It is important for all landowners and business owners to seek the advice of an experienced eminent domain attorney as soon as possible. Inspection of the property is important, as attributes assumed by the owner not to have importance, can be very significant in any compensation case. Also, easements and leases need to be reviewed and analyzed as well.

You may hear from a right away agent or other person that you don't need an attorney. Or a friend may suggest you can price it using Zillow or other sources. However, money for the land to be acquired is only one component. Damages to the remainder of the land or business frequently can go unnoticed, but the landowner has the burden to raise such claims in the acquisition.

The attorney will seek out all compensation elements, review construction plans and permits, and other documents showing the use to which the government or utility plans to put to use the property acquired from you and others in proximity to you. Evaluate any loss in value to the remaining property, which is an allowable damage.

The law gives you only one chance at compensation. So, “handing a deed” to the government in exchange for money generally means that all claims that were raised, or could have been raised, can be merged/foreclosed in that event. There is no second chance, when all facts are discovered and disclosed. An attorney will find all discoverable facts.