Eminent Domain/Condemnation Law Office in Virginia
Handling Private Property Disputes Across Virginia
Eminent domain (also called condemnation) is a legal process where a government entity or quasi-government entity (including railroads, power or utility companies) takes private property for public use. Public uses may include building or changing roads and intersections, running water, and sewer easements, or erecting dangerous and invasive power lines. Takings of private property often have adverse effects on property owners. These adverse effects vary greatly but can range from serious devaluation of the remaining parcel of land to harming the property owner's business operations on the property.
Our attorneys are experienced in defending property owners faced with loss of land or value through eminent domain. We provide committed and aggressive representation to property owners throughout the Commonwealth who are faced with condemnation actions by public entities and utilities including local government, schools, electric utilities, railroads, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), and others. Contact our Virginia condemnation law office for help protecting your interests today.
Dedicated to Protecting the Rights of Property Owners
Many home and business owners feel powerless when they learn that their property is being confiscated through eminent domain. It is important to understand that you have rights as a property owner, and that your actions can make a big difference in how much money you receive for your property. Lenhart Obenshain represents Shenandoah Valley and Central Virginia residential, commercial, and agricultural property owners who are threatened with condemnation. One of our founding partners, Mark Obenshain has had his family's agricultural land seized due to eminent domain on two separate occasions. He serves in the Virginia State Senate where he was a co-patron and lead negotiator for Virginia’s newly revised eminent domain statutes. He and the other Lenhart Obenshain attorneys understand the personal, financial, and legal challenges these difficult proceedings cause.
Inverse Condemnation
Inverse condemnation occurs where a government or quasi-government entity substantially and adversely affects or takes land without going through the legal condemnation process and without offering compensation to the landowner. Our Virginia condemnation law office offers experienced representation to property owners facing this type of interference with their private property. Inverse condemnation most often arises in conjunction with nuisance or trespass issues.
Road and Highway Expansion
Although everyone understands that the public needs roads, it is unfair for the owners of nearby property to absorb most or all of the costs of a road expansion. Highway authorities are often unable or unwilling to understand the particular loss that a road expansion may cause. Business owners may be particularly impacted, facing significant losses throughout the construction phase and even greater loss as a result of the new reality that a project has created.
Skilled Eminent Domain Representation
At Lenhart Obenshain, we handle condemnation matters and ensure that our clients are paid just and adequate compensation, not only for the land taken but for the damage to the remaining land or affected business.
To speak with an eminent domain lawyer at our
Virginia condemnation law office, call 877-716-6434.
