state or city governments can condemn your land if they can show that it’s necessary for a public purpose. Public utilities can also take your property through eminent domain. They can only take your property if it’s necessary for a public purpose, such as building new roads or schools or installing power or sewer lines.

How Much Do They Have to Pay Me?

The Constitution says the government has to pay you “just compensation.” This means it has to pay the full fair market value for your property.

How Does the Government Decide What’s Fair?

The government hires an appraiser who is supposed to figure out the fair market value of your property. An appraiser typically does this by looking at the price other properties like yours have sold for. These are called "comparable sales." The appraiser will then form an opinion about what he believes your property is worth.

Keep in mind, an appraisal is only one person’s opinion. If the appraiser doesn’t do his homework, he may miss some comparable sales he should consider. If an appraiser does a lot of work for the government, he may be biased. This can sometimes affect the appraiser’s opinion and result in an appraisal that’s too low.

How Do I Know I'm Getting Paid Fairly?

The only way to know for sure is to have an appraiser thoroughly investigate property values in your area, an appraiser who isn’t working for the other side and understands the condemnation process. Doing an appraisal for a condemnation case is a lot more complex than doing an appraisal for someone who wants to refinance his mortgage.

An experienced eminent domain lawyer can save you a whole lot of time and anxiety by finding a qualified appraiser who knows how eminent domain works. You don’t have to simply trust the government when it says its offer is fair. We can help you evaluate so that you can make the right decision financially for you and your family.

Can I Take What They Pay Me and Seek More?

Absolutely. After the government pays you what it says the property is worth, the money is yours to keep. You may also seek additional compensation through a lawsuit. The government cannot take back the money it has already paid, nor force you to pay back what you have already received.

How To Stop Eminent Domain

The government is required to notify property owners of its intent to condemn property ahead of time. You can sue to stop the process if you can show that the project is not necessary for the public good. It’s hard to stop a condemnation, although sometimes property owners are successful.

What if the Government Takes Only Part of My Property?

The government may decide that it requires only a part or parcel of your property to meet its public project needs and pay you for what it takes. You may be entitled to be paid more if the remaining land is worth less as a result of the condemnation project.

What Should I Do Before the Government Takes My Property?

First, do no harm. Don’t stake yourself out about how much you think your property is worth. Opinions you share with the government or its appraisers about what you think your land is worth can later be used in court and may hurt your case. The eminent domain process is complicated. The best thing you can do is to maximize your financial leverage by contacting an experienced eminent domain attorney.

If I Have to Move, Can I Get Compensated?

If you have to move because of the condemnation project, you may be entitled to compensation related to moving expenses. North Carolina’s Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act may provide financial assistance to help you with these costs.

Hear it from Our Satisfied Clients!

"Isaac Thorp and Brandon Weaver were an absolute God send to my husband and I after such a trying time in our lives. They were readily available at all times to answer any questions that we had and questions that we didn't know we had. They left no stones unturned! And made sure that we were treated fairly."