Eminent Domain
Eminent Domain &
Condemnation Appraisal
When the government takes your property, you are constitutionally entitled to just compensation — not just the agency's initial offer. Our MAI-designated appraisers have decades of experience advocating for full compensation through independent before-and-after analyses.
Full & Partial Takings
Whether a government agency is acquiring your entire property or only a strip of land, the compensation analysis is complex. We value the taken portion and, critically, assess severance damages to the remainder — a factor often underestimated by the condemning agency.
Severance & Consequential Damages
Partial takings rarely end with just the value of the land taken. We analyze access restrictions, loss of parking, irregular lot shape, and other impacts that reduce the market value of your remaining property — fighting for full just compensation.
Agency Offer Review & Rebuttal
When LADOTD, a municipality, or utility makes a written offer, you are not required to accept it. We independently review the agency's appraisal and prepare a rebuttal opinion — typically uncovering compensation gaps that justify negotiation or litigation.
Inverse Condemnation & Regulatory Takings
Government actions that damage or diminish property value without formal acquisition may constitute a compensable taking. We support property owners and their counsel in quantifying damages in inverse condemnation claims.
Our Process
- 1Initial consultation — assess the scope of taking and project timeline
- 2Review of agency's notice, right-of-way maps, and initial offer letter
- 3Independent inspection of the subject property and comparable sales research
- 4Preparation of a USPAP-compliant before-and-after appraisal
- 5Written report delivered to property owner and legal counsel
- 6Expert witness availability for mediation, administrative hearing, or trial
Sectors & Project Types
- LADOTD highway widening & interchange projects
- Utility easements (pipelines, transmission lines, fiber)
- Flood control and drainage improvements
- Municipal right-of-way expansions
- Port authority and waterway acquisitions
- Federal project takings (USACE, FHWA)
Received a Taking Notice?
Contact us immediately — early engagement gives you the best opportunity to challenge the agency's offer.