Author name: Hansen, Howell & Wilkie, PLLC

The power of a government entity to take privately owned land for public use or benefit has always generated a significant amount of controversy over the decades, especially when governments take advantage of gray areas in legislation to advance their own agenda for questionable reasons. Our eminent domain attorneys discuss eminent domain abuse and go […]

When a government entity takes property through eminent domain, the property owner is entitled to receive compensation that is just and fair. But how exactly is just compensation calculated? Learn how the fair market value of a property is used to calculate just compensation and see what type of damages a property owner may be

When it comes to historical buildings and culturally significant sites, the use of eminent domain can be controversial. In some cases, it can prevent historical buildings from decaying and crumbling to the ground. In other cases, it can pose a threat to these buildings by favoring redevelopment projects that require the demolition of entire blocks.

The concept of “highest and best use” plays a significant role in determining the amount of money that owners should receive when their property is taken through eminent domain. Our eminent domain attorneys explain the meaning of highest and best use in eminent domain cases and how it can affect the amount of compensation an

Imagine you own a beautiful home in the countryside. Your property is quiet and isolated from the hustle and bustle of the city. Along comes the Department of Transportation and condemns a strip of land from your property’s frontage to build a new highway. Not only are you left with a smaller property, but your

Eminent domain is an essential tool used by governments to acquire property for the benefit of the public. This power is often used to obtain land for infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and public buildings. It can also be used for other purposes that benefit the public, such as environmental conservation or economic development.

The Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution ensures that property owners are protected from potential abuses of eminent domain powers by requiring the government to provide just compensation for property owners. It also gives owners additional rights if their land is condemned for public use. Learn how the Fifth Amendment may help protect your

Eminent domain is the ability of the government to acquire private property for public use. A typical example of how the government may use eminent domain is urban revitalization projects targeting areas deemed to be affected by urban blight. Our attorneys explain the basic facts about blighted communities and review additional considerations regarding how communities

Eminent domain is a legal concept that allows the government to acquire private property for public use, typically with just compensation to the property owner. However, in certain circumstances, private companies may also be granted the power to utilize eminent domain. Learn the differences between private and public takings in eminent domain cases and see