How Can Eminent Domain Be Used?

            Typically, the government or a public utility will attempt to use eminent domain in order to complete a project. The authority that seeks to use eminent domain activates its right to eminent domain through a few different avenues. One avenue is by trying to negotiate the purchase of property from the landowner without having to go through the courts. Another is through the process called “condemnation” which requires the use of the courts in order to obtain property.

            The initial process will almost always include the government or private condemnor making an offer to the landowner which can either be accepted or modified based on how the negotiations proceed. Before taking the offer, the landowner should seek to get their own appraisal. By getting their own appraisal, the landowner can ensure that the authority seeking to take their property is offering a fair price.

            However, the government’s initial offer will normally be below what fair market values might be. Therefore, the landowner will likely need to decline the first offer. The government will then either increase the offer and settle or file a condemnation lawsuit in the district court where the property is located. The process of condemnation does not begin until a lawsuit is filed in the court.

            In North Carolina and many other states, the court will hold an initial hearing where the landowner, hopefully through their attorney, will present evidence of true fair market value. In North Carolina, this initial hearing is conducted by Commissioners who are appointed by the Clerk of Court. The Commissioners will hear the case and create a report granting an award to the landowner based on their findings. However, if the landowner or condemning authority does not want to accept the Commissioners’ ruling, then they can request a jury trial.

            There is another form of taking that allows the government to take immediate possession of the property being condemned. This process is called a “quick take.” Quick takes exist in many other states beside North Carolina. However, in North Carolina, quick takes can only be for specified purposes.

Our firm focuses on three practice areas: Disability, Personal Injury, and Eminent Domain. Every practice area has attorneys who have expertise in their respective area of practice. 

Chad Brown is a North Carolina Board Certified Social Security disability law specialist. Mr. Brown helps Social Security disability claimants at all stages of the disability process. He also works with people that have Long Term Disability denials and with people that are injured by drugs and defective medical products.

Your Questions Answered

Why is Eminent Domain Legal?

The legality of eminent domain goes all the way back to the Roman Empire. However, American law has recognized the right of eminent domain as an inherent power that precedes any government statute and even the Constitution. The recognition that the courts have given...

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Who Can Exercise Eminent Domain?

Generally, any sovereign government may exercise the inherent right of eminent domain. Eminent domain is an inherent right that is deemed to exist automatically within the borders of a sovereign government. A government is...

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